Why does the Honda 5AT transmission have strong jerking and impact sensations?
3 Answers
Honda 5AT transmission jerking and impact sensations are caused by sludge in the transmission oil circulating and clogging the oil passages in the valve body, leading to jerking issues. Over time, this can result in a series of transmission problems such as overheating, impact, and slipping. Tips to alleviate jerking: It is not very realistic to completely solve the jerking problem of the Honda 5AT transmission, but some methods can be used to mitigate driving jerking. When the vehicle speed approaches the ideal shifting speed after starting, the jerking sensation will be reduced. Therefore, when driving a Honda with a 5AT transmission, you can mimic the shifting pattern of a manual transmission by modulating the throttle. For example, when starting the vehicle, apply throttle, and when the RPM reaches 1500, release the throttle pedal and then gently reapply it. This can minimize the most noticeable 1st to 2nd gear jerking in the Honda 5AT. Precautions: It should be noted that in Eco Mode, the engine shifts up faster, which is one of the reasons why Eco Mode saves fuel. However, the transmission upshifts based on RPM, so in Eco Mode, a slightly heavier throttle input will cause an upshift, but the vehicle speed may not be fast enough at that moment, resulting in a jerking sensation.
I've been driving a Honda Accord for almost three years, and the 5AT transmission sometimes has noticeable jerks during low-speed gear shifts, with strong impacts when starting or decelerating, making the ride less smooth. I've discussed this with friends a few times, and they reminded me that this is often caused by aging transmission fluid or low fluid levels. Deteriorated fluid leads to poor lubrication, making gear shifts less smooth. If the filter is clogged, unstable oil pressure can also worsen this feeling. I always pay attention to checking the fluid condition during maintenance, and if the color darkens or there's a burnt smell, I replace it immediately. Driving habits also play a role; frequent hard acceleration or heavy loads can wear out internal clutch plates, exacerbating the problem. It's recommended to first check the fluid level yourself or take the car to a reliable repair shop. They can use a computer to scan for fault codes and quickly determine whether it's a fluid issue or a problem with the TCU module. Don't underestimate these impacts—address them early to avoid major repairs.
I've done some research on the jerky shifting issue with Honda's 5AT transmission, as I'm quite interested in automotive mechanics. Common causes include decomposed transmission fluid due to excessive heat, which loses viscosity and destabilizes the hydraulic shifting system. Another factor is worn internal clutch plates or clogged control valve bodies, causing abrupt pressure changes during gear shifts. For vehicles with over 100,000 km, system aging is inevitable, but aggressive driving habits can accelerate component wear. Regular fluid changes are crucial - I recommend using genuine Honda fluid every 40,000 km and ensuring clean filters. If jerking persists, diagnostic tools can check sensors (like speed or position sensors) for faults. Minor issues left unfixed may lead to costly repairs. Early detection can significantly extend transmission lifespan.
