Car jumps or jerks when transmission is shifted into reverse or drive

JESSICA G.

MEMBER
2011 KIA OPTIMA
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

Flushed and replaced transmission fluid. Changed all solenoids. Restarted ECU by disconnecting battery and tapping negative and positive together. Typically, will work for a day or two after that with overdrive starting in first gear but then goes back to jerking with overdrive starting in fourth gear. Trying the speed sensor next. Does this car need specific Transmission fluid? Used Maxlife Valvoline ATF.

The car listed above is a non-hybrid.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

If you look at the attached pic below, it indicates the manufacturer's ATF requirements. You will need to check the label on the fluid you purchased to see if it indicates it can replace what is listed.

Here is what I need you to do. Because of the model year, you need to have the can-bus scanned. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all the computers and modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will identify codes regardless of the module they are stored in. In this case, I'm interested in TCM (transmission control module) codes.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

I'm recommending this because the cause could be a few different things. For example, it could be an issue with the TCM, line pressure, and so on. Without checking for codes, it becomes a guessing game.

Let me know your thoughts. Also, let me know if the if the Maxlife indicates it can be used in place with the listing below.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Note: You didn't list the engine size, so I went with the 2.4L which is the most common. If it is different, let me know.

Image (Click to make bigger)