Why does the Civic jerk when stepping on the accelerator?
2 Answers
Causes of jerking when stepping on the accelerator in the Civic: Poor coordination between the accelerator and clutch during gear shifting, or the use of low-quality fuel. Poor coordination between the accelerator and clutch: Jerking is hard to avoid, as manual transmission owners know. If the accelerator and clutch are not well-coordinated during gear shifting, the vehicle may experience noticeable sudden deceleration followed by sudden acceleration, which is the most obvious form of 'jerking.' Use of low-quality fuel: Using low-octane gasoline may result in weak acceleration, leading to reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption.
I often encounter the issue of jerking when stepping on the accelerator in the Civic, and I've repaired many cars with similar problems. From the perspective of the ignition system, aging spark plugs or severe carbon buildup can cause poor ignition, leading to noticeable engine vibration; if the ignition coil is worn or has poor electrical contact, unstable voltage during acceleration can also create a jerking sensation. In most cases, if this is accompanied by difficulty starting the engine or dashboard warning lights, it's advisable to check the spark plug gap and coil resistance. Regular maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers, can effectively prevent this issue. If the jerking occurs during sudden acceleration, it might be due to incorrect ignition timing, which requires adjustment with a diagnostic tool—don't delay until engine damage occurs.
