Toyota Forum banner

transmission clunk while driving uphill

17K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  amerikim  
#1 ·
I notice a clunk as if my transmission is shifting to a different gear when I drive uphill at a constant acceleration. It doesnt make that sound when I accelerate and gather enough power before I get to the hill. Only when I puposely accelerate late on the incline as I go slowly uphill while trying to keep the speed constant. But I never hear the noise if I accelerate before hand even if my car does struggle to climb the hill. Is this normal?
My car does shift pretty loud when I go from park to drive or park to reverse at times, especially when I first turn on the ignition. But sometimes I dont hear the shift at all from park to driver or park to reverse after it's been on the road ready to be parked again. Do the sounds mean my transmission gears are still strong or are they sounds a sign of wear? Anyone knows? Thanks
 
#4 ·
Im with Hajoca, check the mounts. Have someone set the parking brake, stand off to side NOT IN FRONT of course!, put the car in D and rev the engine by hand slightly. (Remember car is in drive!) And watch for engine movement, too much of it that is. You may even be able to see the air gap of a broken mount if you look closely.

If not, then maybe it could be the CV driveaxles; but usually this manifests itself as clicking on turns.
 
#5 ·
May be the mounts but hows your transmission fluid?
With engine running after driving, check the fluid level.
If fluid is low, top it up. If its filthy and smels burnt, goto a real transmission shop.
Diagnosis is usually free and you may get off light with new tran fluid.