What Causes Jerking When Starting the Car?
3 Answers
The reasons for jerking when starting the car include: 1. Blockage in the engine oil passage; 2. Dirty transmission oil clogging the oil passage; 3. Damage to the transmission solenoid valve; 4. Forgetting to release the handbrake; 5. Irregular wear of the clutch, etc. Extended content: The correct sequence for starting a car is: 1. Shake the gear lever to check if it's in neutral, turn on the ignition switch, start the engine correctly, and observe if all working gauges are normal. 2. Adjust the rearview mirror and check for any unsafe conditions behind and around the car, then press down the clutch pedal. 3. Shift the gear lever into the starting gear (1st or 2nd gear). 4. Sound the horn, turn on the turn signal, and observe the front, sides, and rearview mirror for any obstacles to starting, paying special attention to safety. 5. Hold the steering wheel steadily, turn on the left turn signal, and release the parking brake lever. 6. Lift the clutch pedal with the left foot according to the proper technique while moderately pressing the accelerator pedal to ensure a smooth start. 7. After the vehicle starts smoothly, turn off the left turn signal.
As someone who has driven manual transmission cars for twenty years, the most common cause of jerky starts is clutch slippage or wear. When the clutch disc ages, power delivery becomes uneven during starts, resulting in a jerky motion—like no response when pressing the accelerator followed by a sudden lurch forward, especially common in stop-and-go traffic. In such cases, I first check the clutch's free play to see if the pedal is loose or making unusual noises. If the engine revs up quickly in low gear but the speed doesn't match, it's likely a clutch issue. Additionally, unstable engine idling or carbon buildup in the intake system can worsen the jerking. I once cleaned the throttle body, and it improved significantly. For beginners unfamiliar with the car, I recommend not toughing it out—head to a repair shop to replace the clutch disc promptly to avoid damaging the transmission. Ignoring this issue makes driving frustrating, especially on uphill slopes where it's most dangerous.
I just got my new car less than half a year ago, and recently noticed some jerky hesitation during acceleration. After consulting with a car-savvy friend, I finally understood the issue. Most automatic transmission problems are related to transmission fluid – when the fluid deteriorates or runs low, gear shifts become sluggish, especially noticeable during cold starts. My car has an AT transmission, and my friend suggested changing to OEM fluid or adding additives could help. Additionally, spark plug carbon buildup or aging ignition coils might cause misfires, leading to rough acceleration. A few days ago, I checked the engine bay myself and found some loose wire connectors – reconnecting them properly improved the situation. Remember not to warm up the car by idling for extended periods, as this can accumulate problems. Try gently pressing the accelerator when starting. If the jerking is minor, you can wait until the next maintenance, but if the shaking becomes severe, get it repaired immediately – don't follow my example of delaying until major repairs become necessary.
