What Causes Car Jerking During Startup?
2 Answers
Car jerking during startup can be caused by engine oil circuit blockage, automatic transmission startup issues, and other reasons. Below is a partial introduction to the causes of car jerking during startup: Engine oil circuit blockage: If the car experiences jerking while driving, the engine is definitely involved. The engine's ignition, air intake, and fuel injectors collectively determine fuel combustion, which is the source of the engine's power. If power is insufficient, it will result in a jerking sensation. Automatic transmission startup: Some jerking is normal during startup. If you want to accelerate quickly while driving, you need to press the throttle deeply. At this point, the automatic transmission will automatically downshift to increase the engine's RPM. When the RPM reaches a certain level, it will upshift. After upshifting, there will be a noticeable drop in RPM, resulting in a relatively obvious jerking sensation. Causes: This is because, except for CVT continuously variable transmissions, all other transmissions will have some degree of jerking. However, if the jerking is more severe than usual, you should consider whether the transmission is damaged, such as the presence of stubborn dirt and impurities inside.
Last time my car had a jerky start, it was really frustrating! Generally, this issue is often caused by clutch wear, especially common in manual transmission vehicles. Worn clutch plates can cause intermittent shaking during acceleration. Carbon buildup is another major problem—fuel residue in the engine can clog the intake, leading to weak power at low speeds. Additionally, burnt spark plug electrodes can cause delayed ignition, resulting in jerking. The fuel system also shouldn’t be overlooked—dirty fuel injectors or insufficient fuel supply from the pump can make acceleration feel rough. I’ve found that regular throttle body cleaning and oil changes are crucial—don’t wait for major failures to fix them. Driving habits matter too—avoid sudden hard acceleration. If jerking occurs, slow down immediately and pull over safely—safety first.
