What Causes Jerking When Starting a Car?
3 Answers
Possible causes of jerking when starting a car include: clogged engine oil passages; dirty transmission fluid blocking oil passages; damaged transmission solenoid valves; forgetting to release the handbrake; irregular wear of the clutch, etc. Here is an extended explanation: For automatic transmission vehicles, some jerking during startup is normal. If you need to accelerate sharply while driving, you must press the accelerator pedal deeply. At this point, the automatic transmission will downshift to increase engine RPM. Once the RPM reaches a certain level, it will upshift again. After upshifting, the RPM will drop noticeably, resulting in a relatively pronounced jerking sensation.
Jerky starts are quite common, especially in my manual transmission car. It feels like the car is lurching during take-off, as if the clutch isn't being controlled properly. Worn clutch discs can make the engagement point uneven, and damaged pressure plates or release bearings can cause this too. I've experienced it before - it's uncomfortable to drive and wastes fuel. Operational errors may also be to blame, such as releasing the clutch too quickly or stepping on the gas too hard. It's recommended to start gently, letting the RPM rise gradually. Regularly check the clutch pedal height and free travel, and replace parts if they're severely worn. Remember that unresolved issues may damage the drivetrain and increase repair costs. It's best to have a reliable repair shop check it out early, before it turns into a major problem.
The jerky start really gives me a headache, especially when driving an automatic transmission car. This is often a transmission issue, such as when the transmission fluid needs to be changed—it thickens and causes delayed shifting. Errors in the control module or faulty sensors can also make shifting less smooth. Last time my car had this issue, checking the computer fault codes revealed a hydraulic pressure problem. Changing the fluid and filter promptly fixed it. When driving, avoid sudden acceleration and maintain a steady speed during starts to reduce jerkiness. Additionally, engine fault codes are crucial; connecting a diagnostic tool to read them can quickly pinpoint the issue. Don’t underestimate this problem—transmission repairs are expensive, so developing a habit of changing the fluid every two years is essential.
