What Causes Jerking Sensation During Automatic Transmission Start-Up?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission start-up jerking sensation is caused by: 1. The fewer gears an automatic transmission vehicle has, the stronger the jerking sensation during gear shifts; 2. The intensity of gear shift jerking is closely related to the driver's control skills. When the engine speed and vehicle speed just meet the gear shift standard, the upshift jerking sensation will be relatively strong; 3. If the gear shift jerking is very strong, it indicates an abnormality in the transmission. You can first check the transmission fluid to see if it is lacking or has deteriorated. If the transmission fluid is fine, you should go to a professional repair shop or 4S store to have the transmission control system inspected. Automatic transmission means the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions.
The jerky feeling when starting an automatic transmission is quite annoying. I've been studying cars for years and have encountered this issue with my own vehicle. Common causes include insufficient or deteriorated transmission fluid, which can make gear shifts less smooth; worn clutch components, especially when the torque converter ages and tends to slip; and control system failures, such as faulty sensors causing the computer to misadjust timing, or engine carbon buildup affecting power output. Driving habits also play a role, like sudden acceleration or cold starts without proper warm-up. I once nearly ruined my transmission by neglecting regular maintenance—a lesson learned the hard way. Now, I recommend changing the fluid every two years. If the problem persists, get a computer diagnosis at a 4S shop as soon as possible to prevent minor issues from escalating and affecting overall performance. Delaying repairs often leads to higher costs.
