If you've noticed clicking noises from your gear shifter, then there's an issue. The common cause of a clicking gear shifter is a bad solenoid. In some cases, clicking noise from the gear shifter is a minor concern.
Gear shifter problems highlights
- Level of importance:High
- Reasons:Shifter damage, wiring problems, software glitch
- Needed expertise:Medium
- Needed tools:Basic tools plus diagnostic tools
- Time taken:0.5-4 hours
- Can you drive? Yes, if it shifts
- Possible issues: No way to move your car, shifter is broken, need for tow truck.
What Does A Clicking Noise From The Gear Shifter Mean?
The gear shifter and other components in the shifter assembly are crucial elements in the transmission system. Automatic transmission vehicles have a shift interlock solenoid. The solenoid is a safety feature and is most times responsible for the clicking sound.
As a safety feature, the shift interlock solenoid prevents cars from shifting out of park mode when the brake pedal is not applied. In some cars, you can hear the clicking sound whenever the solenoid engages and disengages.
The clicking sound of the solenoid is especially loud in General Motors' models. For many drivers, the clicking noise is annoying and distracting. Since the solenoid's regular operation makes some clicking noise, some drivers believe the sound is normal.
While the belief is true, the clicking noise could also cause concerns. In a situation where you suddenly start getting the clicking noise, it means that there's trouble within the system.
The clicking from the gear shifter signifies that there's a wrong with the shifter assembly components. If your gear shifter starts making a clicking noise, you have to troubleshoot and find out what's the issue.
Ignoring the clicking noise from the gear shifter can lead to costly transmission repairs.
What Causes The Gear Shifter to Make Clicking Noises?
Like most car sounds, the clicking sound means trouble. When the clicking noise is coming from the gear shifter, the problem will likely be related to components beneath the console.
Most times, it's difficult to diagnose the cause of clicking noises from the gear shifter. Apart from being annoying, the clicking sound doesn't affect the car's performance. Also, you might not get any error codes when the noise starts.
Here are some of the reasons why the gear shifter makes clicking noises.
1) Bad Shift Interlock Solenoid
Manufacturers use different solenoids in different car systems. The solenoid responsible for the clicking noise is the shift interlock solenoid. To locate this solenoid, you have to uncouple the center console and check under the gear shifter.
Normally, the shift interlock solenoid should last for about 60,000 - 100,000 miles. However, it doesn't always last that long. Depending on how often a driver shifts, the interlock solenoid might get bad earlier.
While driving with a good interlock solenoid, you might notice clicking sounds whenever the solenoid engages and disengages. With a bad interlock solenoid, the clicking noise is worse.
Sometimes, you'll hear the gear shifter making clicking noises when accelerating and also when braking.
2) Worn or Broken Gear Teeth
Beneath the center console, numerous parts make the gear shifter run smoothly. One of these parts is the gears. Ordinarily, gears take about 5-7 years before their teeth wear down.
Lack of proper lubrication will quicken the deterioration of gear teeth. The gear teeth can also get broken. Of course, the gears won't work well once the teeth are worn or broken.
If you keep hearing clicking noises from the gear shifter, it could be that your gear teeth are worn or even broken. The noise from worn or broken gear teeth is also similar to ticking sounds.
3) Low Transmission Fluid Level
Like most car systems, the transmission system runs with fluid. The transmission fluid acts as a lubricant and a cooling agent. Apart from that, transmission fluid also prevents rust in the system by lowering oxidation.
Once the transmission fluid gets lower than recommended, the metal parts will start rubbing against each other. The clicking sound from the gear shifter could be metal parts moving without enough lubrication.
If your transmission fluid is low, it'll eventually cause the system to overheat. After a while, the metal parts will start wearing out due to lack of lubrication.
Usually, car brands recommend intervals for fluid changes in their owner's manual. Most times, the transmission fluid change interval for manual vehicles is 30,000 miles. Automatic cars can stay for 60,000 - 100,000 miles before needing a transmission fluid change.
4) Contaminants in The Transmission System
Contaminants in the transmission system can cause the car to behave abnormally. The transmission fluid goes through the fluid lines to lubricate the entire system. As different parts wear out with time, the fluid gets dirty and contaminated.
Sometimes, you can even see metal particles and debris in the fluid. All this dirt will hinder the fluid from flowing through the system. Then, the gear shifter will start making clicking noises.
A dirty shift plate can also accumulate grime and cause the gear shifter to start clicking.
Is It Safe to Drive With A Clicking Gear Shifter?
No, it's not safe to drive with a clicking gear shifter. Although the problem might sound minor, it is one of the early signs of a failing transmission. The clicking noise is the car's way of warning the driver about an issue in the system.
Different problems can affect the gear shifter and cause the clicking noise. All of these problems are quite serious. However, some of them are easy to fix once you identify the root cause.
Without troubleshooting, you wouldn't know the particular cause of the clicking noise. That's why it's advisable to check your car immediately if you notice any strange sounds. You can either do the check yourself or drive to a professional.
Driving with a clicking gear shifter for a prolonged period can cause transmission failure. A failing transmission could result in fatal accidents. Also, the repair costs will get more expensive if you don't solve the problem as soon as possible.
How to Diagnose Gear Shifter Clicking Noise
If you've noticed that clicking sounds from your gear shifter, the next step should be to diagnose the problem. You can decide to do a check or go straight to the local dealership.
Once you diagnose the issue, the problem is half solved. Then you can find a solution and fix the problem. Follow these steps to diagnose your car for clicking noises.
1) Park on A Level Ground
For accurate results, park the car on a level or flat surface. If you notice the clicking sound while driving, you can wait till you get home to do a check.
2) Check Your Transmission Fluid
Turn off the car engine and let the vehicle cool down. Then open the hood and locate the transmission reservoir. Find the transmission fluid dipstick and open the reservoir.
If you're unsure about where to find the transmission reservoir and dipstick you can check the owner's manual. In most cars, you can find the transmission fluid reservoir at the back of the engine. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off on a towel.
Then observe the color of your transmission fluid. Good transmission fluid has a clear pink shade. If the color is brown or black, then the fluid is dirty.
Insert the dipstick back into the transmission reservoir and bring it out. Check the dipstick for marks that signify the fluid level. If the fluid level is low, you can top it up.
Check around the fluid lines and under the vehicle for dark oil spots. Doing this check will let you know if your car has a fluid leak problem.
3) Test The Shift Interlock Solenoid
You can conduct a test to find out if the shift solenoid is bad. While the test is quite simple, you might need some technical experience to locate the shift solenoid. You can find the shift solenoid in the valve body assembly around the transmission.
Next, get a multimeter and select the ohms symbol. The meter should be to zero before you start taking readings. For the shift interlock solenoid, the resistance should be between 12-28 ohms.
How to Fix A Clicking Gear Shifter
After identifying what's wrong with your car, you can then proceed to fix the problem. If the issue is a bad solenoid, you can replace it. For the best results, I will recommend that you see a professional to replace your shift solenoid.
The replacement process is relatively technical. Also replacing the shift solenoid doesn't always solve the problem. Sometimes, technicians still have to do extra work on the car before the clicking noise goes away.
Depending on your car's make and location, shift solenoid replacements cost around $200 - $500. About $100 - $200 goes towards buying a new shift solenoid while another $100 - $200 goes to labor.
Besides the issue with low fluid levels, most of the clicking sound problems require professional attention.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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