What Causes the Jerking Sensation When Shifting to R Gear in an Automatic Car?
4 Answers
Automatic car shifting to R gear has a jerking sensation due to a damaged solenoid valve causing the jerk. The reason for the jerk is that if there is sludge in the circulating transmission fluid blocking the oil passages in the valve body, it can lead to stumbling issues, resulting in a series of transmission problems such as high temperature, impact, and slippage. Other reasons for jerking sensations: 1. Upshift jerk: The transmission's response speed is not fast enough, and the upshift speed cannot keep up with the acceleration pedal's speed, so at the moment the transmission shifts, a jerking sensation occurs. 2. Downshift jerk: Due to the intervention of the energy recovery system, once the driver releases the accelerator pedal or presses the brake pedal, the generator immediately starts working, which burdens the engine, affecting the engine speed and causing it to be out of sync with the clutch plate speed, resulting in a jerking sensation.
I drive an automatic transmission car, and sometimes when shifting into R gear, there's that jarring sensation, which is quite unpleasant. The most common reason is that the transmission fluid is no good—either degraded or insufficient—leading to unstable shifting hydraulic pressure, causing gears to collide momentarily and produce shaking. If the car has been driven for a long time with high mileage, worn clutch plates or blocked valve bodies can also cause similar issues, making reverse gear feel rough. I suggest first doing a simple self-check of the transmission fluid level; checking it when the car is cold gives a more accurate reading. If the fluid is black or has impurities, change it immediately with fresh fluid. Don’t underestimate this issue—neglecting it long-term could accelerate transmission damage, leading to costly repairs later. Regular maintenance is key; changing the fluid every two years or every few tens of thousands of kilometers can prevent problems, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
My own car recently experienced a jolt when shifting into reverse gear, like an uncomfortable sudden push. Possible causes include thinning transmission fluid leading to inadequate lubrication, or poor wiring connections affecting the control module's signals. Additionally, unstable braking (not firmly pressed) or irregular engine idling can also cause issues during reversing. I later discovered it was due to my delayed oil change, resulting in high oil temperature causing pressure fluctuations. Now I make sure to warm up the car before reversing when cold, which significantly reduces the jolts. Driving gently and avoiding sudden acceleration helps minimize wear; checking fluid levels is quick and easy by simply opening the hood. If problems persist frequently, it's best to have a professional shop scan the transmission control system with a diagnostic tool to avoid further complications.
Don't ignore the jerking sensation when shifting to R gear, as it could be an early warning sign of internal transmission failure. Issues like imbalanced oil pressure, clogged valves, or slipping clutches can all cause unstable reversing, especially noticeable during cold starts or high-speed gear changes. The problem might also stem from faulty electronic control units sending incorrect commands. I recommend immediately checking the transmission fluid to ensure it's clean and at the proper level; if there are signs of leakage, top it up promptly. Prolonged neglect will accelerate wear, leading to more severe mechanical damage and compromising driving safety. Visit a repair shop as soon as possible to prevent escalation. For prevention, regular fluid changes and gentle driving can effectively minimize such issues.
