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Loud click when engaging or disengaging Park

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wtrail, May 26, 2022.

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  1. wtrail

    wtrail Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2020
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    My 2006 Prius started clicking loudly when switching from in and out of P. This happens every time no matter whether it’s to/from Drive, Neutral, or Reverse. The noise comes from under the car and is louder OUTSIDE the car than it is inside.

    Actual functionality seems unaffected, but it seems like a real bad sign. The noise isn’t quiet, similar in volume and sound to flipping a residential electrical breaker.

    I had a failing CV axle, which I replaced. This did not improve the noise.
     
    #1 wtrail, May 26, 2022
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    could be the park lock motor mechanism. does it happen when switching from neutral to d or r?
     
    #2 bisco, May 26, 2022
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Anybody drained or refilled the transaxle oil lately? (Might have happened during axle replacement.)

    The mechanism that parks and unparks you does click in and out of position (driven by a little motor). Having the click become more noticeable than it used to be is kind of interesting, but doesn't strike me as super concerning. If there's been a change in the level or viscosity of the oil, that could change how audible the click is.

    The car still holds in position in Park, right? And no funny noises after unparking?

    A person could remove the actuator motor and twist the mechanism in and out of Park by hand (with taped-up pliers, more like it) just to confirm that it all moves smoothly. But that won't be easy; the actuator is located where it's a real PITA to access (it's the car's anti-theft measure, instead of a locking steering wheel, so they didn't make it easy).
     
    #3 ChapmanF, May 26, 2022
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