What Causes Severe Shaking and Jerking When Starting in First Gear?
2 Answers
Severe shaking and jerking when starting in first gear is usually caused by uneven or deformed clutch plates, or improper clutch adjustment. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Issues: Problems with the universal joint bearing or clutch pressure plate contact. Excessive carbon buildup in the engine combustion chamber, leading to incomplete combustion and affected power output. Loose engine mounting bolts, etc. Excluding personal driving habits, shaking during first-gear starts is generally due to excessive wear of the clutch pressure plate. 2. Manual Transmission: Manual transmissions primarily transfer power through the clutch, with the clutch pressure plate responsible for transmitting kinetic energy. The clutch pressure plate has a limited lifespan. Prolonged semi-engagement or the engine operating under excessive load can accelerate wear. When the clutch pressure plate wears to a certain extent, power engagement becomes less smooth, causing the car to shake and the engine speed to become unstable.
I've been driving a manual transmission car for several years and have encountered severe jerking and shuddering during starts, which is usually caused by clutch slippage. When the clutch disc is worn too thin or there's insufficient oil pressure, the semi-engaged state tends to cause shaking, just like what happened with my old car, especially noticeable during cold starts. Also, don't overlook the ignition system—worn spark plugs or a clogged fuel pump can lead to rough acceleration, making the engine struggle during starts. Remember to check the idle control valve; if it's dirty, it can affect fuel supply stability. Don't ignore such issues—take the car to a repair shop and let the mechanic test the clutch and fuel system to avoid damaging the transmission or causing safety hazards. When driving normally, avoid riding the clutch to reduce wear.