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Car Jerks Or Surges While Driving

Jerking, bucking or surging at steady speed usually comes from misfires, fuel delivery problems, a faulty mass air flow sensor or, on automatics, torque converter or shifting issues.

Normal risk

Usually drivable, but have it checked soon, especially if it happens in traffic.

Short answer · Why does my car jerk while driving?

When the engine does not get a steady mixture of air, fuel and spark, power comes in pulses and the car jerks. Misfires are the most common cause. A dirty mass air flow sensor or a weak fuel pump can make the car surge at steady throttle. On automatics, a torque converter clutch that engages and disengages feels similar.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Read the codesMisfire, air flow or fuel codes narrow it down.
  2. Note the speed and gearAt a fixed speed in an automatic: torque converter.
  3. Check for a flashing engine lightFlashing means severe misfire.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Is the engine light on?Engine management fault.
  2. Only at steady low throttle?Torque converter lock-up or lean mixture.
  3. Worse when cold?Sensors or injectors.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. MisfirePlugs, coils, injectors.
  2. Dirty mass air flow sensorWrong air reading.
  3. Fuel pump or filterPressure drops.
  4. Torque converter lock-upAutomatics.
  5. EGR valveOpening at the wrong time.

Questions about Car Jerks Or Surges While Driving

Can bad fuel cause jerking?

Yes, contaminated fuel can.

Is it the same as hesitation?

Hesitation is a delay when accelerating; jerking happens at steady speed too.