Car jerks when the transmission shifts?

Tiny
SHAFIBZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HONDA FIT HYBRID
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 102,000 MILES
I work at an airport, and I do night shifts which require my car to be parked outdoors overnight. When I start my car in the morning, I feel no difference until I start driving off. My car gives big jerks when the transmission shifts. But this issue lasts for only about 10 minutes. The intensity of the jerk diminishes and will be gone after 10 minutes. Point to note is this problem doesn’t occur when I start the car at home.
Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 2:00 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
There could be several possible causes for a Honda Fit to shift hard when cold. Here are a few of the most common:

Low Transmission Fluid Level: The transmission fluid in a Honda Fit helps to lubricate and cool the internal components of the transmission. When the fluid level is low, the transmission may shift harder than normal, especially when cold. You can check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick located in the engine bay.

Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): The TCM in a Honda Fit controls the shifting of the transmission based on data from various sensors. If the TCM is faulty, it may not be able to properly control the transmission, causing it to shift hard.

Clogged Transmission Filter: The transmission filter in a Honda Fit helps to remove contaminants from the transmission fluid. Over time, the filter can become clogged, which can restrict the flow of fluid and cause the transmission to shift hard.

Any of these issues can cause a hard shift. Here is what I suggest. First, if you haven't already, check the transmission fluid level and condition. Keep in mind that transmission fluid expands when it gets warm. If you only feel the jerk when it's cold, it could be low.

Next, if you have already checked the fluid, have the CAN bus scanned. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the different modules are tied together via a few wires. If there is a code stored related to the issue, this will retrieve it.

Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you haven't checked the transmission fluid level and condition, I attached the directions below for you. Do this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
SHAFIBZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the prompt response.

I forgot to mention that my car is equipped with iDCD (DualClutch Drive).
Also, it doesn’t have a dipstick for transmission fluid.

I changed the transmission fluid 10,000km ago. How often should it be changed?

I also changed the clutch fluid 2,000km ago.
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
I went through the two manuals and neither indicates a dual-clutch. When you serviced it, where did you add fluid?

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

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, March 19th, 2023 AT 7:38 PM

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