Automatic Transmission: Loud Clank

[Moshpit37]

I have an automatic 2013 FR-S. Lately I've started hearing a loud, metallic "clank" sound when putting it into gear to start driving (forward and reverse) and I can also hear it when it shifts gears sometimes. This started during the winter, as I drove it all winter in a very cold North Dakota; there was a lot of starting out on ice and then transitioning to solid traction. I'm not sure if that could be a contributing factor or coincidence. At first I thought it might be coming from the rear of the car, possibly the differential, but I don't think that's the case. I just changed diff fluid and everything looked normal as far as I could tell. I'm pretty sure it's coming from the transmission. I do tend to be "spirited" when driving, with a heavy foot when accelerating. So far I haven't felt anything different, it still drives smooth and shifts gears just fine. But the sound is starting to bother me.

[churchx]

I heard similar noise since very purchase, if it's same as what you are speaking about. IIRC it might be some diff 'preloading' when putting into gear. Don't know, never bothered me much, 'because racecar' , got used to it. Maybe some aftermarket diff bushings may help?

[KoolBRZ]

Originally Posted by Moshpit37

I have an automatic 2013 FR-S. Lately I've started hearing a loud, metallic "clank" sound when putting it into gear to start driving (forward and reverse) and I can also hear it when it shifts gears sometimes. This started during the winter, as I drove it all winter in a very cold North Dakota; there was a lot of starting out on ice and then transitioning to solid traction. I'm not sure if that could be a contributing factor or coincidence. At first I thought it might be coming from the rear of the car, possibly the differential, but I don't think that's the case. I just changed diff fluid and everything looked normal as far as I could tell. I'm pretty sure it's coming from the transmission. I do tend to be "spirited" when driving, with a heavy foot when accelerating. So far I haven't felt anything different, it still drives smooth and shifts gears just fine. But the sound is starting to bother me.

I also have a 2013 automatic and I've never had a clank shifting into gear. I would recommend checking the front pipe of the exhaust for shiny spots or dents near where it passes by the transmission. Also check the transmission, motor, and carrier bearing mounts for tears or other damage. I think something has come loose outside the transmission, rather then inside. There is also the possibility of a bad u-joint, but you can check that easily while you're under the car. The mounts will be much harder to inspect. I have had clearance problems with the exhaust over-pipe, but that makes more of a rattle, than a clank noise.

[drewbot]

If this is happens only when the car is still warming up, I wouldn't really worry about it

2 winters on the A/T and it's quite crunchy/notchy during winter with some weird noises. Spring time has commenced and no problems

[zman]

It happened to me too, usually when I'm parked in a hill or something. Pull the E brake before you put it in park and it fixes the problem for me.


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[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

Originally Posted by zman

It happened to me too, usually when I'm parked in a hill or something. Pull the E brake before you put it in park and it fixes the problem for me.


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Originally Posted by drewbot

If this is happens only when the car is still warming up, I wouldn't really worry about it

2 winters on the A/T and it's quite crunchy/notchy during winter with some weird noises. Spring time has commenced and no problems

I do this and don't notice it much, also this AT behaves funny when cold and has its quirks