Gears are giving jerk while shifting, might need a rebuild

From first to second gear shift, there is a jerk to frame. Sometimes it takes a little while for second gear to pick up

My car has 160000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This generation of Accord commonly suffered from automatic transmission failures, so it’s quite possible that you are experiencing the early sings of failure. I would suggest having the transmission pressures checked to see if one of the valve body solenoids are sticking or bad. Depending on the outcome of that, you can decide if you’d like to replace individual components, or perform a complete rebuild or replacement of the transmission. If you need help having this looked at, a professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the shifting issue and let you know what needs repair.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

When gears don`t properly fit together, they can create a jerky shifting experience. Similarly, transmission bands that are linked to the gears, in automatic transmissions, can wear down or break over time and require replacement.
A Transmission Fault

Shifting issues can sometimes cause your vehicle to feel like it is jerking when accelerating. If you have internal transmission damage, it can cause the gears to slip [and] engage over and over again, which feels like jerking when accelerating.

The Vehicle Speed Sensor measures vehicle speed. When it fails the transmission can stop shifting or shift late and harsh. A bad VSS may also inhibit overdrive and the converter clutch.
When the transmission fluid is low, it can`t properly lubricate the gears, causing them to grind and jerk when they shift. If the transmission fluid is dirty, it can cause the same problem.
Though changing transmission fluid can`t fix mechanical problems, it does make for smoother shifts and can extend the life of your transmission. And even when manufacturers recommend fluid change intervals of 150,000 miles under normal conditions, it may be a good idea to change it more frequently.
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.
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.
When your vehicle is unable to shift out of neutral or park, this is a clear indication that there is a serious problem somewhere in the transition system. A failing transmission position sensor may no longer send the right signals to the Powertrain Control Module, or PCM.
For example, in some situations an oxygen sensor can cause poor shifting in your transmission – if the engine isn`t running correctly, the transmission control module may misinterpret when and where it`s supposed to be shifting, causing erratic behavior at the transmission.
Most issues you will run into related to engine oil concerns will fall under driveability, shift quality, and/or shift scheduling. Issues experienced are as follows, but not limited to: Harsh shifting. Limited power.
You`ll make much smoother gear changes if you lighten up the pressure you apply on the pedals and the force with which you pull the gearstick. Lightly press the clutch to engage it, don`t stamp on it. Similarly when you release it, do so smoothly, to prevent the car from lurching.
Changing the fluid on a regularly driven vehicle can only help revitalize the clutch material. If the fluid has never been changed on a regularly driven car, at 170,000 miles, you damn well need to completely flush the system!
When your car jerks, stumbles or stutters while driving, it usually means something is interfering with the proper distribution and transfer of power from your transmission. Another example is if you`re driving a manual transmission and haven`t gained the feel of shifting for your particular vehicle.
If your car jerks when slowing down, it`s likely due to a problem with your transmission. Transmission problems can be caused by a variety of things, including low fluid levels, worn-out parts, or leaks. If you`re experiencing transmission problems, the first thing you should do is check the fluid level.
If your car has an automatic transmission, the shift solenoid will shift the gears for you. The transmission control unit will take the information from the engine and speed sensors along with other parts of your vehicle to then decide when to shift gears for power and fuel efficiency.
When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel shuddering and even slipping in overdrive. You usually notice your car shuddering because it feels like it`s vibrating. Your car will vibrate even when you`re not going very fast. The shuddering makes the car lag and is very noticeable.
Technological diagnostics

Today`s vehicles come equipped with complex computer systems. And modern diagnostic technology can communicate with your automobile`s computer systems to determine your specific transmission problems.

Typically with transmission slipping, it may feel as if your gears are changing for no logical reason. Your engine may start to create a whining sound or pitch when it occurs. Alternatively, it may feel like you haven`t got enough power to drive at the desired speed.
Clogged Fuel Injectors

If you hear your car engine stuttering, then the injectors may not be providing an adequate amount of fuel. To fix this, you should clean the injectors on a regular basis. Using a fuel injector cleaning solution might eliminate the issue of the car jerking.

