What Causes Jerking When Accelerating or Decelerating?

[FinleyDella]

Manual transmission jerking when releasing the throttle can be caused by transmission gear programming settings, transmission cooling issues, and other faults. Additional information is as follows: 1. Introduction: The throttle, also known as the "accelerator" or "butterfly valve," refers to the control device that regulates engine power (thrust). In piston aircraft engines, the throttle controls the carburetor's butterfly valve opening to regulate cylinder filling, thereby determining engine output. 2. Overview: The throttle pedal, or accelerator pedal, is part of the vehicle's fuel supply system. By controlling its depression amount, it regulates the engine throttle valve opening, controls air intake, allows the computer to manage fuel injection, and ultimately governs engine speed.

[XavierRose]

Friends who have driven many old and new cars may notice that the jerking sensation during acceleration and deceleration is quite obvious. The main reason is a problem with the ignition system. Severe carbon buildup on the spark plugs or aging high-voltage coils can cause uneven ignition, leading to shaking when accelerating and unstable backfiring when releasing the throttle. The fuel system is also to blame: clogged fuel injectors or a dirty fuel filter can result in poor fuel supply and combustion, naturally causing jerking. Additionally, excessive wear on the automatic transmission clutch plates makes gear shifts more pronounced in terms of jerking. It is recommended to regularly replace spark plugs, clean the throttle body and fuel injectors, or use a diagnostic tool to check for trouble codes. Early intervention saves money and ensures safety—highway driving with jerking can easily lead to loss of control, so such small warning signs should not be ignored.

[OPhoebe]

I often experience jerking while driving, and the car feels like it's stuttering, mostly due to lack of regular maintenance. A dirty throttle valve gets clogged, and sludge buildup hinders its opening and closing, causing insufficient air supply and jerking during acceleration. Low-quality gasoline with many impurities can also lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in jerking and unstable deceleration. Sensors like the throttle position sensor covered in dust can send inaccurate signals, causing issues—cleaning them can help a lot. It's simple to DIY: check the air filter and replace it if dirty, or try using higher-quality fuel. Developing good habits can prevent jerking and driving discomfort, especially when road conditions are poor, which can affect both mood and safety.

[Earl]

Having driven classic cars for decades, I'm all too familiar with jerking sensations that often stem from minor issues. When ignition wires or spark plugs reach the end of their lifespan, replacing these components solves the problem. A clogged fuel filter causing insufficient fuel supply leads to noticeable shaking during acceleration. Heavy engine carbon buildup is the prime culprit for jerking when decelerating, and cleaning the cylinders can significantly smooth things out. While these may seem like minor faults, neglecting timely repairs could strain other components. Investing in regular maintenance with modest costs ensures worry-free, smooth driving while extending the vehicle's lifespan. Everyone should stay alert to early warning signs and avoid delaying inspections.

[DelaneyDella]

In practice, such issues are common in car repairs. Throttle hesitation during acceleration or deceleration often stems from faults in the electronic control system. Carbon buildup on the throttle position sensor interferes with measurements, causing the ECU to incorrectly adjust the air-fuel ratio and leading to uneven combustion. Spark plug electrode erosion or clogged fuel injectors can physically cause hesitation. Simple diagnosis: when the engine sounds abnormal, prioritize checking these components. It is recommended to use an OBD scanner to read fault codes or manually clean throttle components. DIY solutions are cost-effective and efficient, ensuring driving stability and preventing potential risks.