2019 Toyota Rav4 Transmission Jerk – Possible Causes & Solutions


Updated: 19 Apr 2024

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Having transmission jerks in your car can be frustrating due to sudden stops, movements, and vibration of gear shifts. This must be handled as soon as possible because it affects your car and its transition system.

The transmission jerk in most Toyota Rav4s occurs for many reasons, some of which are low transmission fuel, issues with TCM (transmission control model), etc. There are also some driving habits that are the cause of transmission jerks, such as:

  • Ignoring your handbrake
  • When your car is in low fuel 
  • Slipping Clutch

Before fixing these jerks, you first need to understand them. They can affect the safety of your vehicle, along with its reliability and performance. If you don’t diagnose and fix these issues, it may lead to severe problems.

We aren’t addicted to oil, but our cars are.James Woolsey
2019 Toyota rav4 transmission jerk problem
2019 Toyota Rav4 Transmission Jerk Problem

What is Transmission Jerks:

Transmission jerks, called transmission shivers or shocks, refer to the sudden and unforeseen movement or vibrations felt during gear shifts. These jerks can happen when the transmission neglects to flawlessly draw in or withdraw gears, bringing about a recognizable change in vehicle movement. Transmission jerks’ side effects might include unexpected staggers or wavering’s, especially while speeding up or decelerating your car.

Many people in “Quora” (Source) list the reasons for their car transmission jerks, and many others are facing the same problem, but we have defined some of the most common ones in the article below.

Check out a YouTube video for more updates.

Causes of Transmission Jerks in Toyota RAV4:

Every car has some degree of jerk motion during any transmission, and each of them has some fundamental causes. Below are some basic common reasons for Toyota rav4 transmission problems in Toyota Rav4.

Low Transmission Liquid:

Low transmission liquid levels are one of the most well-known reasons for transmission jerks in the Toyota RAV4. Transmission liquid fills in as a hydraulic fluid and acts as a lubricant that cools the transmission parts while working with smooth stuff shifts. A deficient lubricant can prompt grinding and overheating when transmission liquid levels are low, causing sporadic stuff changes and transmission jerks.

Bad Driving:

Many people think transmission jerks are a machinery problem, but that’s not always true. It can be caused by people’s impaired driving, like not stopping completely, which also causes jerks. Other than that, whenever you are driving at low speed, then use sequential shifting mode; otherwise, you will face a lot of jerks.

Faulty Transmission Solenoids:

Transmission solenoids are electro-water-powered valves liable for controlling the progression of transmission liquid inside the transmission framework. When these solenoids malfunction or become stuck, they can disrupt the liquid flow, causing conflicting gear movements and transmission jerks.

The normal side effects of flawed transmission solenoids include unforgiving moving, delayed gear engagement, and transmission slipping.

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Issues:

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is an essential part of the vehicle’s installed PC framework that directs different parts of the transmission activity; on the off chance that the TCM glitches or encounters communication errors, it can cause miscommunication between the engine and transmission, which usually leads to transmission jerks and gear shifts. TCM issues might emerge because of electrical shortcomings, programming errors, or sensor breakdowns.

Fixing of Transmission Jerks:

After discovering the main reason for transmission jerks, it’s time to fix them. That is easy, but it needs extra focus or time.

Fluid Flush and Replacement:

If you find out that your car has low fluid fuel levels or contaminated fluid that is known as bad, disturbing the whole process, then it’s time to replace the whole lubrication and transmission functions. This includes depleting the old transmission liquid, flushing out trash or pollutants, and topping off the transmission with new liquid.

Transmission Solenoid Substitution:

If you find out that the transmission solenoids are faulty and become the reason for transmission jerks, changing the solenoids might be vital for the car and your safety. This includes getting to the transmission valve body, accessing and removing the broken solenoids, and installing new ones for proper liquid flow and transmission operation.

TCM Replacement or Reprogramming:

Rav4 TCM Replacement or Reprogramming
Rav4 TCM Replacement or Reprogramming

In situations where TCM issues are to blame for transmission jerks, replacing or reprogramming might be necessary. This process involves refreshing the TCM programming to address programming errors or electrical faults or replacing the TCM unit in and out, assuming that it is considered defective and unrecoverable.

Through TSB:

TSB represents the Toyota technical service bulletin. It is a record given by Toyota that offers data and direction to showroom administration offices and confirms professionals about unambiguous specialized issues, fixes, or changes connected with Toyota vehicles.

Well, in simple English, now take your car with the jerking issue and mention its TSB number, which looks like TSB-0107-19, and he will fix it according to its detailed instructions. Its instructions give complete details about transmission jerking and how to fix it.

Conclusion:

Encountering Toyota Rav4 transmission issues and jerks in your Toyota RAV4 can be disappointing and concerning, so you should understand how to fix it. By diagnosing the underlying driver of transmission jerks, like low transmission liquid levels, defective solenoids, or TCM issues, and going to preventive lengths to keep up with ideal transmission wellbeing, you can partake in a smoother and more secure traveling experience for a significant distance.

If you need more clarification about the process of diagnosing or tending to transmission issues all alone, feel free to seek help from a confirmed specialist or showroom administration.


Abubakar

Abubakar

Hi, Abu Bakar here, the mastermind behind Rav4advisor. Because of my love of fascinating cars, particularly the Toyota Rav4, I created an established information website where my team and I spend long hours writing about the Rav4's external information such as tire designs, exterior colors beautiful lights, as well as internal information such as the seats' design, headlight sensors, and excellent dashboard.

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