single metallic "clunk" noise when ICE power engages

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by morglum, Jun 14, 2016.

  1. morglum

    morglum Junior Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I have a 2009 Prius, almost 200 000 kilometers. I have a weird single metallic "clunk" noise coming from under me (maybe not?) when the power shifts from electric to ICE.

    For example, when leaving my entryway I will get it at around 10 mph.
    Another example: when pulse and gliding above 65km/h (with electric assist)) , I will get it when going from "glide" to "pulse".
    I havent noticed if it also happens when shifting from a real "neutral" glide to pulse.

    Any idea what that could be?
    all the best
     
    #1 morglum, Jun 14, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    motor mount?
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 14, 2016
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    +1
     
    #3 69shovlhed, Jun 14, 2016
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    or, the transmission input damper assembly has a broken spring in it (must separate the transaxle from the engine for access.)
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jun 15, 2016
  5. morglum

    morglum Junior Member

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    Hi everyone,
    Thanks for replying. I had a test drive with a more knowledge friend and he thinks it is more of a "slipping" sound. Hopefully it is not something complicated like Patrick mentionned.

    Could replacing the transmission fluid help? Trying for the easy fixes first.


    all the best,
     
    #5 morglum, Jun 16, 2016
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I don't think it will help the issue that you've noticed, but if the fluid hasn't been changed recently then it won't hurt. If you see lots of metallic debris in the drained oil, that would provide a clue about the transaxle's condition.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Jun 16, 2016
  7. morglum

    morglum Junior Member

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    Hi Patrick,
    Thanks again for replying. I have had the car for 50 000 kilometers and I dont see any fluid change in the bills the previous owner gave me. It is due, and it is a good idea to check for metallic debris, thanks for that.

    Assuming it is a broken spring in the transmission input damper assembly, is this something I can just learn to tolerate or would 200$ fix prevent a 1000$ future repair ? The sound really isnt that loud or scary; it just wasnt there before ...

    Best
     
    #7 morglum, Jun 17, 2016
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I would live with the sound. If you don't have any other drivability symptoms then no action is required.

    It will probably cost $1,000 or more in labor to remove the transaxle from the engine, not to mention the cost of replacing the transmission input damper assembly.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Jun 17, 2016
    Merkey likes this.
  9. morglum

    morglum Junior Member

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    I'll do just that, thanks for the heads up. I do have some weird problems after doing a very mundane brake job, if you can chip in my new thread.
    thanks!
     
    #9 morglum, Jun 17, 2016
  10. morglum

    morglum Junior Member

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    update: a gasket and two bolts in the exhaust system needed replacing.
     
    #10 morglum, Nov 30, 2016
    valde3 likes this.
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