Transmission jerks when shifting from park into drive?

DUCKJACE

MEMBER
2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

Only when first starting vehicle and starting in park (not continuing whenever I stop at a stop sign or light) I will put the transmission into drive, it will sit there for a second and then jerk forward. Then I will be able to drive like normal, not experiencing jerking of any other gears.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

Have you checked the transmission fluid level and condition? That is where I recommend starting. If it is low or excessively dirty, it may have a delayed shift the first thing in the morning.

Here is a link that explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

If you look below, I attached a picture and highlighted the level check location on this vehicle. Note that this should be checked with the vehicle on a level surface, the engine at operating temperature, the engine needs to be running when checked, and the vehicle in park. Make sure to fully apply the parking brake.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions,

take care,

joe

See pic below.

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Friday, March 1st, 2024 AT 8:59 PM

DUCKJACE

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Just finished changing transmission fluid yesterday, definitely didn't look good. Not any metal, which I did see when I changed the fluid last time (almost 17,000 miles ago, went ahead and changed it because it had not been changed before that in its lifetime)
The fluid is fine and fresh now. Old fluid looked similar to used motor oil. At this point it still jerks, so I still don't really know what the issue is. Thinking it could be driveshaft, because when I am backing out of a parking spot in reverse I hear a clunking under the car.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 8:00 AM

DUCKJACE

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Also, transmission will do this throughout the day, any time I turn the car off. Only on first shift from park to drive, then drive shifts through gears with mostly being smooth.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 8:02 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

That is possible. If you have someone (carefully) from a park position back out of the driveway while you watch the CV axles, do you see any movement?

If you have the vehicle parked, brake on, engine off, and in neutral, can you feel excessive play in the CV joints? If you grab the steel axle, watch to see if there is excessive play in either the inner or outer CV joint. See pic below.

It's funny but I had this same year and model in the shop two weeks ago, everything was good until you turned the steering wheel. Then, the right front wheel would start locking up. When I lifted the vehicle, I noticed the axle was touching the lower control arm.

Long story short, the customer had a hub bearing replaced. When it was done, they allowed the inner CV joint to internally come apart (let the axle hang). When it went together, it worked until turning. The joint was locking up on the inside. Anyway, that wasn't something I expected, so anything is possible. You should have seen the tire. Ugh! LOL

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)