A car has two speed sensors: the ISS and the OSS, working together to show the transmission data to the car`s powertrain module. The ISS sensor monitors the input shaft`s speed. If these sensors get misaligned, the operation of the transmission system will be affected.
If the sensor is magnetic, it can go bad from iron sticking to the tip of the sensor, which will cause an inaccurate reading. In this case, the sensor may not have to be replaced as the sensor can be cleaned off.
Occasionally, these sensors can fail or become faulty working intermittently sending inaccurate signals to the ECU. In your case it may be possible that the transmission is receiving a faulty signal from the ABS system.
A faulty crankshaft sensor is also used by the transmission as an input shaft speed sensor for the transmission to shift correctly. The sensor may affect shifting and also the way the engine runs. Your engine may also have went into failure mode if the crankshaft sensor is failing.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Gears are giving jerk while shifting, might need a rebuild
ANSWER : This generation of Accord commonly suffered from automatic transmission failures, so it’s quite possible that you are experiencing the early sings of failure. I would suggest having the transmission pressures checked to see if one of the valve body solenoids are sticking or bad. Depending on the outcome of that, you can decide if you’d like to replace individual components, or perform a complete rebuild or replacement of the transmission. If you need help having this looked at, a professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the shifting issue and let you know what needs repair.

My gear shift doesn’t shift to any other gear its stuck on neutral. I open the gear assembly and I can pull a lever which allows me to move it.
ANSWER : Hi there. The shifter interlock solenoid is not working and needs replaced. The shifter interlock solenoid makes the shifter lock in place so it does not move if you accidentally move it into another gear. If you need further assistance with your shifter not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I have a Mitsubishi 660cc mini pajero duke version automatic gears. My cars gears is jerking and not shifting properly especially drive.
ANSWER : Hi there. First check the transmission fluid level and make sure it’s full and red in color. If the fluid is normal and red in color, then there can be an issue within the transmission not engaging the clutch packs within the transmission. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you determine what is going on within your transmission.

The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
ANSWER : The problem could be that the internal transmission pump is weak, or the transmission clutch seals are leaking. It sounds like the transmission will need an overhaul.

I recommend having a transmission mechanic test the pressures and diagnose the problems to verify whether you need an overhaul with a new torque convertor.

My 2004 Audi TT (automatic) has about 75K miles on it. For a while, I’ve been experiencing really harsh shifts between gears when
ANSWER : To begin with, you need to be sure the car has the correct fluid in the transmission and that the fluid level is correct. VW and Audi use their own unique fluid and any substitutions can cause problems. The level is set while the engine is warmed up and running and, reading the transmission temperature on a scanner, there is a short time/temp window where the level can be set. That said: your car has a computer controlled transmission and nobody will be able to give you a proper diagnosis without scanning the transmission controller. A generic scanner will not do the trick in this case, it has to be a VW Audi specific tool. To have this done at your convenience, you can contact Your Mechanic to have a technician come out to your home or office to check out your Audi transmission and give you a recommendation on what needs to be done.

Won’t shift past 2nd gear . It drives normal to 2nd gear but wont shift into 3r – 2000 Ford F150 4×4
ANSWER : Hello – I don’t think this is related to switching back to 2WD per se. There is a shift position sensor on the side of the transmission, and it’s possible that the snow activity caused moisture and/or dirt to get into the sensor. I would recommend a transmission inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

I got sound when I shift to 3rd gear and it’s get hard to put shift to second gear when car is in 3rd gear.
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds as though the synchronizers in the transmission, which are used to adjust transmission internal gear speed when upshifting or downshifting are possibly worn out or you are shifting a bit too fast. It is also possible that the clutch is not releasing fully when you press the clutch pedal. In some conditions, utilizing synthetic gear oil in the transmission can help the quality of gear shifting. If the clutch is not fully releasing an inspection of the clutch hydraulics is a good idea. I would recommend having an inspection of the hard shift completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost for repairs.

car hesitation in 1st and 2nd gears , its totally fine in higher gears . hesitation means light jerks , what’s the issue?
ANSWER : Hi there. You may be having an engine misfire since it is only when you are accelerating. The misfire may be due to worn spark plugs or the ignition system coil failing. The ignition system includes the spark plugs, wires, and coils which need to be checked for signs of failure. I recommend having the engine completely diagnosed and scanned for codes to see what is causing the misfire in the engine. You may only need a tuneup or may need more ignition components. I recommend having a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect for trouble codes and replace any failing components.