Car Rolls When Transmission is in Park
Introduction
If your car rolls when the transmission is in park, it’s a serious safety hazard. The car could roll away and cause an accident. There are a few possible causes of this problem, including:
- A worn or damaged parking pawl
- A loose or broken shift cable
- A problem with the transmission
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of this problem is that the car rolls when it’s supposed to be in park. You may also notice other symptoms, such as:
- The car shifting out of park without your input
- The car lurching forward or backward when you put it in park
- A grinding or clicking noise when you put the car in park
Causes
As mentioned above, there are a few possible causes of this problem. The most common cause is a worn or damaged parking pawl. The parking pawl is a small metal piece that engages with the transmission gears to hold the car in place when it’s in park. If the parking pawl is worn or damaged, it may not be able to engage with the gears properly, which could allow the car to roll. Another possible cause of this problem is a loose or broken shift cable. The shift cable is responsible for connecting the shifter to the transmission. If the shift cable is loose or broken, it may not be able to properly engage the parking pawl, which could also allow the car to roll. Finally, a problem with the transmission itself could also cause the car to roll when it’s in park. If the transmission is not able to properly engage the gears, the car may be able to roll even if the parking pawl is engaged.
Diagnosis
To diagnose this problem, a mechanic will need to inspect the car’s transmission and shift cable. The mechanic will also check the parking pawl for wear or damage. If the parking pawl is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the shift cable is loose or broken, it will need to be tightened or replaced. If the transmission is not able to properly engage the gears, it will need to be repaired.
Treatment
The treatment for this problem will depend on the cause. If the parking pawl is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the shift cable is loose or broken, it will need to be tightened or replaced. If the transmission is not able to properly engage the gears, it will need to be repaired.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent this problem from occurring, including:
- Avoid parking on hills
- Always use the parking brake when you park
- Have your car’s transmission and shift cable inspected regularly
Conclusion
If your car rolls when the transmission is in park, it’s a serious safety hazard. The car could roll away and cause an accident. There are a few possible causes of this problem, including a worn or damaged parking pawl, a loose or broken shift cable, or a problem with the transmission. If you experience this problem, it’s important to have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
