What Causes a Strong Jerking Sensation When Shifting into Reverse Gear in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission shifting into reverse gear with a strong jerking sensation is caused by: 1. Transmission issues; 2. Clutch friction plate slippage; 3. Solenoid valve damage. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic transmission car are: 1. Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears; 2. Do not immediately press the accelerator pedal hard after shifting into gear; 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear; 4. The gear lever must be shifted from P gear with the brake pedal pressed; 5. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 6. Do not push into P gear while the vehicle is moving; 7. When changing the direction of travel, switching between D and R gears should only be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 8. Placing the gear in N while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil normally for lubrication, which can cause the internal components of the transmission to overheat and become damaged.
I can totally relate to the issue of jerky reverse gear engagement. Last time I drove my friend's old car, I experienced the same thing. The main culprit is usually the transmission fluid – when it's too dirty or low, the clutch engagement becomes rough, causing the car to jerk suddenly. Another common reason is worn engine mount bushings; cracked rubber reduces vibration damping. It could also be a stuck solenoid valve causing erratic oil pressure. My advice: first check the transmission dipstick – if the oil looks black and smells burnt, it needs replacing. If the jerking persists after an oil change, better scan for trouble codes with a diagnostic tool. Pro tip: for cars with auto start-stop, always wait until the engine fully restarts before shifting to reverse, otherwise it may lurch.