Why does the car suddenly jerk forward when starting?
3 Answers
The reasons why the car suddenly jerks forward when starting are: 1. Excessive carbon deposits in the throttle or engine; 2. Faulty oxygen sensor; 3. Fuel injector leakage; 4. Engine knocking; 5. Poor fuel quality. The solutions for the car suddenly jerking forward when starting are: 1. Clean the throttle or engine interior; 2. Replace the oxygen sensor; 3. Replace the fuel injector; 4. Replace the engine; 5. Use higher-grade fuel. Precautions when starting the car: 1. Do not release the clutch too quickly, lift it slowly; 2. Press the accelerator after the engine and drive shaft are connected; 3. Lightly press the accelerator during semi-engagement, then release the clutch; 4. Release the handbrake before starting.
The car jerks forward when starting, which I've experienced a few times, mainly due to improper gear selection when parking. For automatic transmission vehicles, it's essential to ensure the gear is in P (Park) or N (Neutral) before starting. If the car is in D (Drive) when ignited, the initial torque from the engine can cause the vehicle to move forward slightly. This situation is particularly dangerous on slopes, increasing the risk of rolling back or colliding with the vehicle in front. Once, in a hurry to leave, I forgot to check the gear, and the car lurched forward abruptly upon starting, giving me quite a scare. Since then, I've developed a habit of shifting to P, engaging the handbrake, and checking the dashboard display before every start. If this issue occurs frequently, it's advisable to check the sensitivity of the transmission position sensor or have a professional diagnostic test done at a specialized shop. Safety should always come first to prevent minor accidents. During routine maintenance, remind the technician to inspect related components.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience in manual transmission vehicles, I often encounter the issue of the car jerking forward during cold starts due to unstable idling. At the moment of ignition, the engine RPM tends to be higher, and if the clutch isn't fully depressed, the car might move slightly. This is especially noticeable in winter when the temperature is low, engine oil is thicker, and carbon buildup in the idle air control valve exacerbates the shaking. My routine is to press the clutch before starting the engine and wait for the RPM to stabilize before slowly releasing it. If any abnormalities are detected, promptly clean the throttle body or check for clogged fuel injectors. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major, costly repairs. Safe driving is paramount.
