What Causes a Strong Jerking Sensation When Shifting to Reverse Gear in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission shifting to reverse gear with a strong jerking sensation is caused by: 1. A malfunction in the transmission control system, leading to significant shifting impact; 2. Issues with the car's transmission itself; 3. Excessive impurities inside the car's transmission, where contaminants affect the normal operation of the transmission and cause the jerking sensation. The gears in an automatic transmission include: 1. R (Reverse), which is the abbreviation of the first letter of the English word 'reverse'; 2. N (Neutral), the abbreviation of the first letter of the English word 'neutral'; 3. D (Drive), the abbreviation of the English word 'drive'; 4. S (Sport mode), meaning 'sport' in English; 5. L (Low gear for downhill), meaning 'low' in English; 6. P (Parking), the abbreviation of the first letter of the English word 'parking'.
I've driven automatic transmission cars for many years and have experienced strong jerking when shifting into reverse gear, which is mainly related to internal transmission issues. When the torque converter fails or the solenoid valve gets stuck, power transmission becomes uneven, causing noticeable shaking during gear shifts. Insufficient oil pressure can also lead to such jerking—aged transmission fluid or low fluid levels increase friction between components. Additionally, sensor failures can cause the computer to misjudge gear positions, delaying the shifting process. In daily driving, this issue is particularly common during cold starts when the fluid temperature is low and viscosity is high. The solution is to regularly check fluid quality and levels; replacing the fluid can alleviate the problem. If the issue persists, it's safer to visit a repair shop to diagnose trouble codes with specialized tools. Ignoring it for too long may damage the entire system, leading to costly major repairs. In short, address the problem as soon as it's noticed—don't wait until the jerking worsens.
