Transmission Concern (Moving in Park)

[T4R_RidgeRider]

Hello,

The other day I had a heavy box in my passenger seat and I was coming over a hill and the car in front of me slowed down to make a turn, which caused the box to slide forward and push the shifter into park. I was not aware of it immediately. The car did not accelerate and it sounded like i had dropped to 1st gear. No clanging or loud grinding noise. I realized it after moving probably 20 or 30ft. I slowed to a stop immediately and shifted back into drive. 4R seems to be acting normal, shifts and reverses fine, sometimes when i shift into drive it makes a slight clunk, but I can't tell if that is the normal sound depending on the gear alignment when i shift into drive. I am going to take it to have a transmission flush. Anyone have experience of this happening and should i be overly concerned? Thanks in advance!

 

[Brian3676]

Hello,

The other day I had a heavy box in my passenger seat and I was coming over a hill and the car in front of me slowed down to make a turn, which caused the box to slide forward and push the shifter into park. I was not aware of it immediately. The car did not accelerate and it sounded like i had dropped to 1st gear. No clanging or loud grinding noise. I realized it after moving probably 20 or 30ft. I slowed to a stop immediately and shifted back into drive. 4R seems to be acting normal, shifts and reverses fine, sometimes when i shift into drive it makes a slight clunk, but I can't tell if that is the normal sound depending on the gear alignment when i shift into drive. I am going to take it to have a transmission flush. Anyone have experience of this happening and should i be overly concerned? Thanks in advance!

I am not sure about the 4Runner, but 90% if cars have a safety built in for this exact reason. If the car is moving when put in park it will usually not allow it to fully engage park until the vehicle has stopped. I have done this 2 or 3 times in my life in other cars. Although i'm sure you should avoid doing it, it will not destroy the tranny if it happens a few times in the cars life.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Hello,

The other day I had a heavy box in my passenger seat and I was coming over a hill and the car in front of me slowed down to make a turn, which caused the box to slide forward and push the shifter into park. I was not aware of it immediately. The car did not accelerate and it sounded like i had dropped to 1st gear. No clanging or loud grinding noise. I realized it after moving probably 20 or 30ft. I slowed to a stop immediately and shifted back into drive. 4R seems to be acting normal, shifts and reverses fine, sometimes when i shift into drive it makes a slight clunk, but I can't tell if that is the normal sound depending on the gear alignment when i shift into drive. I am going to take it to have a transmission flush. Anyone have experience of this happening and should i be overly concerned? Thanks in advance!

I have to ask, why didn't you put the box in the cargo area?

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Hello,

The other day I had a heavy box in my passenger seat and I was coming over a hill and the car in front of me slowed down to make a turn, which caused the box to slide forward and push the shifter into park. I was not aware of it immediately. The car did not accelerate and it sounded like i had dropped to 1st gear. No clanging or loud grinding noise. I realized it after moving probably 20 or 30ft. I slowed to a stop immediately and shifted back into drive. 4R seems to be acting normal, shifts and reverses fine, sometimes when i shift into drive it makes a slight clunk, but I can't tell if that is the normal sound depending on the gear alignment when i shift into drive. I am going to take it to have a transmission flush. Anyone have experience of this happening and should i be overly concerned? Thanks in advance!

never had it happen but the flush should tell you if it caused any harm. just have whoever does the flush run a magnet over the drained fluid, i can't remember if the tranny pan drain plug is magnetic or not. if theres lots of metal, no bueno

 

[T4R_RidgeRider]

Brian3676... that is what I am keeping my fingers crossed for. I was hoping someone on the forum would know for certain.

gm350reratliff... the cargo area was full.

Thank you