What Does Transmission Jerk Mean?
2 Answers
Transmission jerk refers to the impact sensation caused by the inertia of moving parts inside the engine. The transmission, also known as the gearbox, is a mechanism used to alter the speed and torque from the engine. It can either maintain or change the gear ratio between the output shaft and the input shaft, and it consists of the transmission mechanism and the control mechanism. The causes of transmission jerk are: 1. Upshift jerk: The transmission's response speed is not fast enough, and the upshift speed cannot keep up with the driver's throttle input, resulting in a jerking sensation during gear changes; 2. Downshift jerk: When the driver releases the accelerator pedal or presses the brake pedal, the alternator starts working, adding load to the engine, causing the engine speed and clutch disc speed to be out of sync, which creates a jerking sensation.
Transmission jerking is that sudden jolt or tugging sensation you feel when accelerating or decelerating. Having driven automatics for a decade, I can tell you it's a common issue. Unstable oil pressure can cause it, like when the transmission fluid isn't properly warmed up during cold starts. Worn clutch plates also lead to stuttering, especially in stop-and-go traffic with frequent gear changes. Last time at the dealership, the technician said corrupted computer programs can mess up shift logic too. The worst culprit is valve body clogging - metal debris blocking oil passages is like having clogged blood vessels. Early detection saves money: a fluid change costs 200-300 RMB, but waiting until valve body replacement could set you back nearly 10,000. Never skimp on transmission fluid during maintenance - for older vehicles, consider changing every 60,000-70,000 km.
