What Causes a Car to Stutter When Shifting Gears?

Feeling your car jerk or hesitate during a gear change isn’t just annoying—it’s a signal that something’s off. Whether it happens during acceleration, deceleration, or while cruising, a stutter when shifting usually points to an issue in the transmission, engine, or fuel delivery system. It’s not something that will fix itself, and if left alone, it could turn into a much bigger (and more expensive) problem. So what’s causing that hesitation—and what should you do about it?

Old Transmission Fluid or Low Fluid Level

Transmission fluid keeps everything in your transmission running smoothly by lubricating gears, cooling components, and maintaining hydraulic pressure. If that fluid is dirty, degraded, or running low, your transmission might slip, jerk, or hesitate during gear shifts.

In automatic transmissions, stuttering is especially common when the fluid hasn’t been changed in a long time. Old fluid loses its ability to maintain pressure, which leads to rough or delayed shifting.

If you’ve noticed the car struggles, particularly between first and second gear or while accelerating, this could be one of the first things to check.

Clogged or Failing Transmission Solenoids

Solenoids act as the electronic gatekeepers for fluid flow inside an automatic transmission. When one gets stuck or fails, it can cause erratic shifting or make the transmission jerk as it tries to change gears.

Transmission solenoid issues may also trigger warning lights on the dash or cause the car to go into limp mode (where it’s stuck in low gear). Solenoids can fail due to contamination, electrical issues, or just long-term wear.

If your vehicle is stuttering and you’re also seeing a check engine light or transmission warning, solenoids could be the culprit.

Worn Clutch Components in Manual Vehicles

If you drive a manual and the car stutters when shifting, the issue might lie in the clutch system. A worn clutch plate, weak pressure plate, or slipping clutch can cause the engine to hesitate as the gears engage.

In these cases, you may also notice:

A burning smell when driving
Higher-than-usual engine revs without an increase in speed
Difficulty getting into gear, especially in first or reverse

Manual transmissions are often more affordable to service than automatics, but catching problems early can still save you from major repairs down the road.

Ignition or Fuel Delivery Issues

Sometimes, gear changes cause a slight drop or surge in engine load—and if your fuel or ignition system isn’t ready for it, the car can hesitate or stumble. That stuttering may feel like a transmission issue, but it's actually caused by:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Failing ignition coils
Clogged fuel injectors
A faulty mass airflow sensor

If your engine runs rough across a range of speeds or stutters even when not shifting, this could be a sign the problem is engine-related rather than transmission-specific.

Software or Computer Issues

Modern vehicles rely on a transmission control module (TCM) or engine control unit (ECU) to manage shift points and throttle response. If there’s a software issue or the sensors feeding data to those computers are off, the timing of your shifts can be thrown out of sync.

In some cases, a simple software update or sensor replacement can resolve the stuttering without a full transmission repair. However, this type of problem usually needs professional diagnostic tools to identify accurately.

Mounting Problems or Mechanical Damage

Another less obvious cause of stuttering during shifts is a broken engine or transmission mount. These rubber or hydraulic mounts hold the engine and transmission in place and absorb movement. If one is broken or loose, the entire powertrain can shift during gear changes—making it feel like the car jerks or bucks forward.

This issue is often felt more at lower speeds or during hard acceleration and is sometimes mistaken for transmission failure when it’s really a simpler (and less expensive) fix.

Get It Checked

A little hesitation once in a while might not seem like a big deal, but if the stuttering gets worse or starts happening more often, it’s time to get your vehicle looked at. Transmission issues can get expensive quickly if ignored, and early diagnosis is the key to avoiding major repairs.

Pay attention to these warning signs:

Consistent jerking or surging during shifts
Unusual noises during acceleration
Delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse
Dashboard warning lights

Even if the problem isn’t your transmission, something in the drivetrain or engine management system is off—and it’s worth fixing now, not later.

Laguna Auto Service Center – Transmission Experts in Laguna Beach, CA

Bring your car to Laguna Auto Service Center in Laguna Beach, CA, if it is stuttering between gears. We’ll run a full diagnostic on your transmission, engine, and fuel system to find out what’s going on and fix it before it leads to more costly damage.

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What Causes Sudden Drops in Oil Pressure?

August 29, 2025

Oil pressure is one of the most important factors in keeping your engine healthy. It ensures that oil is moving through the engine’s passages to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, and carry away heat. A sudden drop in oil pressure can quickly lead to major damage if not addressed immediately. Understanding the possible causes can help you act fast and protect your engine. Why Oil Pressure Is So Important Your engine is made up of many fast-moving metal components. Without a steady supply of pressurized oil, these parts grind against each other, generating heat and wearing down rapidly. Oil pressure is what keeps the lubrication flowing consistently. If that pressure suddenly drops, critical engine parts like the crankshaft, camshaft, and bearings can be starved of oil within seconds, causing severe damage. Common Causes of Sudden Oil Pressure Loss Low Oil Level The most obvious cause is simply not having enough oil in the system. If oil levels drop too low due to leaks , burning oil, or neglecting oil changes, the oil pump may struggle to maintain proper pressure. Oil Pump Failure The oil pump is responsible for creating pressure and circulating oil throughout the engine. If it becomes worn or damaged, it may not be able to maintain sufficient pressure, leading to immediate warning signs on your dashboard. Blocked or Restricted Oil Passages Sludge, carbon buildup, or debris in the engine can block oil passages, restricting flow and causing a sudden drop in pressure. This is more common in engines that have gone too long between oil changes. Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor Sometimes, the issue is not mechanical but electrical. A failing oil pressure sensor can send false readings to the gauge or warning light. While this might not mean there’s actually a pressure loss, it still requires a professional check to rule out a real problem. Worn Engine Bearings Bearings create the smooth surfaces on which engine components rotate. As they wear, they create larger gaps for oil to pass through, reducing pressure. In severe cases, sudden bearing wear can cause a noticeable drop in oil pressure almost instantly. Warning Signs to Watch For An illuminated oil pressure warning light. Engine noise, such as knocking or ticking. Burning oil smell. Sudden loss of power. If you notice any of these signs, shut off the engine as soon as it’s safe to do so and have the vehicle towed to a repair facility. Why You Shouldn’t Keep Driving Continuing to drive with low oil pressure is extremely risky. Within minutes, the lack of lubrication can cause irreversible engine damage, often requiring a full rebuild or replacement. Even if the problem turns out to be a faulty sensor, it’s not worth the gamble. Treat every sudden oil pressure drop as a serious emergency until proven otherwise. Diagnosing the Cause A professional inspection will start with checking the oil level and condition. If the oil is dirty or contaminated, it can point toward sludge buildup or internal wear. Next, technicians may attach a mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify the reading from the dashboard. If the pressure is indeed low, further checks will focus on the oil pump, filter, and engine internals. If the sensor or wiring is faulty, replacing it should restore accurate readings and peace of mind. Preventing Oil Pressure Problems Regular oil changes with the correct grade and type of oil for your vehicle are the best defense against pressure issues. Using the wrong oil can affect viscosity, especially in extreme temperatures, leading to low pressure. It’s also important to check your oil level regularly, especially before long trips. Catching a low oil level early can prevent sudden drops in pressure while driving. Avoiding sludge buildup is equally important. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule , and don’t skip services that keep the oil and engine clean. Engine Protection at Laguna Auto Service Center in Laguna Beach, CA A sudden drop in oil pressure can be one of the most serious problems your engine will face. At Laguna Auto Service Center in Laguna Beach, CA, we have the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose the cause, perform necessary repairs, and help prevent future issues. Schedule your service today and protect your engine from costly damage.