Experiencing a sudden jerking sensation in your car when accelerating following an oil change can be a cause for concern.
This abrupt movement often raises questions about potential issues with the car’s mechanical components or the oil change process itself.
Understanding the possible reasons behind this jerking motion is important to address the issue and ensure the smooth operation of your car.
Here’s why your car jerks when accelerating after an oil change:
1. You have faulty oil or contamination
Using the wrong type of oil or oil that has become contaminated can significantly affect engine performance.
If the incorrect oil viscosity or grade is used, it might not properly lubricate the engine components, leading to increased friction and potential jerking sensations during acceleration.
Contaminants in the oil, such as dirt, debris, or old oil remnants, can also compromise its lubricating properties, causing issues when the engine demands increased power.
Also, if the oil used is not suitable for the specific engine requirements, it may not flow adequately or maintain proper viscosity under varying temperatures, resulting in poor lubrication and engine performance issues.
Solution:
Consult a certified mechanic to assess the oil type, level, and quality used to ensure the proper functioning of your car’s engine.
Related: Car acting weird after oil change (Explained)
2. The oil filter has issues
A car that jerks when accelerating after an oil change can be caused by oil filter issues.
When an oil filter is clogged or installed improperly, it can prevent the flow of clean oil into the engine.
This restriction in oil flow can result in inadequate lubrication of engine components, leading to increased friction and potential jerking sensations during acceleration.
In addition to this, if the oil filter is defective or the wrong filter type/size is installed, it might not effectively filter contaminants, allowing dirt, debris, or old oil remnants to circulate within the engine.
This can compromise the lubricating properties of the oil and contribute to engine performance issues, including jerking during acceleration.
Signs of oil filter issues:
- Decreased oil pressure.
- Engine noise.
- Decreased performance.
- Dirty or contaminated oil.
- Check engine light may illuminate due to restricted oil flow because of a clogged filter.
Solution:
Have a professional mechanic inspect the oil filter for proper installation, condition, and functionality.
Fixing this helps to maintain proper oil circulation and prevent potential damage to the engine.
3. It could be air bubbles or air locks
Air bubbles or air locks in the engine’s oil system can disrupt the proper flow and circulation of oil, potentially causing jerking sensations when accelerating after an oil change. Here’s how it happens:
During an oil change, if air gets trapped in the oil system, it can create pockets of air bubbles within the engine.
When the engine operates, these air bubbles can interfere with the smooth flow of oil to critical components, leading to intermittent lubrication and increased friction.
This inconsistent lubrication can result in jerking or hesitation when accelerating, as certain engine parts may not receive adequate lubrication momentarily.
Signs of air bubbles or air locks:
- Jerking or hesitation sensations when accelerating.
- Unusual engine noises such as ticking or tapping sounds due to increased friction between components.
- Check engine light on the dashboard if the engine’s oil pressure is affected.
- Poor engine performance.
Solution:
Seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic to diagnose the problem. They will perform procedures to properly bleed the air from the oil system, ensuring adequate lubrication and restoring the smooth operation of the engine.
Regular bleeding of the oil system during an oil change can prevent the occurrence of air-related issues.
Related: Car idling hard after oil change (Explained)
4. You have an engine misfire
A car that jerks when accelerating after an oil change can also be due to an engine misfire.
Engine misfires can be triggered or increased during an oil change due to disturbances in engine components or systems.
Some components of the engine, such as spark plugs, ignition coils, or the fuel delivery system, might inadvertently get disturbed or improperly reassembled during an oil change.
These disruptions can lead to irregular firing of the engine cylinders, resulting in an engine misfire.
Also, if engine components were removed or adjusted during the oil change process, such as disconnecting ignition wires or disturbing sensors, improper reassembly or misplacement can lead to misfires.
Signs of an engine misfire:
- Jerking or hesitation.
- Check engine light on the dashboard.
- Rough idle.
- Reduced power and performance.
Solution:
A qualified mechanic should perform a diagnostic check to identify the specific cylinder or component causing the misfire.
Correcting any misfire-related issues will restore smooth engine operation and prevent potential damage to your car.
5. The fuel system has problems
Fuel system problems, although not directly related to an oil change, can coincide with it and cause jerking sensations during acceleration.
An old or clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. If this coincides with an oil change, the symptoms might become more noticeable as the engine requires more fuel during acceleration.
Reduced fuel flow can lead to intermittent power delivery and cause jerking sensations.
Also, malfunctioning or clogged fuel injectors can disrupt the proper delivery of fuel into the engine cylinders.
This disruption can result in uneven fuel distribution among cylinders, leading to an inconsistent combustion process and causing the engine to jerk during acceleration.
Solution:
Have a professional mechanic conduct a thorough inspection of the fuel system components, including the fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pump, and related systems.
6. The sensors and electronic systems are malfunctioning
Sensors and electronic systems within your car can lead to jerking sensations during acceleration after an oil change due to potential disturbances or faults.
Various sensors in modern cars, such as the throttle position sensor (TPS), Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, oxygen sensors, or engine control module (ECM), play important roles in monitoring and adjusting engine performance.
If any of these sensors malfunction or experience disruptions during an oil change (e.g., accidental unplugging or damage), it can affect the engine’s fuel-to-air ratio or ignition timing, leading to erratic acceleration and jerking.
Electronic systems within your car, which asr responsible for managing engine functions, could be disturbed during maintenance tasks like an oil change.
If the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or other control modules are impacted or reset incorrectly, it might result in temporary malfunctions or incorrect settings that cause jerking during acceleration.
General Signs of sensors and electronic systems issues:
- Check Engine Light illuminates on the dashboard.
- Erratic acceleration.
- Rough idling or stalling.
- Reduced engine performance.
Solution:
A qualified mechanic needs to inspect the sensors and electronic systems. This check can identify specific sensor malfunctions or electronic system faults, allowing for proper repairs or adjustments to ensure the smooth operation of your car.