What Causes Automatic Transmission Jerking?
2 Answers
After changing the transmission fluid, the reason for jerking is using oil that does not match the car's transmission or incorrect methods of replacing the transmission fluid. Methods for replacing transmission fluid: There are mainly two methods for replacing transmission fluid. The first method is similar to changing engine oil, known as the gravity drain method. The second method is using a circulation machine to replace the fluid. Transmission fluid: Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in lubrication, cleaning, and cooling for the transmission. However, after being used for a period, the effectiveness of the transmission fluid diminishes. Not replacing it for a long time can cause damage to the transmission, so it is necessary to change it regularly.
Last time at the shop, a car owner complained about severe transmission jerking. Upon disassembly, we found the most common issue was deteriorated transmission fluid—either sludge buildup from infrequent changes or moisture ingress due to poor seals. Sticking solenoid valves are another headache; they control shift timing, and even slight wear can make the 1-2 upshift feel like a kick. Severely worn clutch plates are also frequent, especially in ride-hailing vehicles with hundreds of thousands of miles—metal debris clogs oil passages, throwing shift precision off. If you notice consistent jerking during acceleration, first scan for trouble codes to diagnose whether it’s a valve body issue or abnormal oil pressure. Don’t ignore it—waiting until the torque converter fails means major repairs.
