What Causes Severe Jerking When Shifting Gears in a Mercedes-Benz?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for severe jerking when shifting gears in a Mercedes-Benz: 1. Transmission: Check if the transmission is damaged. Persistent dirt and impurities inside, especially when accumulated in the valve body, can cause blockages, preventing effective oil pressure regulation and leading to jerking, impact, or slippage issues. 2. Starting: Jerking during acceleration in an automatic transmission car is normal. If you want to accelerate quickly, you need to press the throttle deeply. The automatic transmission will then downshift to increase engine RPM. When the RPM reaches a certain level, it upshifts again. Since the RPM drops significantly after upshifting, a relatively noticeable jerking sensation may occur. 3. While Driving: Jerking while driving is not a minor issue. If ignored, it may develop into more serious faults. Therefore, if you notice severe jerking while driving, first check the transmission fluid to see if it is low or has deteriorated. If the transmission fluid is fine, it is recommended to visit a professional repair shop or a 4S dealership to inspect the transmission control system.
My buddy's Mercedes-Benz E-Class had a similar issue - severe jerking when shifting gears at startup, which turned out to be caused by unstable oil pressure in the transmission valve body, leading to uncoordinated fluid flow during gear changes. Worn spark plugs could also cause ignition delays, resulting in unstable engine output. Carbon buildup on the throttle position sensor might report incorrect data, affecting shift logic. Outdated software could make the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) respond sluggishly. Or dirty wheel speed sensors might miscalculate velocity. I recommend first scanning for trouble codes with an OBD scanner, prioritizing transmission fluid and filter replacement, checking the ignition system, and addressing these promptly to avoid major repairs.
Having driven Mercedes for over 20 years, I've found that starting hesitation commonly occurs due to deteriorated or insufficient transmission fluid, which thickens under high temperatures affecting shift smoothness; clutch wear becomes particularly noticeable at low speeds, causing inconsistent power delivery; throttle position sensor errors can desynchronize the engine and transmission; or failing ignition coils may lead to intermittent misfires. Neglected maintenance is the primary cause, especially in older models - it's crucial to regularly change genuine fluids and filters while checking sensor cleanliness. Never ignore minor symptoms, as prolonged issues can permanently damage the transmission.
