What Does the Jerking Sensation in an Automatic Transmission Feel Like?

[DelDylan]

Automatic transmission jerking can be either occasional or occur at fixed intervals, akin to being kicked while walking. All automatic transmissions, except for continuously variable transmissions (CVT), exhibit jerking sensations to varying degrees, with the most severe cases found in four-speed transmissions due to fewer gears resulting in more pronounced jerking. Automatic and manual transmissions share a common characteristic: there is a buffering process during gear shifts involving the disengagement, engagement, and synchronization of transmission gears. The smoother this process, the less noticeable the jerking sensation. At low speeds or idle, when the engine RPM and vehicle speed just meet the shifting requirements, the jerking sensation during gear shifts can be quite strong. After driving for a while, when the RPM and speed meet or even exceed the shifting standards, the jerking sensation diminishes significantly. With technological advancements, transmissions now have more gears, evolving from the initial four-speed to today's nine-speed transmissions. The more gears there are, the smaller the RPM ratio between each gear, thereby reducing the jerking sensation during shifts. The jerking sensation in automatic transmissions often results from drivers not developing good driving habits, such as continuously pressing the accelerator, causing abrupt jumps during gear shifts due to differing gear ratios. This is similar to suddenly releasing the clutch in a manual transmission. A good driving habit is to quickly release the accelerator when you sense the transmission is about to shift, which can mitigate the jerking sensation. However, continuously variable transmissions do not produce this sensation.

[ArcherLynn]

Having driven for decades, the jerking sensation of an automatic transmission feels like the car is suddenly nudged from behind during acceleration—power cuts off briefly before resuming, causing a slight forward lean before stabilizing. In city traffic with frequent stops and starts, it's even more pronounced, as if the car shudders every few steps, making the ride uncomfortably bumpy and ruining driving comfort. Common in older cars, I suspect it's due to aged transmission fluid or worn clutch plates. Changing the fluid can help a bit, but regular checks are needed. Overall, it feels far worse than a manual transmission, lacking that smooth, seamless flow and instead adding fatigue. For new cars, prevention is key—don’t let this minor issue degrade driving quality.

[OColin]

Driving an automatic transmission car to and from work, the most annoying thing is the jerking sensation. It feels like the car suddenly shakes when accelerating, as if a little horse is kicking, with power interrupted for half a second before reconnecting. This happens frequently in traffic jams, making me feel unstable and affecting both my mood and safety. I've driven different models, and it's more noticeable in older cars or during cold starts—possibly due to slow transmission response or ECU control issues. Friends often suggest paying attention to throttle operation, saying gentle pressing can alleviate it, but I'm more concerned about comfort. Overall, it feels like the machine is protesting, so timely maintenance and checks are necessary.

[Chavez]

As a car enthusiast, I understand that automatic transmission jerking refers to shift shock, where the RPM rises and then drops slightly during acceleration, accompanied by a slight body vibration and poor power delivery. This sensation is more pronounced in some dual-clutch vehicles, such as frequent jerking during low-speed follow-up driving, affecting smoothness. I've tried adjusting by changing the transmission fluid, which had some effect. But overall, it disrupts driving continuity, requiring attention to maintenance cycles for prevention.