2000 VW Jetta 2.0 jerks on deceleration at low spd

[gregoron]

I'm experiencing some jerkiness from my car whenever I lift off the accelerator at low speeds (i.e. 5 to 10 mph). If I'm driving slowly and lift off the gas pedal quickly, it feels like the car nose dives. It's not so bad when the AC is on. I guess the ECM compensates for power drain from the compressor. But, from other cars I've driven, there's some smoothness to this when throttle is lifted - the car just keeps on going.

I've looked at my car's fuel system and I don't see an idle speed adjustment. Any idea what's causing this?

It's a 5 speed manual with an AEG 2.0 engine.

 

[KrisZ]

It's normal given the car's age. Most likely the engine/transmission mounts are worn out allowing the engine to rock back and forth.
My old 95 Accord used to do that and my Focus also does it, but to a lesser extent. It's a second nature for me to disengage the clutch whenever I lift the throttle in first gear at low speeds for smooth operation.

 

[bigjl]

Not unusual for VW of that age.

Most likely, as already mentioned, worn engine mounts.

Have you moved from an automatic to a manual recently by any chance?

Most manuals will jerk to an extent when you lift off the throttle, you should always lift of a little bit less harshly in a manual.

Start with the torque mount.

Have seen them snapped all the way through.

 

[NateDN10]

In my experience, all manual transmission vehicles do this to some extent, and it gets more noticeable as the car ages. Like KrisZ said, it's my habit to depress the clutch when letting off the gas in 1st or 2nd gear.

 

[crw]

Based on the information you've given, I'd say it's normal, and as Nate said, depress the clutch.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: gregoron
I'm experiencing some jerkiness from my car whenever I lift off the accelerator at low speeds (i.e. 5 to 10 mph). If I'm driving slowly and lift off the gas pedal quickly, it feels like the car nose dives.

So, you're in 1st or 2nd gear when doing this, I'm assuming? Basically, the moment you take your foot off the gas pedal, the manual car starts engine braking and that's what you're observing. This will be more evident in lower gears. I'd say it sounds normal.

 

[gregoron]

Thanks for all the inputs. I'm glad the consensus is that it is normal. Yes, I am comparing it to the automatic Versa that my wife drives. I do step on that heavy VW clutch to make it smoother, or release the throttle slower.

It happens at low 1st gear mostly. On higher gears I get exhaust backfire sometimes.

I'm thinking of replacing the dog bone mount and/or cleaning the throttle body too.