Rep Power: 0

When I shift into park on my '01 automatic, and release the foot brake, the car rolls slightly back and forth. It seems to be a bit more than usual for an automatic car.

And what concerns me is that as the car is rocking back and forth slightly, at the ends of that arc of movement, the transmission seems to be try to engage a little bit.

Is this a cause for concern, can it be adjusted, etc? I know i can use the hand brake, but i want to see if the source of the problem can be addressed.

It's a 2001 with 180K miles but with a newly installed used 2004 auto tranny with 60k.

 
Rep Power: 812

this is normal, but not a good idea to do all the time. if you are parked on level ground, it will not happen. on a hill, you should be using the parking brake BEFORE releasing the brake pedal. that will put the load on the rear brakes instead of the transmission. then when you get ready to drive, put your foot on the brake first, then release the parking brake. otherwise you will ruin the trans over time.

 
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I know that this is normal, to some degree, with automatics, and I do try to use the hand brake, but mine has quite a bit of "rock" to it.

When I want to jack up a wheel, for example, it's disconcerting to have 5 inches of roll in park (if i don't use wheel chocks).

Just wanted to know if it's possible to "tighten" up the park gear in any way. Also, want to know whether I will be keeping this transmission (6 month warranty on a 60K used), or should trade it in while under warranty.

 
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Any more thoughts on how much "roll" people have when in PARK?

Any way to "tighten" up the parking gear?

 
Rep Power: 210

I'm not sure about how much it should roll, the automatic Civic's and Integra's I have had have all been an inch or two I think. I'm not sure of the exact amount because I never use the transmission to hold the car. I always set the parking brake in neutral, take my foot off the brake, let the parking brake hold the car, and then shift into park.
As far as "tightening it up" would usually require replacing the parking pawl which would require opening the transmission. Unless the transmission is in need of a rebuild the cost to replace the pawl would be excessive.

 
Rep Power: 812

yeah i was under the car last night and saw the shifter cable for the auto trans, but its not adjustable at all from outside.