What to Do When Your Car’s Speedometer Jumps and Jerks

AvatarByCarl Frisch

A speedometer jump and car jerk is a condition that can occur in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. It is most commonly caused by an issue with the transmission fluid, such as a leak or low fluid levels. When this happens, the vehicle may suddenly accelerate or decelerate unexpectedly, accompanied by a jerking motion. The speedometer will also jump up and down erratically as the car jerks. This condition can be very dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. To fix this problem, a mechanic will need to inspect the transmission and repair any issues with the fluid levels or leakage.

Check the Engine Performance

When your speedometer jumps and your car jerks, it can be an indication of a problem with your engine. To diagnose the issue, you should first check the engine performance. Start by inspecting the spark plugs and fuel filter for wear-and-tear. If either of these components is worn out, it can cause the car to jerk and the speedometer to jump. Additionally, you should check for compression in each cylinder. Low compression in any of the cylinders can also cause jerky movements and strange speedometer readings.

Check Electrical System

If there are no issues with the engine performance, then you may need to look into potential electrical problems. Check if your alternator is working correctly, as a faulty alternator can cause issues with both acceleration and braking. Additionally, make sure that your battery is strong enough to provide enough power to run all of your vehicle’s components without draining too quickly. Lastly, inspect all wiring and connectors for signs of wear-and-tear or corrosion that could be causing an issue with power delivery in certain areas of your vehicle.

Check Transmission Issues

If you have ruled out both engine and electrical issues then you may want to investigate potential transmission problems. Make sure that your transmission fluid levels are correct and that there is no contamination present in it. You should also check if the torque converter is working properly as this component can affect how quickly or slowly your car accelerates or decelerates when changing gears.

Check Suspension Issues

Finally, consider whether any suspension components might be causing jerky motions or unusual speedometer readings. Check if any suspension parts have been bent or damaged due to road conditions or accidents that may have occurred while driving. Additionally, make sure that shocks and struts are not worn out as this could affect how smoothly your car travels over bumps in the road.

Check Electrical Systems for Defects

It is important to check the electrical systems of a car for any defects if you are experiencing issues with the speedometer jumping and your car jerking. The first step is to test the alternator and battery voltage outputs. This should be done to ensure that the electrical systems are working properly and that there is no problem with their output.

You should also inspect wires, connectors, and ground points for corrosion or damage. Corrosion or damage can cause problems with the electrical systems of a car, so it is important to check them regularly.

Analyze The Transmission System

In order to fix the problem of speedometer jumping and car jerking, it is also necessary to analyze the transmission system for any abnormalities. This can be done by examining fluid levels and condition of transmission fluid as well as inspecting the torque converter for wear-and-tear or damage. If any of these components are not in optimal condition, it could cause issues with the speedometer jumping or car jerking.

Check Brake System

The brake system should also be checked if you are experiencing speedometer jumping or car jerking. Brakes that are worn out or damaged can cause problems with acceleration and deceleration, which can lead to speedometer jumping or car jerking. Inspecting brake pads and rotors for wear-and-tear is an essential step in diagnosing these types of issues.

Check Suspension System

The suspension system should also be checked if you are experiencing speedometer jumping or car jerking. Worn out shocks and struts can cause problems with acceleration and deceleration, as well as make your ride uncomfortable due to excessive bouncing while driving over bumps in the road. Checking these components regularly will help keep your ride smooth and prevent issues such as speedometer jumping or car jerking from occurring.

Check Tire Alignment

Finally, tire alignment should be checked if you are experiencing problems with the speedometer jumping or your car jerking while driving at higher speeds on straightaways. Poor alignment can cause excessive wear on tires which could lead to premature replacement – not only will this cost more money in tires but it can also lead to further issues such as poor handling due to unevenly worn tires which could make driving dangerous in certain situations.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the potential causes of a speedometer jumping and car jerking?
A: Potential causes of a speedometer jumping and car jerking can include engine problems such as faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel filter, or low compression in the cylinder; electrical problems such as a faulty alternator, weak battery, or worn out wires or connectors; transmission issues such as a low fluid level or contamination, or a faulty torque converter; and suspension problems such as bent or damaged suspension components or worn out shocks or struts.

Q: How can I diagnose the problem of speedometer jumping and car jerking?
A: To diagnose the problem of speedometer jumping and car jerking, you should check the engine performance by inspecting the spark plugs and fuel filter for wear-and-tear, testing for compression in cylinders; checking electrical systems for defects by testing the alternator and battery voltage outputs, inspecting wires, connectors, and ground points for corrosion or damage; analyzing the transmission system for abnormalities by examining fluid level and condition of transmission fluid; and inspecting torque converter for wear-and-tear or damage.

Q: What steps should I take to fix the problem of speedometer jumping and car jerking?
A: Steps to take to fix the problem of speedometer jumping and car jerking will depend on what is causing it. If engine problems are identified, you may need to replace spark plugs, fuel filter, valve cover gasket set or other damaged parts. If electrical problems are identified, you may need to replace alternator, battery cables/wires/connectors/ground points. If transmission issues are identified, you may need to flush transmission fluid/filter/pan gasket set. If suspension problems are identified, you may need to replace bent components/shocks/struts.

Q: Is it dangerous if my speedometer jumps and my car jerks?
A: Yes it can be dangerous if your speedometer jumps and your car jerks. It can be difficult to control your vehicle if it is not responding properly due to mechanical issues with your engine or other components. Additionally, sudden jerks can cause loss of control which could lead to an accident. It is important that you diagnose the issue as soon as possible so that it can be fixed before any further damage occurs.

Q: Should I take my car into a mechanic if my speedometer jumps and my car jerks?
A: Yes it is recommended that you take your car into a mechanic if your speedometer jumps and your car jerks in order to get an accurate diagnosis of what is causing these issues so that they can be fixed properly. A mechanic will have access to diagnostic tools which will allow them to identify exactly what is wrong with your vehicle so that they can get it running properly again in no time!

In conclusion, speedometer jumps and car jerks can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from a loose gas cap to an engine misfire. Diagnosing the cause of the problem can be difficult and time-consuming. Nevertheless, it is important to identify and fix the underlying issue to ensure safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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