What Causes the Jerking Sensation When Starting with a CVT Transmission?

[SanHayden]

The reasons for the jerking sensation when starting with a CVT transmission are as follows: Insufficient Lubrication: A common cause of jerking in CVT transmissions is the jerking sensation when shifting gears during a cold start. Since most mainstream CVT transmissions require transmission fluid, insufficient lubrication during a cold start can lead to poor connection between the chains. This makes it easy for the clutch to engage abruptly when shifting gears during a cold start, resulting in jerking. This issue can be avoided by warming up the car and ensuring the brake is firmly pressed to allow the clutch to engage smoothly. Design and Quality Issues: Design and quality issues can also frequently cause jerking in CVT transmissions. This is mainly due to poor design of the torque converter (which connects the transmission to the engine), leading to shifting shocks that can occur at any speed. Additionally, poor quality, excessive chain wear beyond normal levels, or a large amount of metal shavings accumulating in the oil pan can cause the CVT transmission to shake, though it typically does not result in severe jerking.