Lurch issue could be due to roller clutch slipping when cold

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This article was published 13/09/2019 (2518 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Question: I have a 2011 Dodge Journey R/T with approximately 69,000 kilometres on it. I’ve noticed, on occasion, the car lurches when it’s in drive and I’m about to pull away. It seems to do it more in cold weather.

I noticed if I put the car in first gear, rather than drive, it doesn’t seem to happen. When I took the car in for its last oil change, the mechanic noticed this as well and implied this may be a major problem and suggested I take it to a transmission shop to have it checked out.

I did — once to have the transmission inspected and a second time to have the transmission flushed and fluid changed. Both times, I was told there was nothing wrong with the transmission other than ordinary wear and tear and not to worry about the lurching.

There are no outstanding software updates for the vehicle.

I’d like to have your thoughts about the lurching — is it or is it not an issue to worry about?

— Doug

Answer: The lurch when you place the transmission into drive range could occur because the one-way mechanical roller clutch inside the transmission is slipping a bit when cold.

The roller clutch holds components from turning as you start out and then freewheels when the transmission shifts into second gear. This allows a smooth shift into second. When you place the shifter into low range, the transmission oil also fills another clutch pack that locks the roller clutch in both directions. This gives additional holding power with the roller clutch when starting out and also provides engine braking when decelerating in low range.

The only repair for the roller clutch is to replace it, which requires transmission disassembly.

If it only does it when cold, it can last a long time if driven with light loads. If you need to accelerate fast or carry heavy loads, use low gear so the additional clutch can help the roller clutch.

Also, if the lurching does seem excessive compared to other vehicles of the same year, then there are a couple things to check. First, have the temperature sensors checked to see if they are reporting the correct temperature to the computer when the vehicle is cold. If the temperature sensors are reading too cold, then the transmission oil pressure will be too high. Second, check the motor mounts. A broken rubber on a motor mount can amplify the lurching feeling of a transmission engaging.

Question: I drive a manual-shift 2010 Nissan Altima sedan 2.5S. From the time it was bought, the gears have needed higher effort to change.

This is much more noticeable when the car is driven first thing in the morning when it’s cold, and also when the outdoor temperature is cold.

Initially, I thought it was because the car was new and the gears would “work in.” But there is still stiffness.

It is a direct contrast to our manual-shift 2010 Nissan Sentra. Changing gears on the Sentra is as smooth as anything.

The other issue with the Altima is there has been an intermittent whining, friction-like sound when engaging the clutch, particularly in cold winter weather.

I have brought it to the attention of the dealership, but they seem unable to help.

— David

Answer: Oil that is too thick in viscosity in the transmission will make shifting stiffer, so changing to a thinner oil viscosity may help.

But before doing that, make sure the clutch is releasing properly.

As for the whining sound, it sounds like either the clutch dragging or a damaged clutch release bearing.

To verify clutch release, warm up the engine and transmission by idling about 15 minutes. Then, press on the clutch and shift though all gears.

Next, place the transmission in neutral and release the clutch. After a few seconds, press the clutch pedal and wait for nine seconds.

The transmission should shift into reverse gear with no grinding or effort. If the transmission doesn’t shift into reverse smoothly, then the clutch is dragging and needs adjustment or replacement.

(Most transmissions will shift smoothly into reverse after only about three to four seconds, but a nine-second wait seems to be a universal industry standard.)

james.kerr@sasktel.net