Car Jerks When Accelerating: Reasons & Fixes

Car jerks when accelerating at low speed is an indication that smoothing is wrong with the car and you should not ignore this issue. As you should know that Jerking car is first sign towards any major issue; if you don’t look into it instantly then you will jump into bigger problem which will cost you more money, time and other resources. Car jerks when accelerating could be because of many reasons. Here are some of the common reasons:

Reasons Why Car Jerks When Accelerating

Fuel System Issues

• Dirty fuel injectors can disrupt the fuel supply to the engine.
• Clogged fuel filter can have restrictions on the fuel flow.
• A failing fuel pump may not deliver adequate fuel pressure.

Ignition System Problems

• The worn or fouled spark plugs can lead to misfires.
• Damaged ignition wires or coils can cause inconsistent firing of the engine.

Transmission Issues

• Insufficient fluid can affect shifting and power delivery.
• Problems within the transmission itself can lead to improper gear engagement.

Air Intake Issues

• Dirty air filter or clogged air filter can restrict the airflow to engine.
• Even faulty Mass Air Flow sensor can have the effect on air-fuel mixture.

Sensors and Electronics

• A malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor can disrupt the engine’s acceleration response.
• Issues with the Engine Control Module can affect various engine functions.

Drivetrain Issues

• Issues in the drivetrain can cause jerking during acceleration.
• Issues in the differential can affect how power is transmitted to the wheels.

Other Mechanical Issues

• A blocked exhaust due to a failing catalytic converter can hinder performance.
• Worn engine mounts can cause vibrations during acceleration.

These were the major reason behind the car jerks when accelerating. You need to first find out the reason that why your car is jerking and these will help you out. Once the issue is found, you need to fix it. To diagnose there are few steps:

Steps to Fix Car Jerks When Accelerating

• You need to check engine light; if it is illuminated then use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes.
• You must visually inspect your car; look around the car for any visible signs of wear or damage in the mentioned components.
• Take a test drive to determine the moment like the specific RPMs or under load, when the jerking occurs
• Try to listen for the sound car is making; any unusual noises can provide clues about the issue.
• Verify that the levels of coolant, transmission fluid, and oil are within the appropriate range.

These were the methods to diagnose the problem; however, it is best to seek advice from an ASE-qualified technician if you are unable to diagnose the problem on your own or if you need specialized expertise or instruments. Frequent maintenance might also lessen the likelihood of future problems of this kind.

Related: Clicking Noise in Dashboard When Car is Off

In The End

In summary, we conclude that if your car jerks when accelerating then there is some problem with your vehicle. Here in this blog we have shared what could be the reason behind car jerking and shared the steps to diagnose the issue.