Loud clanking noise when transmission is shifted into gear?

This could be a transmission issue but if it only makes it when putting it in gear it could also be another drivetrain component.

Do you have to be moving in order to get the noise to happen or is it as soon as you put it in gear?

Can you get a recording of this noise as I am sure that will help figure out possible causes? Also, when you say it lost all power, does that mean it will not move when putting it in gear?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

This sounds like a transmission issue so we may have to replace it but let's start with all this and go from there. Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Thanks

Okay. With that info it may be an engine knock or even a flex plate issue. It could be a motor mount also, so hearing the noise does need to be what we do next.

So whenever you can get that recording that would be great. We will be here whenever you get to it. Thanks

That is great that it is not making the noise, but I am not sure I understand what the issue is at this point. When you say it is pulling hard when exceeding speed, does that mean the RPMs are racing or something different?

Can you get a video of what it is doing now? I am sure we can figure this out. Thanks

It sounds like we have an issue inside the unit, most likely with the valve body.

However, we need to start with checking the fluid and make sure it is not burned or has metal.

I would suggest just changing the fluid and make sure there is no metal in the pan.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Please let us know what color the fluid is and what it smells like and that will give us an idea of next steps. Thanks

That is progress. However, at this point the next thing is going to be internal issues. Unfortunately what happened is there is most likely a clutch that is slipping that is causing this issue but that friction of it slipping is burning the fluid.

Then the fluid deteriorates and makes the issue worse. So if it were me, I would just go with this until it gets worse or you are able to go into the unit and repair or replace it. Basically you are not going to do more damage that is already done so driving it is not going to make it a larger repair then what you have right now. Once you have to go into the unit and repair and replace it, you are basically going to put all new clutches and seals anyway.

Please let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

Yes. Unfortunately the automatic unit still has clutches inside of it. A manual has one clutch that you operate with the pedal. An auto transmission has multiple clutch packs that when the gear is getting applied the pressure from the fluid pushes these clutch packs together and they slip slightly to engage the gear smoothly rather then a harsh shift.

As these clutches wear out they slip more then the should and this additional friction is what heats the fluid and burns it.

Interesting. I am with you on that. However, I would suggest checking codes now that this happened as I suspect we will have a throttle position sensor code.

That would explain all of that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Thanks for the update.