Why is there a jerking sensation when releasing the accelerator while driving?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for the jerking sensation: 1. Excessive carbon deposits on the throttle, fuel injectors, and intake manifold: Many faults are caused by carbon deposits, and some vehicles may experience jerking due to carbon buildup. It is recommended to regularly clean carbon deposits. 2. Fuel-related issues: Poor fuel quality leading to incomplete combustion. 3. Faults in spark plugs, ignition coils, etc.: These may cause cylinder misfires, requiring inspection and repair at a service center to avoid further safety hazards. 4. Sludge in the transmission fluid: Sludge forms due to friction-generated contaminants during normal gear operation. Over time, sludge can circulate in the transmission, potentially clogging the oil passages in the valve body. Once the passages are blocked, jerking issues may arise. In such cases, the transmission may exhibit symptoms like overheating, impact, and slippage. Adding new transmission fluid and a cleaning agent, then draining it after half an hour, can resolve the issue.
I used to notice that after releasing the throttle, the car would jerk and shake, feeling like it was being pushed or suddenly slowing down, which was quite uncomfortable. This could be related to several common issues: carbon buildup in the throttle body, causing uneven airflow into the engine, making it hard for the ECU to adjust when releasing the throttle; worn transmission gears or slipping clutch plates, especially common in aging automatic transmissions; or spark plugs with excessive gap due to prolonged use, leading to unstable ignition and affecting power output. A clogged fuel injector in the fuel system can also cause intermittent fuel supply. I believe regular maintenance is key—for example, cleaning the throttle body and checking spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers can help reduce such annoyances. If the jerking becomes severe, slow down and pull over to avoid potential accidents.
I've driven many cars, and jerking during throttle lift-off is quite common, usually stemming from powertrain issues. Engine response lag, such as incorrect throttle position sensor signals causing the ECU to misjudge the throttle angle and abruptly change fuel delivery; abnormalities in the transmission's torque converter or gear sets, resulting in sluggish shifting actions, especially more prone in automatic transmissions; aging spark plugs or ignition coils causing uneven combustion also contribute. Additionally, a dirty mass airflow sensor affecting air intake can be a culprit. I usually inspect these components and clean the air filter during oil changes, while also maintaining higher fuel quality. Improper modifications, like tuning the ECU without proper matching, can also trigger this, so it's best not to tamper with factory settings. For safety, if jerking is noticeable, slow down and inspect or take it to a shop for repair.
I'm a new driver who's only been driving for a few months. Every time I release the accelerator, the car jerks violently, almost scaring me into thinking it's going to stall. Later, I asked a friend who said it might be due to carbon buildup clogging the throttle body, disrupting airflow and causing irregular fuel supply to the engine. For manual transmissions, it could be improper control of the clutch's semi-engaged state, releasing it too quickly. For automatic transmissions, it might be due to an aging gearbox with slow response. Worn-out spark plugs could also cause ignition failure. It's recommended to first observe if the idle is stable; if not, check these areas. While driving, if the jerking is mild, ease off the accelerator slowly to transition smoothly. If it's severe, pull over immediately to avoid rear-end collisions. With time and practice, it gets much better.
