What is the reason for the car body shaking when shifting from N to D gear?
4 Answers
Gear shifting impact, which means that the clutch plate inside the transmission is burnt or the gear solenoid valve is malfunctioning. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Slow down and observe carefully when turning: Develop the habit of slowing down and observing the situation in the non-motorized vehicle lane and pedestrian lane when turning (especially when intersecting with them). Pass slowly, which applies both in urban and rural areas. Actively give way to electric bikes in the non-motorized vehicle lane and pedestrians in the pedestrian lane. In urban areas, when making a right turn, yield to pedestrians and electric bikes on the crosswalk, and only proceed slowly after confirming there will be no accidents. 2. Slow down and look left and right when crossing intersections: Develop the habit of looking left and right (while slowing down) when crossing intersections, regardless of whether there are traffic lights or if your lane has a green light. Observe the traffic situation on the cross street, and only accelerate after confirming there are no vehicles rushing through (also pay attention to electric bikes, as their small size makes them easy to overlook).
Over the past few years, I've driven many automatic transmission vehicles and noticed that body shaking when shifting from N to D gear is quite common. This is primarily caused by normal impacts from the precise internal transmission components during power transfer switching. Particularly, the instantaneous change in fluid flow within the torque converter can produce slight vibrations. Worn engine mount bushings may amplify this shaking as their cushioning effect diminishes. It's especially noticeable during cold starts when transmission fluid viscosity remains high with poor flow. I recommend idling the car for half a minute to warm up before shifting, then gently pressing the brake to ensure complete stop before gear changes. Regularly check transmission fluid color and level, with oil changes not exceeding 60,000 km intervals to maintain smoother power delivery.
I often encounter this issue with my own automatic transmission car, especially when shifting from N to D right after startup—the car noticeably jerks. A maintenance technician told me it’s mostly due to the slight gap in power transfer between the engine and transmission. This is more pronounced when the transmission fluid is cold, as poor fluid flow leads to stronger jerking. Additionally, shifting too quickly or not pressing the brake firmly can worsen the shaking. I’ve found a small habit quite helpful: when parking, engage the handbrake first before shifting to P, and after restarting, don’t rush to shift—let the RPM stabilize for a few seconds before gently pressing the brake to shift to D. Don’t overlook regular transmission fluid changes in maintenance, as aged fluid directly affects smoothness.
This is a common issue raised by car owners during repairs. The shaking when shifting from N to D gear is most likely caused by the mechanical gap in the torque converter of the automatic transmission during power engagement, especially more noticeable in older vehicles. Check for aging or cracking in the engine mounts and transmission supports, as worn-out buffer pads can amplify vibrations. The shifting operation also plays a role: shifting gears before the car comes to a complete stop or with insufficient brake pressure can cause impact. Usually, no special repairs are needed, but regular maintenance can alleviate the issue—changing the transmission fluid every 40,000 kilometers helps, as fresh fluid reduces internal friction and impact. Monitor the vibration level while driving; a sudden increase may indicate a problem with the transmission valve body that needs inspection.
