Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low. In manual transmission vehicles, abnormal gear shifts could indicate damaged gear synchros, worn clutches or other, more severe issues.
Rough jerking when shifting
It might feel like a jerk, clunk or thud. This is usually caused by troubles with the vacuum, transmission fluid or a faulty sensor. The vacuum modulator valve helps older vehicles determine when to shift gears. There's a hose that connects the valve with the intake through a hose.
You will know your vehicle has experienced a transmission slip when you can hear the engine revving during a gear change. For a moment, it may feel as though you are driving over ice. At first, it may seem minor and easy to shrug off.
If you notice that your car jerks while you're accelerating, this is an issue that you shouldn't ignore. A jerking car is often a sign that your car will develop other problems if you don't address this issue. Dirty fuel injectors are among the most common reasons for why an accelerator becomes jerky.
Without service and maintenance, some transmissions can fail in as little as 100,000 miles. If you drive around 10-15,000 miles a year, your transmission could be down for the count in seven years! With care and service, transmissions can last 300,000 miles or more.
With proper maintenance, transmissions can last up to 300,000 miles or more. This includes changing the fluid in your transmission system and regular checkups. However, when you don't keep up with routine maintenance, your transmission might have problems at the 100,000-mile mark or even sooner.
If you're noticing that your car isn't shifting gears as smoothly as it used to, then your transmission might need some work. If you feel like the gear changes are starting to happen too slowly or not at all (like when accelerating from a stop), this could indicate that something is off with your car's gearbox.
Typically, when your transmission begins to fail you may start to notice some form of difficulty when changing gears. Occasionally you may hear or feel a clunk noise when you shift gear. Another sign of a rough shifting is difficulty in accelerating to the speed for the gear that it is in.
Park the vehicle, set the parking brake, then step on the clutch pedal, and put the transmission into first gear. Listen and feel for any grinding, or other noises when putting the shifter into gear, as that could indicate a potential problem with that particular gears' synchronizer.
Transmission Repairs
Often with a transmission repair, you are only fixing one specific part of the transmission. This repair can take place without having to rebuild the entire transmission. This option typically costs less than a rebuild or a replacement.
Normally functioning transmissions keep your ride smooth during gear shifts. Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low.
If you're experiencing this unsettling problem, a variety of potential causes could be responsible. More often than not, hard transmission shifts can be attributed to an inadequate level of transmission fluid in your vehicle, or the fluid's effectiveness is failing because it's old, dirty, and needs replacing.
Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
Standard transmissions usually don't need to be replaced during their entire lifetime, whereas some automatic transmissions need replacing around the 200-250,000 km mark. Overall, it is important to maintain regular servicing and maintenance for your transmission.
Bad habits such as parking without the handbrake, changing gears incorrectly, and shifting an automatic transmission before the car comes to a complete stop can cause your transmission to wear out prematurely.
Manual transmissions require less servicing to remain functional and don't need the same type of oil as an automatic transmission. Cars with a stick-shift usually last longer than an automatic of the same make and model.
Grinding, Jerking, or Shaking
Gear grinding is a common symptom in manual transmission vehicles. Automatic transmission failure often begins with some hesitation during gears shifting. Some might describe this a “slipping,” as well. Eventually, the vehicle may begin trembling or shaking during shifting.
One of the easiest ways you can prevent transmission failure is by regularly checking the transmission fluid level, color, and smell of your vehicle. In order for your transmission to function properly, it requires a certain type of fluid to keep the gears lubricated and prevent them from grinding.
If your transmission is in good condition, there are benefits to repairing it rather than scrapping it entirely. There's less environmental impact because it cuts down on the amount of metal thrown away. You'll also save on the cost of buying, registering, and insuring a new car.
While you can still drive a jerking car if the occurrences are minor or few and far between, more frequent and stronger jerking when maintaining speed could mean there are serious issues with your car. If you notice something off about your car, get it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Jerking during low-speed acceleration can also be attributed to transmission-related issues. Low transmission fluid levels, a worn-out clutch, or a faulty torque converter can cause the transmission to slip or engage abruptly, leading to jerking sensations.
Low Engine Oil Levels
Engine oil makes driving more comfortable because it lubricates the engine's moving parts. So, if your engine oil level falls below a certain level, you may hear a jerking sound caused by the rough friction between the less lubricated parts.