What causes the jerking and surging at low speeds in an Accord?
4 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for jerking at low speeds in an Accord: 1. Clogged engine oil passages: The combustion of fuel, which is the power source of the engine, is determined by the combined action of ignition, intake, and fuel injectors. If the intake volume decreases, ignition weakens, or fuel injection reduces, the power output will be insufficient, leading to a jerking sensation. 2. Dirty transmission fluid: This can cause damage to the solenoid valves. If sludge in the transmission fluid circulates and blocks the oil passages in the valve body, jerking issues will occur. Over time, this can lead to a series of transmission problems such as overheating, harsh shifting, and slipping. 3. Break-in period: Slight jerking during driving is normal during this period because the vehicle's power output and component engagement are not at their optimal levels. Additionally, the transmission control module has a self-learning mechanism that continuously adjusts oil pressure for smoother gear shifts.
I've experienced that jerky, surging sensation at low speeds several times while driving my Accord. This issue mainly stems from the transmission components, such as worn torque converters or clutch plates, causing rough gear shifts - especially noticeable during stop-and-go traffic. The engine can also be the culprit: clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel supply in the fuel system, aging ignition coils causing intermittent sparks, making the car feel like it's suddenly being yanked. If the throttle body is dirty, the disrupted air-fuel mixture ratio combined with erroneous computer control signals will lead to unsteady driving. I recommend first checking if the transmission fluid is degraded or insufficient - a simple fluid change might help. If that doesn't work, it's best to visit a professional shop for a system scan to check for control module faults. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues; don't wait until they become serious problems to address them.
Low-speed jerking in the Accord is commonly caused by transmission or engine issues. As someone who frequently repairs Hondas, I've seen many cases: worn transmission clutch causing power interruption during gear shifts, making starts feel like a push; clogged fuel filters leading to unstable fuel supply; aging spark plugs with leakage affecting ignition efficiency; or throttle position sensor deviation causing sluggish throttle response. A dirty engine air flow meter has similar effects—uneven air intake makes the car shake. Software can sometimes be the culprit, and a control unit update may solve it. Try gently pressing the accelerator in daily driving; if the jerk occurs in a specific RPM range, it points more directly to a specific component. Checking spark plugs and the fuel system is usually the first step to save money. Don’t forget to consult the repair manual—targeted fixes are key.
A jerky motion at low speeds is mostly caused by ignition or fuel delivery issues. A dirty throttle body sends inaccurate signals, messing up throttle control and making the car shake. Partially clogged fuel injectors cause uneven fuel spray, transmitting engine vibrations to the chassis. Worn spark plugs produce similar symptoms, especially noticeable intermittent ignition at low speeds. From my experience, cleaning the throttle body immediately made it smoother. Faulty sensors like a crankshaft position sensor giving wrong readings could also be the culprit. Focus on checking these sensors and ignition components, and don't overlook the fuel filter. Regular maintenance prevents this - DIY if you're handy.
