Engaging clunk sound from Park to Drive

[shanti.vt1]

I have a 05 pathfinder, 117000 KM ( Canadian Version ). Some times when I have stopped my car go go into the store and get back into it. If switch gears from Park to Drive, it kinds of clunks in or if I go into reverse. Any idea on what it could be.

thanks

[eieio]

I have a 05 pathfinder, 117000 KM ( Canadian Version ). Some times when I have stopped my car go go into the store and get back into it. If switch gears from Park to Drive, it kinds of clunks in or if I go into reverse. Any idea on what it could be.

thanks

are you parking on an incline?
on an incline, if the truck is being held in place more with the transmission than with the parking brake, it is difficult to "yank" it from park into drive or reverse.
i sure don't like the way that feels.

[shanti.vt1]

Ya I have noticed that on hills, but this also happens when the surface is flat.

[eieio]

Ya I have noticed that on hills, but this also happens when the surface is flat.

the only two things that come to mind is excessively high idle at the time of the shift from park
or:
the trans is having a difficult time with the shift (trans fluid condition & level OK?)

[shanti.vt1]

Ya I have noticed that on hills, but this also happens when the surface is flat.

the only two things that come to mind is excessively high idle at the time of the shift from park
or:
the trans is having a difficult time with the shift (trans fluid condition & level OK?)

I will check it tonight.

[smj999smj]

You may want to check your U-joints to be on the same side. They seem to be a weak point on the R51's.

[cgray]

I get a clunk going into gear from park sometimes as well. It has not got any worse over time so I assume thats just how the Pathys work.

[eieio]

You may want to check your U-joints to be on the same side. They seem to be a weak point on the R51's.

good thought!

[Rickybunz]

I have also noticed a "Clunk" sound when shifting from Park to Drive, even on a level surface.

[NVSteve]

Totally normal. I used to have it all the time. Literally. However, I can get it to smoothly shift from P to D about 90% of the time now. Don't ask me how, but I'm guessing my brain recognizes the right RPM range to shift at, along with shifting it a certain way. Like I said, don't ask me to explain it. If someone else hops in and shifts it, it will certainly clunk.

[nutbar78]

+1 here too. Nvsteve I can get it to go smoothly also by just holding the shifter button in and very gently pulling back on the shifter. Usually the rpm's go up a little and then back down, then I actually move the shifter out of park and its usually smooth.

Also, this is my second tranny in this truck and its the same in both.