Gears will not engage only when transmission is shifted into park?

DAVI TORELLI

MEMBER
2001 BMW 330
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Car was fine. Runs great. It was raining one day, driving fine, took a left turn heard and felt loud clunk" what the was that"? Then just like that no drive at all or reverse.

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 AT 5:57 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,872 POSTS

Hi,

You indicated only park works. When in park, can you push the vehicle or does the transmission prevent it?

Where did the sound seem to come from? Have you checked the transmission fluid condition and level?

The loud noise likely indicates something broke, but checking the fluid condition can be very beneficial. This can identify if there is excessive debris in it indicating an internal issue.

Next, when you shift the gears, can you place it in neutral and have the vehicle move freely? Does the shift indicator show the correct gear selected?

Let me know. Also, let me know if there are any odd sounds now when starting the engine. Has the check engine lamp turned on? And when you place it in reverse or drive, is there any change at all such as a clattering or the engine RPMs lower?

Take care,

Joe