What Causes a Strong Jerking Sensation When Shifting into Reverse Gear in an Automatic Transmission?
4 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.
I've been pondering the issue of reverse gear jerking for quite some time, and there are generally three common problems. Clutch plate wear is the most critical - when it slips, it suddenly jerks like slamming on the brakes. Insufficient fluid circulation in the torque converter can also cause this, especially noticeable when the engine is cold. Additionally, a malfunctioning transmission computer might send erratic commands - my car once had this issue, which was resolved with a software update. Actually, paying attention to shift times during normal driving is important; anything over 2 seconds is somewhat risky. Regular transmission fluid changes are crucial - replacing it every 40,000 kilometers can prevent many issues. Don't wait until the transmission completely fails, as repairs could cost thousands.
I've fixed quite a few cases of violent shaking when shifting into reverse. The most common issue is transmission valve body sticking - sludge buildup makes the spool valves move sluggishly. Another hidden culprit is a dirty throttle body; while it may drive fine, unstable engine RPM during reverse gear engagement can jerk the car. Worn spark plugs can also contribute, as inconsistent ignition causes shift shock. My advice: first scan for trouble codes. Without equipment, observe the shudder pattern: if worse when cold, suspect fuel system issues; if worse when hot, check the clutch. Don't rush shifting - letting RPM stabilize before engaging gear helps significantly.
