Car jolts when shifting from drive to reverse at complete stop

Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 2019 HOLDEN ASTRA
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 4,660 MILES
This year I have noticed the car jolts pretty hard when shifting from D to R only, when the car is cold or nearly warmed up. It does not happen when the car has fully warmed up. It also doesn’t happen when shifting in any other configuration other than D to R.
Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 5:36 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

I noticed how new the vehicle is and the low mileage. Have you spoken to a dealer about the problem? This vehicle isn't offered in the US, so I can't be 100% sure, but I would think it is under warranty.

Next, I would suggest checking the transmission fluid level. Transmission fluid expands when it gets hot. That's why the level should be checked when the vehicle is at operating temp. Otherwise, it will appear low. Since it is happening before it warms up, there is a chance the fluid is low.

Here is a link that you may find of interest. Take a look through it and let me know if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, the vehicle is under warranty. I told them about the issue in June this year when I took it for its scheduled service, they said they couldn't find a fault. Here is a photo of what they did during the service. A few people on Reddit said it could be a motor mount, what do you think about that? Also, to my knowledge there is no dipstick to check the fluid so I would have to take it to the service center for them to check it.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

I looked through the pic you attached and I see nothing that would be related to this type of issue. It appears to be a "generic" check list of things.

As far as the motor mount, it's possible. However, I don't see why it would change when the vehicle is warmed-up. Try this. Have a helper hold his foot on the brake and have the parking brake engaged. You open the hood and have that person shift through the gears. If you have a bad mount, you should see excessive movement in the engine/transmission when shifting.

If possible, record it and upload it for me to see.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, I know the photo shows generic things. I just wanted to show that they've checked the fluids and stuff. With this particular issue, all it says is that they couldn't find a fault at that time of service.
I might try that out. When doing it, do I wait until the engine is at operating temperature or just right away?
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

You can do it when the engine is cold or warm.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, October 8th, 2020 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Here is what I have got. Towards the end of the video I was going from D to R, though it wasn't doing the issue.
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Friday, October 9th, 2020 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

It doesn't look like it's moving too much, but with 4,000 miles, it appears more than I would have thought. If you place it in gear and while holding the brake press the throttle lightly, does it move a lot more?
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Friday, October 9th, 2020 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Well, I know for a fact that when I change from P to R when I first turn it on for the day and the tachometer is just over 1 when it’s warming up. It feels like there is no major movement.
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 1:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Chance are then, it is something to do with the transmission itself. Keep in mind, the transmission mounts/engine mounts receive different torque based on the gear (D or R) you select. So, you could have a bad mount that may get worse over time.

Joe
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Great, thank you for your help.
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I wish I could point to something concrete for you, but I have a feeling you may have to wait until it gets worse. Just make sure that it's documented by the dealership so if it gets diagnosed after warranty, you can force them to fix it.

Take good care of yourself.

Joe
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
TYOUIL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yeah, they did document it back in June when I took it for scheduled service. I’m just going to say to check the motor mounts and transmission fluid next June. I feel like they didn’t check it. I remember them saying they couldn’t find any fault codes.
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

I agree. A motor mount won't cause a fault to be set. Please let me know if I can help. Also, if you have a chance, let me know if you learn the cause. I know it will help others that read it.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 7:25 PM

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