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What causes a car to jerk before putting it in reverse?

Several factors could cause a car to jerk before putting it in reverse. Here are a few common possibilities:

1. TRANSMISSION ISSUES:

- Faulty Transmission Mount: A worn or damaged transmission mount can cause the transmission to move excessively when shifting into reverse, resulting in a jerking motion.

- Synchronization Issues: If the synchronizers in the transmission are worn or damaged, it may cause difficulty engaging the reverse gear smoothly, leading to jerking.

2. CLUTCH PROBLEMS (FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS):

- Clutch Drag: If the clutch does not disengage completely when the clutch pedal is pressed, it can cause the transmission gears to grind when shifting into reverse, resulting in a jerking sensation.

- Worn Clutch Disc: A worn clutch disc can slip, causing a lack of smooth engagement between the engine and the transmission, which may lead to jerking.

3. ISSUES WITH SHIFT LINKAGE OR GEAR SELECTOR:

- Faulty Linkage: Problems with the shift linkage (the mechanism that connects the gear selector to the transmission) can cause imprecise or difficult gear selection, leading to jerky movements.

- Worn Selector Components: Worn or damaged components within the gear selector assembly, such as bushings, cables, or detents, can affect smooth gear engagement, resulting in jerks.

4. FLUID-RELATED ISSUES:

- Low Transmission Fluid: Insufficient or low transmission fluid can lead to a lack of lubrication and increased friction within the transmission, causing jerking during gear shifts.

- Contaminated Fluid: Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid can impair its lubricating properties, leading to jerking and other transmission problems.

5. ENGINE MOUNT ISSUES:

- Worn or Broken Mounts: Worn engine mounts can allow excessive engine movement during gear changes, potentially causing the car to jerk.

6. THROTTLE RESPONSE:

- In some cases, a poorly calibrated throttle response or a sticky throttle cable can cause a surge in engine RPM when shifting into reverse, leading to a jerking sensation.

7. COMPUTER OR SENSOR RELATED:

- Faulty Sensors: If sensors involved in the transmission's operation provide incorrect information to the vehicle's computer, it can result in improper shifting and jerking.

8. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS:

- Electrical issues, such as poor electrical connections or faulty electrical components, can affect the functionality of transmission solenoids or sensors, leading to jerking during gear shifts.

It's important to note that the specific cause of the jerking may vary depending on the make, model, and transmission type of your car. If you experience consistent jerking before putting the car in reverse, it's recommended to have the vehicle inspected and diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the root cause and appropriate solution.