6 Reasons Your Car Jerks When Accelerating | AAMCO Colorado

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My Car Jerks When Accelerating

May 23, 2018 | Blog

These are the most common reasons why your car jerks while accelerating…

Car jerking is a common problem with many different factors that can contribute to the cause.

Worn Out Spark Plugs
Dirty Fuel Injectors
Damaged Acceleration Cable
Blocked Fuel or Air Intakes
Accumulated Moisture
Clogged Catalytic Converter

1. Why Does My Car Jerk While Accelerating?

2. AAMCO Can Help!

3. More From Our Blog

Why Does My Car Jerk While Accelerating?

If your car is jerking around when you accelerate this is a warning sign that there is a bigger problem with your car. The sooner you are able to diagnose the issue, the more you can minimize the damage to your car and lower the costs of the repair. You should not ignore this problem, always bring your car into a certified mechanic before it gets worse.

Related: Why Is My Car Shaking When Stopped or Idling?

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Worn Out Spark Plugs

Spark plugs that are worn out will cause the engine to misfire. This means that your spark plugs are not igniting the fuel in each piston cylinder in a timely manner, causing your car to jerk around while accelerating. If your spark plugs are worn out they should just be replaced, as they are generally an easy and inexpensive repair.

Dirty Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are how the gas in your car is admitted into your car’s engine. When your fuel injectors get dirty the stream of fuel will not be continuous, causing misfires in your engine – and as a result your car to jerk as you accelerate. Your fuel injectors should be cleaned occasionally to avoid this problem, as well as more costly repairs down the line.

Related: What You Should Know About Fuel Injectors

Damaged Acceleration Cable

You may experience jerking if your acceleration cable is worn out. This is a metal braided cable that serves as a link between the gas pedal and your engine throttle plate. When you press the gas pedal the cable is pulled and this opens the throttle. Over time these cables weaken with age and can fail and break. When this cable becomes damaged it will take you longer to accelerate and cause your car to jerk.

Blocked Fuel or Air Intakes

Car engines need air and fuel to work. Inside of your engine air mixes with fuel and is lit by the spark plugs to create an explosion that moves the pistons inside. This cycle continues on and on, allowing your car to move. If there is a block in the lines that allow fuel or air into your engine then this cycle is interrupted and can cause your car to jerk as you try to accelerate. Typically a check engine light will appear if one of these intakes is blocked – remember, never ignore your check engine light, always bring it into a service center right away!

Don’t GEt Jerked Around up by Car Problems

AAMCO Colorado is staying open, practicing safe healthy measures, in order to provide essential car maintenance and Vehicle Courtesy Check services to help our communities. Stay safe, and get your car maintained here.

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Accumulated Moisture

Moisture gathering in your car’s distributor cap can cause your car to jerk while you are accelerating, as this will cause your engine to misfire. This can happen easily when you are parked outside in cold weather. The best way to prevent this is to park in a warm dry spot on cold and wet weather days.

Clogged Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter is responsible for regulating the emissions coming out of your car. Sometimes the rich mixtures of air and fuel that flows through your catalytic converter can clog, which can result in a jerking or stuttering motion when you press the gas pedal.

Related: My Car Rolls When I Put It In Park | Read more…

Related: Change Your Transmission Filter | Read more…

Related: Sounds Your Car Makes When It Needs Repairs | Read more…

Don’t Let Your Car Jerk You Around – AAMCO Can Help!

If you notice your car jerking when you accelerate it’s time to bring it in to the auto repair experts at AAMCO Colorado. At AAMCO Colorado, we run a thorough Vehicle Courtesy Check to get at the root of the problem, make an accurate diagnosis, and confirm with you the work that needs to be done to fix it right and get you back on the road.

If you are having car troubles find your local AAMCO Colorado and call or book online today to visit us today.

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30 Comments

EFY AKPAMA on October 6, 2018 at 10:03 pm
THANKS A LOT
Linda Runles on November 30, 2018 at 8:38 pm
Very informative!!
Maccy on February 17, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Thanks a lot here! I think my accelerator cable could be my problem coz my plugs are okay. I never spiked a service.
Tia on March 13, 2019 at 9:23 pm
Very informative and easy to understand. Thank you
James on March 22, 2019 at 10:42 am
Can the coil pack be damaged that can also cause the problem
AAMCO Colorado on April 2, 2019 at 4:13 pm
James, We understand how frustrating it can be when your car isn’t working right. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.

Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Marie on April 13, 2019 at 7:09 pm
My car jumps hard when slowing down to turn in and makes a loud noise what could that be the car runs fine other than that and it does not do it every time I drive it .
AAMCO Colorado on April 29, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Marie, Any new an unusual jerking and jumping motions coupled with loud noise is a cause for concern, these symptoms could indicate a growing transmission problem or problem is another system of your car. We understand how frustrating it can be when your car isn’t working right. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.

Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Benard Osoba on July 2, 2019 at 2:07 pm
My car jerks when it got warm little especially when my foot is on the gas pedal, it does that when I break down and trying to accelerate again. I change plugs and it work well that very day and start again second day.
Car jerks at 23 RPM what is the on August 1, 2019 at 7:56 am
Car jerks at 23 RPMs then straightens out for a while and then goes to jerking again at 20 RPMs I’ve checked everything except the gas tank
AAMCO Colorado on August 1, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Hello, If you are experiencing jerking or new unexplained symptoms with your car we suggest visiting a mechanic for a diagnostic test right away. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature.

Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Anga's on August 16, 2019 at 4:54 am
Hello Sir / Madam I’ve polo hatchback polo 2011 ..it jerked when drive with gear 3and 4 and after engaging gear and leave pedals just starts to jerk immediately indicate ABS on my dashboard.
susie on August 18, 2019 at 3:02 pm
The floor in the rear and front passenger sides have flooded (water) in the last few days and today the car leapt and lurched when I drove it down the driveway so I turned back. And ideas what’s wrong????
AAMCO Colorado on August 20, 2019 at 2:19 pm
Susie, If you are experiencing jerking or new unexplained symptoms with your car we suggest visiting a mechanic for a diagnostic test right away. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. Often times lurching and jerking motions indicate a transmission problem may be developing. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature.

Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
AAMCO Colorado on August 20, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Anga, Any new, or usual jerking can indicate larger transmission problems within your car. However, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Yolanda Rodriguez on August 26, 2019 at 11:13 pm
2006 expedition had a tune up done to it n still jerking to about 40 miles no lights on at all 3 mechanics n can’t find the problem
AAMCO Colorado on August 28, 2019 at 11:40 am
Yolanda, Any new, or unusual jerking can indicate larger transmission problems within your car – or indicate the need for a transmission fluid flush. However, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Jason on September 1, 2019 at 11:06 am
My car is jerking when driving above 85 speed.I took it to be diagnosed and it shows airflow mass. I bought the airflow mass but still it shows it and an engine light

What could be the real problem?
AAMCO Colorado on September 4, 2019 at 9:48 am
Jason, Any new, or unusual jerking can indicate larger transmission problems within your car – or indicate the need for a transmission fluid flush. However, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Lary Cook on September 22, 2019 at 11:37 pm
If your car jerks when accelerating then get it repaired as soon as possible. Because you don’t want it to break down in middle of the road when you’re up to something important. And also, start going for regular auto repairs.
AAMCO Colorado on September 25, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Lary, We couldn’t agree more, it is always best to get an issue checked out before it becomes a costly problem. We also suggested regular tune-ups for older cars. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Sandra Gonzales on November 1, 2019 at 12:30 am
My car jerks while driving and roars when im not even stepping on the gas pedal while its on park. I did notice i had no engine fluid and bought some anf still no change.
AAMCO Colorado on November 13, 2019 at 11:17 am
Sandra Issues with your car jerking can be an indication of serious transmission problems. However, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Roses on May 5, 2020 at 9:46 am
Very useful information. Thank you very much!
Roses on May 21, 2020 at 7:55 pm
It’s great blog. Thanks you!
Russell on June 13, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Well my car started to like bogg out at high rpm like when I went to get on highway my car just started bogging out so I replaced the my whole exhaust from Mani fold back it needed it but thought catalac converter was bad but my car was good untill yesterday started doing it again then went away again Amy suggestions what this might be I’m thinking fuel filter or air filter it doesn’t do it all the time just every once in awhile it will bogg out when I give it alot of gas petal at one time
AAMCO Colorado on June 22, 2020 at 9:40 am
Russell, Jerking can indicate a larger problem within your transmission system. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado
Ronda on August 24, 2020 at 7:46 pm
Thanks for sharing this advice on getting your car’s transmission problems fixed. I had no idea that a slipping transmission occurs when the gears become too worn. However, that could explain why my car has a little trouble decelerating. It feels like my car takes an extra moment to shift into the right gear. Either way, I should probably have my car inspected before I go and buy a new part immediately.
Samantha on September 23, 2020 at 7:52 pm
My car stutters and then jerks when I accelerate not all the time but sometimes. No check engine light. Car drives smooth other than
AAMCO Colorado on September 25, 2020 at 9:08 am
Samantha, This stuttering could be an early warning sign of failure within your transmission system. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 15 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. If you have additional questions, be sure to check out our “Ask a Mechanic” feature, where you can email in your question to one of our AAMCO Colorado mechanics. Thanks, AAMCO Colorado

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Tag » What Does It Mean When Your Car Jerks While Driving

These are the most common reasons why your car jerks while accelerating…

Post Navigation

1. Why Does My Car Jerk While Accelerating?

2. AAMCO Can Help!

3. More From Our Blog

Why Does My Car Jerk While Accelerating?

Recent Posts

Categories

Worn Out Spark Plugs

Dirty Fuel Injectors

Damaged Acceleration Cable

Blocked Fuel or Air Intakes

Don’t GEt Jerked Around up by Car Problems

AAMCO Colorado is staying open, practicing safe healthy measures, in order to provide essential car maintenance and Vehicle Courtesy Check services to help our communities. Stay safe, and get your car maintained here.

Accumulated Moisture

Clogged Catalytic Converter

Don’t Let Your Car Jerk You Around – AAMCO Can Help!

Recent Posts from Our Blog

Oil Changes & Oil Filter Replacement: What Does This Actually Do?

First 3 Things to Check if Your AC Stops Working

Top 5 Car Skills Your Teens Should Learn

Oil Changes & Oil Filter Replacement: What Does This Actually Do?

First 3 Things to Check if Your AC Stops Working

Top 5 Car Skills Your Teens Should Learn

Protected: How to Check if Your Car Repairs are Covered by Insurance

Find Your Local AAMCO Colorado

Navigate our Blog

Recent Posts

Categories

30 Comments

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