Why Does an Automatic Transmission Shift with a Jerk?

[VanPenelope]

Automatic transmission shift jerks can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Normal occurrence of jerks: If you want to accelerate quickly while driving, you need to press the accelerator pedal deeply, which causes the automatic transmission to downshift and increase the engine speed. When the speed reaches a certain level, it upshifts. After upshifting, there is a noticeable drop in speed, resulting in a relatively obvious jerk. This situation is more common in automatic transmission models with fewer gears, such as 4-speed automatic models. 2. Situations requiring maintenance and adjustment: Some automatic transmissions have self-learning capabilities. During the break-in period, if the driver avoids pressing the accelerator pedal hard, leading to gentle shifting, the transmission will shift at lower speeds. For example, when shifting from second to third gear, the engine speed may be around 1000 rpm, causing insufficient engine torque, known as lugging. Proper accelerator operation is crucial for improving shift timing, saving fuel, and eliminating jerkiness.