What Causes Shifting Shudder in Automatic Transmission Cars?

[LaGeorge]

Automatic transmission car shifting shudder occurs due to the following reasons: 1. The body shakes during automatic transmission gear shifts because the gearbox oil is too viscous and dense, causing the drivetrain to more noticeably receive power from the engine, resulting in a momentary shudder. 2. The engine's power is transmitted to the gearbox, which then transfers it to the wheels via the driveshaft. The car should move forward, but since the brakes are engaged, it cannot. As a result, the gearbox builds up tension, leading to shuddering. Below is relevant information about automatic transmissions: 1. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. 2. Automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L. For general driving needs, using only Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) gears is sufficient.

[DiBrooke]

I have personal experience with this issue. Last time I drove my friend's CR-V with 100,000 kilometers on it, I encountered the same problem. The most common cause of automatic transmission jerking is aging engine mounts. When the rubber cracks, the vibration damping fails, causing the shaking to transfer directly to the car body. Also, don't overlook spark plug issues—if even one of the four cylinders isn't working properly, it can cause shaking. As for the transmission, a slipping lock-up clutch in the torque converter can cause jerking, which is common in older cars. Clogged shift solenoids can also lead to jerky shifts. Of course, the most troublesome issue is worn clutch plates inside the transmission, but this usually comes with slipping and unusual noises. I recommend first reading the trouble codes, then focusing on checking the engine mounts and ignition system.

[OJake]

Just helped my cousin deal with the jerky gear issue on his Accord and found several key points: Poor fuel quality can lead to incomplete combustion causing shaking, so try switching to 95-octane fuel; if the automatic transmission fluid hasn't been changed for over 60,000 km, accumulated impurities can affect shift smoothness; when the mass airflow sensor is covered in dust, incorrect air intake calculations cause the engine to shake like it's having an asthma attack; and failed tire balancing can also create a resonance feeling at specific speed ranges. Actually, most shaking originates from the engine, with transmission issues being less likely.

[StRichard]

Automatic transmission shaking should be analyzed case by case: Shaking during cold start is mostly caused by carbon buildup in the throttle body affecting air intake; Body vibration when stopped at red light in D gear with brake pressed may indicate torque converter failure; Shaking during acceleration is likely due to worn CV joint creating play; Vibration in specific RPM ranges requires checking for collapsed engine mounts. Last time my car shook at 60 mph, it turned out to be a deformed wheel hub, but no dashboard warning light came on. It's recommended to first read fault codes with an OBD scanner. If no clues are found, start by changing transmission fluid and inspecting engine mounts.