Common causes of automatic transmission kicking:
* Low or Old Transmission Oil: Provides lubrication and power transmission; Low levels or contamination can cause the transmission to run rough.
* Worn or damaged mechanical components: Seals, friction plates or sun gears can wear over time, causing slipping or jerking.
* Malfunctioning solenoids and valves: Solenoids control gear shifting and valves control oil flow; Malfunctions can result in missed gears or hard shifts.
* Electronic Control Problems: Speed and temperature sensors and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may send incorrect signals, affecting transmission performance.
*Transmission Tuning: Problems with the shift cables or malfunctions in the control unit can cause incorrect shift settings.
* Torque converter problems: The device that transfers torque from the engine to the transmission; malfunctions can cause vibration, jerking and slipping.
Other possible causes depending on the type of automatic transmission:
For traditional hydromechanical transmissions:
* Worn clutches or steel discs: Essential clutch components that can wear out over time and cause slipping.
* Pump failure: Provides oil pressure to operate the transmission; Malfunctions can result in low pressure and poor gear shifting.
For dual clutch transmissions (DCT):
*Clutch Wear: Two sets of clutches may wear unevenly, resulting in jerking.
* Problems with hydraulic drive: Controls the operation of clutches; Malfunctions can lead to uneven engagement of the clutches.
For continuously variable transmissions (CVT):
* Belt or chain wear: Transfers power from the engine to the wheels; Wear can lead to slippage and vibration.
* Problems with the variator: A device that regulates the gear ratio; Faults can cause speed fluctuations and jerking.