Why Does the Automatic Transmission Shake Violently When Shifted to R Gear?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission shaking violently when shifted to R gear can be caused by: 1. Low idle speed; 2. Dirty throttle body; 3. Dirty fuel injectors; 4. Severe engine carbon buildup; 5. Poor spark plug performance. Automatic transmission refers to a system where the driver doesn't need to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears in an automatic transmission include: 1. P (Park) gear for parking and starting; 2. R (Reverse) gear for backing up; 3. N (Neutral) gear; 4. D (Drive) gear for forward movement, also called the driving gear; 5. L (Low) gear for low-speed driving; 6. S (Sport) mode; 7. OD (Overdrive) gear.
I've been in the automotive industry for over a decade and have seen many cases of automatic transmission shuddering in reverse. The most common cause is aging or damaged engine mounts—these components support the engine, and once they crack, the car shakes violently when shifting into R gear. Another issue is insufficient or deteriorated transmission fluid, which leads to unstable oil pressure and causes shuddering. My own old car had this problem, and replacing a new engine mount fixed it. Additionally, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause shaking when reversing, as the engine runs slower and poor sparking induces vibrations. Don't skimp on routine maintenance for these small expenses; checking mounts and fluids can prevent problems. Such shuddering in reverse is genuinely hazardous, so I recommend visiting a professional repair shop as soon as possible.
