What Causes the Jerk When Shifting from First to Second Gear?

[MacAlan]

The main reasons for the jerking sensation when shifting from first to second gear are improper coordination between the clutch and throttle, and mismatched engine speed and vehicle speed during gear shifting. In actual driving, first gear is often used as the starting and acceleration gear for quicker starts. When shifting to second gear, the vehicle speed is around 20km/h, and both the vehicle speed and engine speed are relatively high. Additionally, if the driver presses the throttle too quickly after releasing the clutch pedal to further increase speed, the engine speed drops significantly, while the increased throttle input raises torque output, resulting in a jerking sensation. For smoother shifting, it's best to keep the vehicle speed below 10km/h when fully releasing the clutch pedal and shifting to second gear. If you want to achieve a quick start and acceleration, pressing the clutch pedal while simultaneously pressing the throttle when the speed reaches 20km/h can prevent a significant drop in engine speed due to clutch release. Shifting to second gear at this point allows for smoother clutch engagement and reduces jerking, but this method may cause some damage to the clutch and is not recommended for long-term use.