After servicing my transmission (new pan gasket, filter and fluid) I observed the following symptoms with the car up on jack stands with all 4 wheels off the ground. When I have the car shifted into park the passenger side wheel was turning like the car was in drive. Drivers side wheel was stationary. I moved the shift lever further into park and the wheel stopped turning but I get a terrible grinding sound for a moment or two. It's a regular C4 with column shift. Fluid level is fine. The shift indicator in the car does not currently correspond exactly with what position the transmision is in. I know how to fix this, but is that at all related to my problem? Any help would be appreciated.
I've seen that before also. When you got the grinding moise that was because it was like putting it in park while the car was moving. Not good on the tranny. Not sure if an adjustment will chnge that or not, but you might try it.
Yes it was not all the way in Park. Adjust the linkage and all will be good. And by the way, never try to put the car in Neutral when the rear tires are moving. Always step on the brakes and stop the tires first.
You have to completely stop the rear wheels before placing the transmission in park. The grinding noise is from the park pawl trying to engage in the park gear. You can destroy the park gear by forcing it into park while the wheels are turning.
Thanks for all the information everyone. I tried to adjust the shift linkage today with very little success. I put the shift indicator at the D position. I then loosen the nut that tightens the shift rod to the transmission. Next I shift the transmision into the drive position (two clicks forward on a 73) and retighten the nut. No matter what I do the shift indicator is off. For example, when it is in drive it shows to be just to the right of neutral. I can't move the bolt/nut any further up the shift rod. Any suggestions?
Loosen your pinch bolt.Try adjusting with the transmission in park,Turn the driveshaft some until you hear a click and you can't turn the shaft anymore. Put the shift handle in park position,it should not be able to move until you lift it toward you. Lock your adjustment there. If the indicator is off you will have to adjust it also. I'm not for sure how the indicator adjusts as I have never had to do it. I believe it has a screw and a slot so you can move it. P.S.- NEVER put the transmission in park with the rear wheels turning! It can seriously damage the parking mechanism!
P,R,N,D,2,1 With a column shifter Park is with the transmission lever all the way toward the front of the car at the 9 o'clock position (it will be covering the front band adjuster). Low will be low at the 5 o'clock position. With a floor shifter Park is all the way back{pointing up at the 2 o'clock position) Low is forward and up at the 11 o'clock position. always adjust the linkage in Drive, with pressure toward 2nd. That will correctly split any play in the shifter and give you a positive park engagement.
