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

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.

Okay, I will. thanks

You are welcome. Thanks for using 2CarPros.

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

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

Okay, I’ll do it tomorrow.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.