What Causes Jerking During Acceleration in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
The reasons for jerking during acceleration in an automatic transmission are: 1. Using the wrong fuel, excessive carbon buildup in the fuel injectors or intake manifold, or issues with the torque converter assembly; 2. Fuel pump failure: A clogged fuel filter can also reduce engine power. Prolonged insufficient oil can lead to reduced performance or, in severe cases, piston knocking; 3. Problems with the engine's intake system: A clogged or malfunctioning throttle body can restrict airflow, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The gears in an automatic transmission include: 1. R (Reverse) gear, which should only be engaged after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 2. N (Neutral) gear, equivalent to the neutral gear in a manual transmission, allowing the vehicle to coast when engaged.
I've been driving automatic cars for twenty years, and jerking is all too common. The most frequent cause is dirty or insufficient transmission fluid, where unstable oil pressure directly leads to rough shifting; also, aging spark plugs can cause power to lag behind the throttle when ignition fails; severe carbon buildup in the throttle body can restrict airflow, making the car jerk when you press the accelerator; and errors in the transmission control unit's programming can mess up the shifting logic. Just the other day, my neighbor's car had this issue, and it smoothed out immediately after changing the transmission fluid. It's recommended to check the fluids every 40,000 kilometers, and older cars need more frequent maintenance—don't wait until the jerking becomes severe to address it.
