Key Takeaways
The following are the key takeaways from this article:
- Jerky transmission is a condition in which the car will jerk forward or backward during a gear shift.
- The problem mainly occurs due to low transmission fluid and bad transmission filters resulting in starving gear components.
- However, a bad transmission speed sensor and torque converter can also cause the transmission to jerk.
- The common symptoms of jerky transmission include a car missing the gears, weird noises during gear shifts, and dark transmission fluid.
- It is recommended to replace the transmission fluid and filter first when facing symptoms of jerky transmission.
- If the problem is unresolved, replacing the transmission speed sensor and torque converter is recommended.
- The cost of replacing these components can vary and reach up to $1000.
Introduction
Like other car components, transmission components can also cause wear and tear, which will be illustrated by malfunctioning transmission.
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One such malfunction is a jerky transmission. In this malfunction, the car might miss the gear, delay the gear shift, and make weird noises while shifting the gears. Again, this signifies something is wrong with the car’s transmission components.
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Long-term driving with shaky transmission can sometimes fail the transmission system, so you have to replace the entire transmission box (1). So, it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms of jerky transmission. In this article, we have highlighted a few key reasons for jerky transmission, along with key symptoms and common solutions.
Causes of Jerky Transmission
Low Transmission Fluid
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One of the major causes of jerky transmission is the low transmission fluid. Therefore, transmission fluid plays a vital role in engine transmission, and the main purpose of transmission fluid is to lubricate all the metal parts and bearings.
In a transmission system, there are plenty of components connected. This transmission fluid is forced toward all the parts in the gearbox. Also, the transmission fluid helps in generating the required amount of pressure in the internal engine. This fluid helps the shifting of gears. But the transmission fluid becomes low due to various reasons such as damaged fluid pan and leakage in the transmission seals. Due to these damages, the transmission fluid starts leaking and falls below the required level. This low fluid level becomes the major reason for the jerky transmission (2). Due to the jerky transmission, the vehicle will fail to accelerate as less power is generated.
Damaged Transmission Filter
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A damaged transmission filter is another cause of the jerky transmission in the vehicle. The transmission filter is vital in the transmission engine and aims to filter the transmission fluid.
This filter helps in removing the metal parts and dirt particles from entering the engine system. The transmission filter is present between the transmission pan and the transmission tube. This part helps flow the transmission fluid with high pressure toward the gear parts (1). Due to the damaged transmission filter sensors, the metal parts and dirt particles enter the transmission system and block the path. The transmission fluid is unable to flow properly, and as a result, the lubrication process is affected. The gearbox parts are not lubricated, and these components get cracked due to constant friction. As a result, the performance of the transmission system becomes poor and results in jerky transmission. Due to jerky transmission, it becomes poor to switch the gears.
Faulty Sensors
There are various electrical sensors in the transmission system, and the main role of these sensors is to detect the speed of the transmission (2). It proposes the predicted speed at which the transmission information is transmitted to the vehicle’s electronic control unit. This electronic control unit is responsible for shifting the gears. The electronic control unit determines the transmission information and the amount of generated hydraulic pressure.
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When the transmission sensors get damaged, the wrong information is sent to the electronic control unit, and the gears’ shifting does not occur in time. And it results in jerky transmission.
Damaged Torque Converter
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Another major reason for the jerky transmission in a vehicle engine is the damaged torque convertor. The role of the torque converter is to transfer the torque from the engine to the rotational load.
This part plays an essential part in the power generation of an engine. However, a major defect occurs due to the damaged torque convertor because the rotational energy will not be converted into hydraulic friction (3). In addition, rough friction is produced in the engine, which damages the transmission seals and gaskets.
Symptoms of Transmission Jerks
Missing Gears
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Missing gear is a common symptom of the jerky transmission in the engine. This takes place when the transmission sensors become faulty.
The poor transmission sensors need to provide better information regarding the hydraulic pressure to the electronic control unit of vehicles (4). Due to wrong information, it becomes difficult to shift the gears and the car experience shakiness.
Weird Noises
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One of the major symptoms of jerky transmission is the rough and weird noises from the engine system. This occurs because of delayed transmission and damaged torque converters.
Moreover, due to the low transmission fluid, the components in the gearbox are not well lubricated. As a result, these components’ constant friction becomes hard and creates harsh noises in the engine system (3). Also, this error indicates the issue of excess air in the transmission lines and becomes a major reason for the jerky transmission. Other than that engine light appears on the dashboard to protect the vehicle from serious accidents and damage.
Dark Transmission Fluid
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Another symptom of the jerky transmission is the dark-colored transmission fluid. This happens when the transmission filters get damaged, allowing dirt particles to enter the fluid.
