A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the engine to run rich (too much fuel) and resulting in jerky acceleration. This one is easy to check and doesn't really need you to go to a mechanic. Just open up the air filter in the engine bay and change it if it looks dirty. Should take you 5 minutes.
This is a relatively easy fix. Remove the fuel injectors, give them a clean, wipe around the area they sit in the vehicle, insert the injectors, and then restart the vehicle.
Repair Costs for a Car That Jerks When Accelerating
Spark Plug Replacement: $75 - $300. Fuel Injector Cleaning: $75 - $300. Air Intake System Replacement: $200 - $700. Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement: $350 - $600.
A car can jerk for a number of reasons while driving. It may be down to a problem with the fuel injector becoming clogged-up, or it may be down to the fuel filter itself which may need to be replaced. The car may have too many miles on it and it may be a problem with bad transmission.
These issues are especially dangerous as they result in reduced stopping power, which can lead to accidents. While you can still drive a jerking car if the occurrences are minor or few and far between, more frequent and stronger jerking when driving at constant speed could mean there are serious issues with your car.
If you notice that your car jerks when accelerating at low speeds, 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 through preventative maintenance care or a timely auto repair service.
A very basic tune up typically costs between $40 and $150. Although, how much is a tune up can vary, based on the cost of parts and labor where you live.
Diagnosing the Issue
Start by checking the air filter and spark plugs; if they're dirty, they could be your culprits. Don't overlook the fuel injection system, as issues here can greatly impact your car's performance. A failed O2 or mass airflow sensor often leads to these symptoms.
In this case, check the transmission fluid level first. Low fluid can lead to a transmission that shifts hard. It's important to find out why the fluid is low and fix any problems. It could be a leaky seal or other mechanical defect.
In cases where automatic transmission jerks are caused by deterioration of the transmission oil from usage or water contamination until the oil properties are no longer suitable for use and effect to poor performance of the transmission system., Accordingly, changing the transmission fluid in the whole system by ...
Comfort: finally, misaligned tires are less able to absorb shock and can make your car's movements jerky or cause vibration. For a smoother, cushier ride, alignment is a must.
The Spark Plugs Could be Worn Out
Spark plugs are one of the least expensive and easiest vehicle repairs to make. Worn or damaged spark plugs are also one of the most common issues with your vehicle jerking while you're accelerating.
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.
Uneven tire wear can have severe effects on your vehicle's handling, far beyond a cosmetic issue. Uneven tire wear can result in jerky acceleration and sudden vibrations.
Experiencing brakes jerking when braking is not only uncomfortable but can also indicate serious issues within the braking system. Warped rotors, worn-out brake pads, contaminated brake fluid, faulty calipers, and ABS malfunctions are common culprits.
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.
If your gears are slipping, it's a clear sign your car's running low on transmission fluid. When experiencing sudden up and down shifts, high RPMs right before shifting, or erratic shifting, seek assistance from your local service center to prevent your transmission from overheating or becoming damaged.
One possible reason your car jerks while accelerating is low engine oil levels. Engine oil makes driving more comfortable because it lubricates the engine's moving parts.
Ideally, you should replace them immediately. However, you can get by for a short while, as long as they aren't misfiring. Poor spark keeps fuel from being burned inside the combustion chamber. This reduces power and fuel economy, and it makes it harder for the engine to idle.
Consistent jerking during acceleration or deceleration in your car is a sign of a potential underlying issue with the engine, transmission, or other critical components. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to more severe damage and increased repair costs.
When we talk about a simple tune-up, we're basically talking about five things: changing spark plugs, ignition wires, O2 sensors, and air and cabin filters. These are well within the ability of even a novice do-it-yourselfer.
But if you're inexperienced and hesitant to try the job yourself, it could be safer to have a repair shop, like AutoZone's Preferred Shops, do it for you. Rather than take a chance on damaging something and adding to the repair cost, it'll get done in a timely fashion by a professional.
A front-end alignment (or two wheel alignment), which involves only the front two wheels, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. While a four wheel alignment costs more, usually $100 to $168.