What Causes Jerking Sensation at Low Speeds in Automatic Transmission Cars?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars may experience jerking sensations at low speeds due to the following reasons: 1. Internal clutch pressure leakage in the transmission; 2. Blockage or poor flow in the transmission oil passages; 3. Incorrect transmission fluid level - both insufficient and excessive fluid can cause this issue. Vehicles equipped with a transmission dipstick can check whether the fluid level falls within the standard range when the engine is running; 4. Damaged solenoid valve. Automatic transmission typically refers to a vehicle's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the transmission control system automatically selects the appropriate gear based on engine speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's manual judgment and shifting operations. Most automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, and L.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade and have encountered low-speed jerking several times. The most common reason is aged or deteriorated transmission fluid, which typically needs replacement every 40,000-50,000 kilometers. Another possibility is a faulty solenoid valve - when it can't precisely control oil pressure, gear shifts become jerky. Don't overlook carbon buildup in the throttle body either; clogged fuel injectors and poor air intake after prolonged use can cause shaking at low speeds. Some cars are simply designed with this flaw, especially those with dual-clutch transmissions which are particularly noticeable in stop-and-go traffic. If the problem persists after recent maintenance, it's best to check the clutch plates or see if the ECU has logged any fault codes. I recommend getting it inspected early - small issues left unattended could lead to major repairs costing you dearly.
