What Causes Jerking Sensation During Low-Speed Acceleration and Deceleration?

[Lindsay]

The reasons for jerking sensation during low-speed acceleration may include: excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, fuel injectors, and intake passages; substandard fuel quality leading to incomplete combustion; or malfunctions in spark plugs and ignition coils causing cylinder misfires. Additional information is as follows: Carbon Buildup: Carbon buildup is an abnormal phenomenon in spark discharge machining. It encompasses two concepts: one refers to engine carbon deposits, which are coking substances formed from unsaturated olefins and colloids in fuel under high temperatures during engine operation. The second concept pertains to carbon buildup in electrical discharge machining, where it should be avoided as much as possible, especially in precision mold processing, as it can have fatal consequences. Cylinder Misfire: This primarily refers to a situation where one or more cylinders in a car engine fail to output power normally. Terms like "cylinder misfire," "ignition failure," "missed ignition," and "misfire" all mean the same thing—that a certain cylinder is not working or not functioning properly.

[SanBrody]

Having driven for decades, low-speed throttle lift-off and acceleration jerks are quite common. I believe the main issue lies in the ignition system—aging spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause uneven engine combustion. Then there's fuel system blockage, like carbon buildup in fuel injectors or clogged fuel filters leading to unstable fuel supply. A dirty throttle body also results in sluggish response. For automatic transmissions, shift logic issues may arise, causing drivetrain hesitation and jerking. I recommend starting with the simplest checks, such as inspecting spark plugs—replace them if they appear blackened. Next, clean the throttle body and fuel lines. If unresolved, examine sensors or ECU tuning. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues—using high-quality fuel reduces carbon deposits, ensuring safety and cost savings by preventing minor problems from escalating into major headaches.

[HarmonyDella]

As a car enthusiast, I've experienced low-speed jerking multiple times, with various causes: the most common being a dirty or faulty mass airflow sensor affecting unstable air intake; excessive spark plug gap or aging leading to poor ignition; clogged fuel injectors causing uneven fuel supply; and incorrect automatic transmission shift timing also causing vibrations. I've learned to use an OBD diagnostic tool to check trouble codes, quickly pinpointing issues. I recommend first checking if the air filter is clean, then inspecting fuel pump pressure; regular oil and filter changes to maintain clean fuel lines can prevent most jerking. If problems persist, seek professional inspection of the transmission or engine management program.

[JosiahDella]

Low-speed jerking is quite annoying, likely caused by heavy carbon buildup in the throttle body leading to delayed response when accelerating; worn-out spark plugs causing poor ignition; or a clogged air filter affecting air intake. Fuel system issues are also common, with dirty filters obstructing fuel flow. Automatic transmissions sometimes have mismatched shifting logic. I recommend visiting an authorized dealership for inspection, replacing parts like spark plugs or cleaning the fuel system; using high-quality gasoline to reduce impurities; practicing safe driving and getting repairs done promptly.