What Causes the Jerking Sensation When Shifting into Reverse Gear in an Automatic Transmission Vehicle?
2 Answers
The reasons for the jerking sensation when shifting into reverse gear in an automatic transmission vehicle are: 1. Malfunction in the automatic transmission control mechanism; 2. Failure to replace the transmission oil in a timely manner. The solutions for this issue are: 1. Inspect and repair the transmission; 2. Replace the transmission oil. The correct methods for using an automatic transmission are: 1. Start the vehicle in P or N gear, shift out of P gear by pressing the brake pedal, turn on the power while pressing the brake, shift to N gear, and after ignition, shift to D gear to move forward directly; 2. When switching between N, D, and 3rd gear, there is no need to press the shift button. When shifting from 3rd gear to lower restricted gears, press the shift button, but when shifting from lower to higher gears, there is no need to press the shift button; 3. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 4. Do not push into P gear while driving; 5. After driving, the engine must be turned off and shifted into P gear before the key can be removed.
My car used to have this issue frequently—it would make a clunking sound when shifting into reverse, which really made me nervous. I looked into it and found that in automatic transmission cars, the torque changes significantly when shifting into reverse. If the transmission fluid is too low or too dirty, unstable oil pressure can easily cause impact noises. Experience tells me that this is especially common in older cars because the fluid gradually darkens and loses effectiveness. Additionally, if the engine mounts or suspension components are loose, the car's movement can transmit this kind of noise. Once, mine made noise because the rubber bushings on the mounts were cracked. Don’t underestimate this issue—prolonged neglect can accelerate transmission wear, and repairs can be extremely expensive. I recommend regularly checking the dipstick for fluid color and level. If it’s brown or black, replace the fluid immediately. Proper maintenance can help avoid major repairs. I personally inspect the tie rods and joints for wear—it saves money and gives peace of mind.
