jerky automatic transmission

Translated on 03-07-2026, 15:19.

hello,

I hope there are some automatic transmission specialists here who can help me. I have a Volvo V70 TDI (2.5 AEL) with an automatic transmission.

"This one drives pretty well, the shifting is smooth - everything seems to be okay."

"It only happens when I'm driving and release the accelerator; the engine speed slowly drops to idle, and at that exact moment, the car often jolts quite strongly (only in 'D' mode)."

If I shift into neutral and let the car idle, there is no noticeable jerking.

Thank you for the tips!

best regards, uwe

Translated on 03-07-2026, 15:19.

Hi, since you have a motor from a VW/Audi Regal, I assume it's a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission from ZF?

If so, take a look here:

http://www.passat3b.de/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11295

EDIT:

Oops, model year 1997, so it's more likely a 4-speed automatic, but maybe it's from ZF?

Sven.

Translated on 03-07-2026, 15:19.

hello,

Volvo has its own transmissions.

Okay, personally, I would suspect the mass airflow sensor. I had a similar issue with my other TDI, and it was cleaned and adjusted, which resolved the problem.

But why does it only happen in the "D" position, and not in the "N" position when rolling?

You're very welcome.
best regards, uwe

Translated on 03-07-2026, 15:19.

Hi,

I don't really know much about automatic transmissions, but do they also provide something like engine braking in "D" mode? In that case, depending on the transmission's control system, the engine might switch to a "cut-off" mode. If it doesn't do that, or if it's oscillating between idle and thrust cutoff, then I believe that could certainly explain the jerking.

At speed N, the power flow is disconnected, meaning the motor can do whatever it wants without affecting the car's acceleration or deceleration.

Best regards,

Jan.

Translated on 03-07-2026, 15:19.

Thank you for your tip.

Well, the jerking is noticeable even at higher RPMs when I release the accelerator.

I've heard something about brake bands in the automatic transmission. I think I need a specialist for something like that

.

best regards, uwe

Translated on 03-07-2026, 15:19.

hello,

Okay, so it seems the problem is related to the engine braking. Yesterday, I was driving in first gear (or "L" gear, as it's called in my car) down a hill, and it was trying to brake more, but there was a lot of jerking and absolutely no engine braking effect.

As I said, everything else works perfectly fine.

Does anyone have any ideas?

"Thank you."
best regards, uwe