# Jarring clunk into first gear - sometimes **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** chrysler, town--country\ **Created:** [May 6, 2026, 5:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629 "2026-05-06T17:19:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2026, 5:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/1 "2026-05-06T17:19:16Z")
I have a 2014 Chrysler Town and Country with 76K miles. The transmission works properly most of the time. No problems shifting through the gears. Usually OK from stationary into reverse or forwrd gears. Except, occasionally, there is a jarring clunk into first gear. After the jolt, everything is OK. I haven’t been able to determine any pattern to when it occurs-it seems pretty random. Of course, I can’t check the transmission fluid as there is no dipstick and access under the vehicle is limited. Has anyone had a similar issue or have an idea of how big of a problem this might become? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/2 "2026-05-06T17:41:18Z")
> **[Car Makes Clunking Noise When Shifting into Drive or Reverse: 10 Causes and...](https://mechanicsdiary.com/clunk-noise-when-shifting-into-drive-or-reverse/)** > > A properly functioning transmission should shift into drive, reverse, or first gear smoothly. So, if you suddenly find your car making a clunking noise when you shift into drive or reverse it’s a sure sign Tester ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2026, 9:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/3 "2026-05-06T21:53:56Z")
When I had to replace my radiator, I was concerned that I lost trans fluid. I just stopped by the trans shop I use and they pulled it in to check it on the rack. Just a few minutes and no charge. Since there are other possibilities, you might want ask them fir a more complete check while you are at it. ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/4 "2026-05-06T21:58:48Z")
Back down driveway, let off brake, shift to neutral, reapply brake and shift into drive. That’s how I kept the 2014 Caravan from doing that. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 1:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/5 "2026-05-07T01:55:38Z")
I recommend taking it to a trans shop to have it checked out, you could have low ATF and or torque converter drain back causing a delayed engagement, torque converter drain back can be caused by a worn pressure regulator valve and TC limit valve bores… . If it is torque converter drain back, you can always start the vehicle and then shift to neutral for a few seconds before putting it gear, that should fill the converter and stop the delayed engagement… . I am pretty sure that your have a transmission dipstick tube with a rubber plug in it instead of a dipstick, you should be able to buy the dipstick from the dealer so you can check your ATF level… ![Screenshot 2026-05-06 205245](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/2/f/2f8a8f1786fc8a4c185b8bec0a760827296c1899.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/6 "2026-05-07T22:26:00Z")
It may just need a TCM (Transmission Control Module) reset. There are several Youtube videos on this topic. This works for me on my 2017 Pacifica. Briefly: Push the On switch twice, without your foot on the brake. The engine won’t start because of that. Instrument panel will light up. Hold down the gas pedal for 10 seconds. Keep the gas pedal down. Push the On switch once more. That will turn off the instrument panel lights. Release the gas pedal. Let the car sit for 2 minutes or more. Next time you start, the TCM will have been reset and the harsh shifts will be gone. This doesn’t last forever, so you may find yourself doing this from time to time. Good luck and please let us know how it works or if you have questions. ---
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 1:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/7 "2026-05-08T01:46:45Z")
That kind of works. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 2:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/8 "2026-05-14T02:47:12Z")
I appreciate the input. I haven’t located such a tube - but I have found dip sticks for Chrysler transmissions. ---
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/9 "2026-05-14T02:48:53Z")
This kind of works! It helps lessen the jolt. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 12:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/10 "2026-05-14T12:43:46Z")
> [@JunkOwner](#): > > I haven’t located such a tube It might not be easy to see, it does not come above the trans side (valve body) pan, it will be a short tube compared to normal dipstick tubes… And being black with a black cap on it will make it even harder to see… I recommend once (if) you find the tube, buy the dipstick for it from the dealership using your VIN number, or you could get the wrong length dipstick giving you an incorrect reading… ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 12:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/11 "2026-05-14T12:50:25Z")
> [@JunkOwner](#): > > This kind of works! It helps lessen the jolt. Have you tried starting the vehicle and then shift it to neutral 1st for a few seconds before putting it in gear, that should fill the converter and stop the delayed engagement that you and pleasedodgevan2 are describing… ---
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/12 "2026-05-14T21:30:11Z")
I have tried that. A little patience helps, too. Thanks for the additional info on the trans. tube. I’ll take a bright light and look again. ---
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/13 "2026-05-14T21:33:42Z")
I’m going to give this a try. Thank you. I’ll report the results. ---
**Author:** ![JunkOwner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f14d63/32.png) [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 2:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629/14 "2026-06-26T14:43:14Z")
I got that checked out and it was about a quart low on trans fluid. No leaks are visible. The mechanic had a lengthy cable with dip stick markings on the end. I will have to sehhpishly admit to being unable to locate that tube even with your photo. I was looking on the wrong side of the engine and standing where I was on teh driver’s side, the tube with the plug was obscured from view. Thanks for the help.