Why does the car shake when shifting from D to N gear?
2 Answers
D gear is the driving gear, while N gear is the neutral gear. When shifting to neutral, the engine suddenly loses power, causing the car to shake. Below are specific explanations about gear shifting: 1. Meaning: Gear shifting is the abbreviation for "gear lever operation method." In long-term driving, it has been widely spread due to its concise and straightforward name. The frequency of use is very high, and the proficiency of operation (especially for manual transmission cars) directly affects driving safety. 2. Process: It refers to the driver's psychological and physiological movements to continuously change the position of the gear lever according to road conditions and vehicle speed changes. Generally, the so-called "gear lever operation method" is limited to the "gear lever" itself; whereas gear shifting not only includes the "gear lever operation method" but also encompasses all psychological and physiological behaviors, including speed estimation, to achieve the goal (gear shifting).
When shifting from D to N gear, the car jerks slightly, which is quite common in my auto repair experience. It's mainly due to the torque converter releasing pressure. During the transition between D and N gears, the connection point between the engine and transmission loosens momentarily, causing this brief disengagement and resulting in the jerk. Normally, it's not a big issue, but if the jerk is severe or accompanied by strange noises, it might involve engine idle problems or degraded transmission fluid. I always remind car owners to first check if the tachometer is steady at idle. If it fluctuates, it could be due to a clogged air filter or a stuck idle control valve needing cleaning. Additionally, inspect whether the engine mount rubber pads have aged, as worn-out mounts can worsen the jerking. If it happens repeatedly, don’t ignore it—visit a professional shop for adjustments early. Avoid tampering with transmission components yourself to prevent further damage, and regular maintenance can help prevent this issue.
