Transmission makes a clunking noise when I shift from park to reverse

Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 161,000 MILES
When I shift from park to reverse or drive sometimes I can hear a noise or clunking noise coming from the transmission. I did have a bad rear motor mount and replace that, my son told me the front mount is also bad. I’m going to replace that one also. I’m just wondering what the clunking is when I shift gears. I’m on a limited income and disabled and can’t afford a transmission. Any advice what to look for? Thanks
Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 11:45 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Dennis,

Engine/transmission mounts are the leading cause of clunking when shifting from park to a gear. The engine and transmission will actually rock and move quite a bit when these are worn. If the clunk happens when shifting and the vehicle is not moving then this is the likely cause. If you know that you have one that is bad, I would not make any other repairs until this is fixed first.

Let me know after you get that mount swapped out if it still does it and then we can go to the next thing.
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
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  • 22 POSTS
Okay, I will. Thanks
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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You are welcome. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hey Kenny,

I changed out the motor mounts and they were bad, but I still get this clunking noise when shifting gears from park to reverse etc, also had some warning lights come on for another reason. But when I hooked up a scanner it said something about my p c m running at 67 % any ideas?
Thanks
Dennis
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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  • 18,907 POSTS
I have never heard of a PCM only running at 67%. I am not sure what this is referring to. Can you get a picture or a video of what you are talking about and I will see if I can make it out? Thanks
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
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  • 22 POSTS
Okay, I’ll do it tomorrow.
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
I was mistaken about the PCM everything on the scanner was okay, I still have the problem of it clunking when I shift gears and some times while driving it sort of jerks when shifting gears. Any ideas of what to try next?
Thanks
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. More than likely this is inside the transmission. The low/reverse clutch is applied in reverse and first and is most likely your issue. However, this is a 62TE transmission and they are pretty cheap to replace. They have been around since the 1990's so most shops can rebuild them also pretty easily.

If you have not changed the fluid in a while, you can try this but it sounds like it is just beginning to wear out.

If it were me and being familiar with these 62TE units, I would change the fluid and then just keep driving it until it is missing shifts or slipping/banging and then rebuild it.
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
I really can’t change the fluid or filter because there’s no dip stick and I don’t have the tools to check for the proper fluid level. So I guess I’ll drive it until it drops, I’m just trying to save money since I’m on social security and don’t have much, I’ve gotten estimates ranging from $1,200.00 to $2,000.00 for another transmission. Guess I’ll have to save up.
Thanks for the help.
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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I understand. However, if you have a 62TE transmission then you should have a dipstick. I am not aware of any other transmission options on a 3.8L Town and Country so here is the procedure on how to check it.

Let me know if you need anything else. Thanks
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Sunday, June 30th, 2019 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
DENNIS HAZARD
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  • 22 POSTS
It does have a dip stick tube, but I don’t have the special dip stick or the scan tool to check the correct temperature.
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Sunday, June 30th, 2019 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Sorry. I take that for granted. You are correct. It may be worth to just have the fluid checked. Most transmission shops will check it for pretty cheap if not for free.
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Sunday, June 30th, 2019 AT 2:38 PM

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