Question

Why does my automatic transmission car Jerk when accelerating?

I have a 2003 Buick Century that has just starting Jerking when I accelerate the car.

The car used to shift smoothly but now when I accelerate to get up to speed the transmission takes a few seconds to shift and then when it shifts the car Jerks.

This happens in all speeds as I accelerate but once it's in the gears it drives fine until I need to accelerate again?

Is the transmission going bad or is it something else that could be easily and cheaply fixed?

Can I continue driving the car with the transmission Jerking when it shifts?

Answer 1

An automatic car transmission that Jerks when shifts is most often because of a bad transmission shift solenoid or a clogged or dirty transmission filter and/or bad or burnt automatic transmission fluid.

When the transmission filter is clogged or dirty then the transmission fluid cannot circulate through the transmission to build up enough hydraulic pressure to operate.

The transmission filter being clogged or dirty can cause the car to jerk or have delayed shifting.

Even burnt or old transmission fluid that breaks down can cause the automatic transmission to jerk when accelerating and shifting and cause the transmission to feel like it's slipping.

If your speedometer is jumping around then it is caused by a loose wire or the speed sensor and the speed sensor also controls the transmission shifting.

The computer in the car tells the transmission shift solenoid to operate which allows transmission fluid to pass through so it can change gears.

When the transmission shift solenoid is bad or sticking it will cause the transmission to shift erratically and Jerk upon acceleration.

Low transmission fluid can also cause an automatic transmission to Jerk when shifting as well.

Even a dirty and clogged transmission filter can cause an automatic transmission to shift erratically and Jerk upon accelerating.

Replacing the automatic transmission shift solenoid requires dropping the transmission pan under the car and installing a new one.

You'll also need to replace the transmission fluid and filter as well as gasket.

This can be a do it yourself job if you know what you're doing or anyone that works on cars can easily do it as well or a shop or mobile mechanic.

The transmission shift solenoid costs around $20.00 to $30.00 and the filter and seal for the automatic transmission costs around $20.00 to $30.00