2008 Transmission play

[jptrsn]

Hi,

My wife's 2008 automatic transmission seems to have gotten a little loose. When she shifts from reverse to drive, the car moves a little bit, which she says is new.

I've checked the tranny fluid, which is fine. The parking brake is a little bit loose, but the car moves even with a foot on the brake.

What else should I be checking? Is this normal wear and tear, or an indication of imminent part failure?

Thanks!
jptrsn.

 

[Bluesideup]

Same issue with our 2008 a/t but I think it's the motor mount on the passenger's side of the motor. They leak out all the fluid and stop damping movement. Look under the mount for fluid. I'm going to be replacing it next week. Apparently the rear mount is also problematic but it shows up more in the m/t cars.

I'll see if I can get a pic later today.

 

[jptrsn]

What color is motor mount fluid? I've only ever seen the rubber bushing kind, so I'm not sure what I'm looking for.

I'll check it out as soon as I have a chance. Thanks for the quick reply. Do you think this would be covered under the powertrain warranty? Are motor mounts part of the chassis or part of the engine?

Thanks again,
jptrsn.

 

[lakersfan1]

the car should move forward in drive without being on the brake. If its moving forward while on the brake pedal either your brakes are going or your torque converter is not disengaging properly. One or the other. Thats pretty much the extent of possible problems. Motor mounts play no factor in this situation. Have there been other denegration of braking performance or acceleration or deceleration problems?

 

[jptrsn]

It's not moving as in locomotion, it's something under the hood that feels like it's looser than it's supposed to be.

 

[thaxman]

Hi,

When she shifts from reverse to drive, the car moves a little bit, which she says is new.Thanks!
jptrsn.

So, foot on brake, shifting on a level paved surface from reverse into drive or drive to reverse and the car moves a bit? Is it always in the same direction? If so, I'd go with motor mount. Also, any vibes in the mirrors or steering wheel when idling in traffic? BIG motor mount hints.

 

[lakersfan1]

moves means goes from point a to point b to me. So the car vibrates then? Or does it more make a single clunking noise? If its a motor mount it would likely also make a clunk when shifting between gears as well when driving like a bat out of hell.

 

[Bluesideup]

You can see the black stain on the frame rail below the motor mount. The mount is a fluid filled damper. There is a technical service bulletin for engine vibration that your dealer can look up. They updated the part and I believe it would be covered by your powertrain warranty.

The easy way to check your motor mounts is to open the hood, set the parking brake, and have someone alternate between reverse and drive. The engine will move back and forth an inch or so but if it moves more than that you probably have a broken mount.

 

[jptrsn]

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to check the mounts this afternoon and see if that's the cause of the problem.