The metal parts and dirt particles enter the transmission fluid and get dirty. Also, the low level of the transmission fluid becomes dark and dense due to constant burning. Another symptom of the jerky transmission is a strong smell of the fluids. This occurs when the transmission fluid becomes low due to oil leakage from the transmission pan (4). A puddle is generated under the vehicle due to the accumulation of the transmission fluid. The low fluid level in a transmission system causes vibrations in the system.
Solution of Jerky Transmission
Following are a few solutions for jerky transmission:
Replace the Transmission Fluid and Test Drive
The first solution for the jerky transmission is to replace the transmission fluid, and test drives the vehicle. However, when the fluid becomes contaminated, it becomes difficult to pass through the transmission filter, and the transmission components can be starved.
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Effective lubrication is essential for the optimum performance of the transmission. However, low or dirty fluid results in increased friction (5). Replacing the transmission fluid at regular service intervals is recommended to mitigate this friction. Most car manufacturers recommend replacing the transmission fluid at 30,000 or 50,000 miles. So, check the vehicle’s instruction manual and replace the transmission fluid for a seamless driving experience.
Replace bad Transmission Filters
Another solution to the jerky transmission can be the replacement of bad transmission filters.
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Transmission filters can become clogged over time due to fluid contaminants. Similarly, filters can also be damaged due to overheating. Resultantly, dirty fluid passes through the filter, impacting the transmission components. Or the transmission fluid is passed at a slower rate. In such cases, replacing the clogged transmission filter with a new one is better. It is better to check the transmission filter specifications before ordering one to avoid inconvenience.
Replace/Clean the Sensors
It is also recommended to replace/clean the transmission speed sensor if you are sensing jerky transmission. It is because the speed transmission sends a signal to the ECU that directs the transmission control unit to engage the torque converter and shift gears according to the engine load.
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However, a dirty/malfunctioning sensor will send wrong information, resulting in jerky transmission. So, it is recommended to clean the sensor first. It is located on the outer shaft and can be cleaned with a soapy water solution and test-drive the vehicle (5). If the problem of shaky transmission is resolved, then it is good to go. Else replace the transmission speed sensor and check if the symptoms of shaky transmission disappear.
Replace the Torque Converter
If replacing the transmission sensor is ineffective in alleviating shaky transmission. Then it is a clear sign that the torque converter is malfunctioning.
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In this case, replace the torque converter at the earliest. The torque converter acts as a clutch in an automatic transmission system, so that the engine components can be severely damaged due to a faulty torque converter. You can replace the torque converter and test drive to check whether shaky transmission symptoms have gone.
Common Cost to Resolve Shaky Transmission Problem
The following table illustrates the typical cost of resolving shaky transmission problems:
| Common Transmission Problems | Cost Required to Resolve the Problem |
|---|
| Low Transmission Fluid | $125-250 to replace transmission fluid |
| Bad Transmission Filters | $50-100 to replace the transmission filter |
| Torque Converter Issues | $600-1000 to replace the faulty torque converter |
| Bad Transmission Sensors | $50-200 to replace transmission sensors |
Conclusion
To conclude, jerky transmission can occur for several reasons. Whatever the reason, this problem can severely impact the vehicle’s driving experience, as you will experience severe jerks during a gear shift. The common cause of jerky transmission can include dirty/less fluid that can starve transmission components. Resultantly, there is a delay in the gear shift. Other causes of jerky transmission include damaged filters, sensors, and torque converters. In some cases, you might also experience weird grinding sounds during gear shifts, along with missing gears. You should take the car to a professional service center to alleviate this problem and enhance the driving experience.
FAQs
Some CVT transmission vehicles offer manual gear shifts. This can be done through pedal shifters located at the backside of the steering or switching to manual mode through the gear lever. In any case, shifting to a manual gear shift will also not resolve the missing gear problem. This is because the torque converter will perform the same function as a clutch; if it is damaged, the gear shift will be jerky. However, if the sensors are causing this issue, then shifting gears with pedal shifters or gear levers might resolve the issue.
No, the transmission filter and oil are not bound to be replaced with engine oil and filter. You can consult the vehicle’s instruction manual to get an idea about the mileage, after which the transmission filter / oil should be replaced. Generally, it is replaced after every 30000 or 50000 miles. However, if the transmission components are experiencing wear and tear, the oil might get dirty, and filters might get clogged before this mileage. So, changing the fluid and filter when you start experiencing lag in gear shift or jerky gear shift is requested.
Common signs of bad transmission are refusal to switch gears or late/early gear switch. This is common in vehicles with automatic transmissions. In the manual transmission case, the burning smell indicates that the clutch plate is burning, so there would be a problem engaging different gears in the car. Similarly, transmission oil leakage, slipping gears, check engine lights, etc., are other common signs indicating a malfunctioning transmission system.
