NEW!!! Service Bulletin for Engine Knocking at Startup T-SB 0012-10

^That's another issue altogether and one they are supposed to fix on customer request. If you go check the TSB list for the Gen 3, you should find it there. My dealership didn't even replace that part on request, which is why I think I'm going to trade in this hunk of junk. Gas is too high to justify traversing back and forth over 100 miles because of a stubborn dealer.

 

It happened to my Prius during extremely cold temperature and even two weeks ago when it was about 40 degrees. I turned off the car immediately and was able to take out phone and recorded the sound.. Unfortunately the knocking sound was only for 1 second. It's in youtube. Type in
2010 Toyota Prius Engine Knocking Sound

 

I've attached the TSB they misdirected you towards.

 

They are half right...the engine mount fixes a slight harshness on cold start. But the knocking/rattling on cold start is a different problem.

 

Well, took my ride in today for rough starts and the violent starts I had a few years ago.

When I get a call early in the day I know it is not good. They said, no codes, no fix, even with the reference to YouTube vids. Because I had another question on the brakes I ended up talking to the tech. I asked him about the engine mount. He said I would have to leave over night and he would determine if it needed to be replaced. I ask him what criteria would it have to meet... he couldn't tell me. Sheezzz. And no, there are no other Toyota dealers in the area.

 

I brought the vehicle in and advised them of engine mount bulletin and so they ordered it and replaced it. Only problem is i realize that theres another bulletin with the converter. They told be only the mount was necessary. So here i am with new mount and not able to tell you guys if it fixed the engine knocks bc NY weather has been well over 50 degrees.

 

Good luck, you'll need it! Be prepared to go through with arbitration and even small claims court unless you decide to fork out the money for the part(s) yourself and do it/have it done yourself. I just got rid of the car...extreme perhaps but didn't want to deal with the hassle any more.

 

Did you get rid of a 2010 or 2012?

 

The only time the knocking has happened to me is after short-cycling the warmup and an overnight cold soak. This weekend it was unseasonably warm in the 80's and when I took the car from garage to driveway I intentionally stopped it right after ICE startup.

The next morning it started rough for a couple of seconds, not knocking though. This is the first time this has happened in warm weather. This is also the first time that I have short-cycled the warmup cycle since learning of the reason for the knocking.

 

I was thinking the same thing.

I'll probably be in the "dealer won't help me" category (if it happens to me,) but honestly, I don't like others working on my stuff anyway. Every time I've been busy (or lazy) and disregarded the previous, I have landed up redoing the job because they screwed it up. I will go the the route another did - just buy the freaking part and install it myself. A few hundred dollars is worth the peace of mind, and dealing with the dealer would cost as much in my time, as well as unneeded aggravation.

Safe trips

 

Well I am not really worried about the whole thing but it just drives me crazy is the inconsistency... dealers are doing without so much as a comment and the others won't do it all. That is something Toyota seriously needs to be deal with.

 

2010. Issue was fixed by 2012.

 

I learned this from VW ownership, their dealers are the absolute worse.

 

Yes, everything about it is inconsistent, including when it happens as well as dealership response to complaints. Toyota likely doesn't want to issue a recall due to the cost involved. That said, they *need* to give a memo to dealerships to apply this particular TSB without requiring them to go through the gyrations of proving the problem exists, since it's a known manufacturing defect that very clearly applies to all vehicles manufactured prior to a specific VIN.

 

Had to wait until 3/13 for IM replacement as the part was on backorder. Took it in and the changeout was done without hassle. Dealer went out of the way to get me a loaner. Four hours after dropping car off I got the call that it was ready. With Ky. temps headed for record highs I won't be able to test the fix for at least 9 months.

Afraid I can't join the chorus of Toyota Service haters. Having once worked for years as a mechanic I'm pretty good at sussing out a shop's quality and mine (Toyota South, Richmond KY) is tops across the board.

 

Not a hater, just don't like constantly being given the run around.

 

I'm sitting @ the dealership right now hoping they address these TSBs. I walked in today with the TSBs in hand. We'll see how it goes.

 

Toyota fixed nothing. I was told the service tech has to personally experience the knocking to make any repairs. I guess I'll call toyota care.

 

Don't expect much. I have been in communications with them and they are saying the dealer must approve the work based on them actually experiencing the event. If you want I can post the conversation...

 

That's not a good sign. I would definitely be interested in the conversation. I just got off the phone with Toyota. They gave me a case # and said the customer relations manager from the dealership will be calling me back within 3 business days. I plan to go all the way with the complaint. Surely, they'd rather fix it than go to arbitration. Has anyone gotten that far yet?