Q: Jerking and high rpms

asked by on September 04, 2016

Aright so we bought this truck second hand on the 31st of October and the previous owner said it just needed a left strut but that's not the problem the truck did not have issues until early April but here's the the thing the truck would be in first then would jerk forward when up shifting or downshifting and would jerk very violently like if you just got rear ended going like 40kmh and the rpms will shoot way up like it's trying to shift but won't I noticed that it won't like catch gears the Mechanic first said his scanner showed up saying it was 2 solenoids but he checked them all and said they were fine so he said it was probably the computer in the truck (ECU) so we paid about $1200 for the part he put it in and said the problem was fixed because he test drove it and said there were no problems the jerking and stuff stopped so I went to pick it up but sure enough it started doing it again but worse now he said it's the transmission sensors and solenoids what do you think it is?

It may sound like a simple suggestion but I would recommend checking the transmission fluid level to be sure that it is within specification as a low transmission fluid level can also cause some of the issues you are experiencing.

Another possible cause of jerking while shifting would be faulty rear struts or a faulty transmission mount however neither one of these parts would cause the transmission to slip just a jerk and a hard shift. The solenoids are a possibility but I am not sure how the mechanic checked them once and they were ok but now he is saying that they are not.

I would recommend having a qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the jerking symptom you’re experiencing by testing your transmission solenoids using the manufacturers recommended procedure to verify this diagnosis.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Do you service zip 07005, Boonton, NJ?
Hi Van, thank your for your interest! Our current services are expanding daily. Here is the current list of cities that we serve: https://www.yourmechanic.com/city. You can also visit https://www.yourmechanic.com/book/ to add a zip code to your service.
Parking Brake suddenly appears on the dashboard while driving
Check if your brake fluid level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-often-should-brake-fluid-be-changed) is full in the brake master cylinder. The light comes on when you fluid gets low enough to turn on the light and as you drive it, the fluid gets hot and expands...
Misfires while idling
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1986 BMW 635CSi. It sounds like you've checked all of the low hanging fruit. The previous owner may be right - some vehicles (only German ones come to mind) can develop a...
Ignition problem and car won't start - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Hi there. I would need to know if, when it will not start, the engine cranks over or you get nothing. If it will not even crank over, then most of the time this is caused by a failing starter....
What is P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit and where is it located?
Hello - this message (P0335 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0335-obd-ii-trouble-code-crankshaft-position-sensor-a-circuit-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton)) indicates that the crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) is failing, causing the "cutting off" you have already noticed. It is located on the bottom of the engine/transmission interface (drivers side of the vehicle). To avoid...
Could an oil leak turn into a transmission problem?
Hi there. What seemed to happen is that the spark plug well was full of engine oil and when you removed the spark plugs, the oil got into the cylinders. Now, if the rings were sealing very well, the oil...
Rattling under hood,VDC and slip light both on 2010 Nissan Altima
Hi there - the Vehicle Dynamics Control (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/what-does-the-vehicle-dynamic-control-vdc-warning-light-mean) (VDC) system uses the anti-skid brake system (ABS) and engine throttle control to enhance vehicle stability in extreme conditions - like cornering while it's raining. Most often, problems with this system are...
When should I replace my timing belt? How much will it cost on my vehicle?
Hello. The timing belt is suggested to be replaced on your vehicle at the 9 year or 90,000 mile mark, whichever comes first. Timing belts are great idea to replace at suggested intervals because simply put, they are the heart...
Humming sound while accelerating and decelerating. 2012 Kia Optima
Hi there - noises (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/i-hear-an-abnormal-noise-from-front-driver-s-side-wheel-it-sounds-like-a-wheel-bearing-but-not-sure-i-did-a-search-for-wheel-bea-by-j) which get louder with increased road speed can be come from tires, or from worn wheel bearings. If there is any vibration felt through the steering wheel, or noises which increase when turning left or...

Related articles

How Long Does Transmission Fluid Last?
Transmission Transmission fluid lubricates all the moving parts of your car transmission, and in an automatic transmission, it also acts as a coolant and viscous fluid that delivers engine power to the transmission. What kind of transmission fluid to use...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Hilly Area
Do Do you live in terrain that is hilly? Do your city streets feature plenty of inclines and declines that can be nothing short of treacherous in miserable weather? If so, when it’s time to purchase a car you’re looking...
Is it Safe to Drive With a Slipping Transmission?
The transmission converts the power from the engine into motion so the vehicle can move. Vehicles have either an automatic or manual transmission....