Automatic gearbox in Park

[press-start]

I have a question about the park position on my Explorer 4.0 xlt.
My car was parked outside my house facing up a hill. The car was in park and the handbrake was off. A small van rolled down the hill and hit my car forcing it back down the road about 250yds. The question is how can this happen if the gearbox is in park? I thought that in this position either the gearbox or the diff was locked. Could the force of the impact have damaged something inside either the diff or the gearbox? The car seems to change ok but as insurance is invloved I would like your opinion if there is possibly any hidden damage inside. Thanks.......Phill

 

[Glacier991]

There is a pawl that engages a toothed gear wheel on the back end of the transmission that effectuates the "locked" position in park. It is possible this has been damaged. This can be checked by removing the transfer case and extension housing. If the parking pawl is damaged it can be replaced by then removing the pan. Not a fun job but easier than removing the transmission.

If in fact the toothed gear wheel the pawl engages is damaged, it can only be repaired by removing the transmission.

 

[press-start]

ok, thanks for your help, I will get the garage to check this. Best regards....Phill