2012 Prius DEATH RATTLE persists AFTER replacing EGR valve etc.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Sapnetjr, May 5, 2018.

  1. evilchargerfan

    evilchargerfan Junior Member

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    can anyone confirm if going into maint mode, on a ct200h is the same steps/process as on a 3rd gen prius.
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    BTW, @NutzAboutBolts describes (similar) "invalid mode" (needed for brake bleeding) in his brake bleed video, and there's one point that's maybe not explained in the Repair Manual, that occasionally to make the gear shift indicated in the instruction, you need to have brake pedal depressed. IIRC, it's going from Park to Neutral. That's maybe applicable to other "modes" also.

    Just for reference, I'll attach the brake bleed instruction from Repair Manual, the invalid mode is described in there. So many blinking "modes"...
     
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  3. evilchargerfan

    evilchargerfan Junior Member

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    confirmed, a ct200h CAN get into maint mode using the same pedal sequence as a prius

    [​IMG]
     
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  4. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    Unfortunately..exact same situation for me on my 2012 Prius. Started with the knock and CEL for misfire on cylinder 1. I replaced the spark plugs. Problem persisted. I removed the intake manifold and gave it a very thorough cleaning, including the MAF Sensor with the proper cleaning spray and replaced the PCV with a new one. Problem resolved for a few days then returned. I bought a used EGR Cooler and soaked it for several days...squeaky clean. Reassembled and now about 3 weeks later, the knock is coming back with a vengeance. Just went to lunch and one of the worst knocks ever. I am not losing any coolant, so I am praying it's not the head gasket. Threw a CEL for the first time in 3 weeks or more this afternoon....I will check in when I get home, but I am guessing 301 (what it is every time).

    Here is the list of causes and my logic...I am really thinking it could be a fuel injector issue....what do you think, guys?

    Possible causes
    • Faulty spark plug 1- I think this can be ruled out plugs replaced
    • Clogged or faulty fuel injector 1- very possible even without the knock it seems to idle a tad rougher than it used to
    • Faulty ignition coil 1- maybe? thinking it would have persisted over the 3 weeks
    • Fuel injector 1 harness is open or shorted- doubt it or it wouldn't have stopped for 3 weeks.
    • Fuel injector 1 circuit poor electrical connection- doubt it or it wouldn't have stopped for 3 weeks
    • Ignition coil 1 harness is open or shorted- doubt it or it wouldn't have stopped for 3 weeks
    • Ignition coil 1 circuit poor electrical connection- doubt it or it wouldn't have stopped for 3 weeks
    • Insufficient cylinder 1 compression- maybe....hope not
    • Incorrect fuel pressure- very possible...how to test?
    • Intake air leak - doubt it...gasket replaced
    [​IMG]
    Damagio
     
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  5. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    Sorry that is not my pic and I can't seem to delete it.

    Anyway...ran back out and CLEARLY low on coolant. :-( Have an appointment for Thursday to get it checked out with a local mechanic who has been great over the years. He says he can tell me for sure if that's it, but after a few Q&A's he thought it was pretty likely.

    Bummer...thinking if I get this done an the car lasts another year it is probably worth it.

    Damagio
     
  6. danlatu

    danlatu Senior Member

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    Your oil catch can is connected back the intake plenum or is it open like in the pic? If it is connected like the pic, you are going to have a vacuum leak and idle problems with a cel.
     
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  7. JMJCATH

    JMJCATH Member

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    Did you use a torque wrench on the intake manifold?
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Yeah I assumed it was half-installed, but you know what they say about assumptions...

    Edit: actually, he says something about "that's not his picture"?? Need some clarification.
     
  9. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    Sorry, that's not my pic danlatu, can't seem how to get it off the post.

    I ran the hose for an OCC, but haven't installed the OCC (I plan on cutting the hose and adding the OCC) basically a long hose ther now...definitely no leak.
     
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  10. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    No, I did not. I did with the spark plugs, but not the intake. I would guess that I over-tightened it if anything, but I could sort of feel the gasket bottom out. I will check it tonight. Thank you!
     
  11. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    Ya, Sorry about that, It must have grabbed the pic from the post I quoted off of. My OCC is not installed yet. Just ran a longer hose for easier future installation.
     
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  12. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    Ok My Friends,

    My mechanic confirmed it is a head gasket. He said he could actually see coolant dripping into cylinder number one with the scope. He says he would do the work if I want it done, but wouldn't recommend it in good conscience given the mileage...he said, if you want to commit to driving it to 400k...go for it, but expect the possibility of other issues. I don't want to make that commitment.

    It's really a shame, because this car was bullet proof up until this. I will retire it just shy of 189k miles...was really hoping to hit 200k, but it's just not going to make it.

    He drives a 2018 Prius and said that the rear suspension issue and EGR oil issue have been resolved, and recommends another. I agree, so going tomorrow to look at another one. Any ideas on what I should expect to trade this in as is? $1,500?

    Thanks for all the help here! I have learned a lot! Will continue on with a 2018, but I am really disappointed.

    Damagio
     
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  13. danlatu

    danlatu Senior Member

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    If your 2012 prius is clean, good tires, clean windshield (no cracks pits) try 2500$. If you ask 1500$, some idiot will low ball you for 1000$ or less. Engines cost 800~1500$ depending on miles and some mechanics would install it for 500~1500$ If you keep your car and fix it it will not depreciate as fast as a new one and insurance is cheaper. I am waiting for 100% electric car prices to drop myself before I get rid of my prius. On another note, gas prices are going up again and it feels good to have a prius. I feel bad for all those new suv/truck owners and their 96 month auto loans.
     
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  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    EGR yeah, the intake is downstream of the Catalytic Converter in 4th gen. This seems a significant change, means a fair bit more plumbing, and must have been in an attempt to get cleaner exhaust gasses.

    The rear suspension? I wouldn't call 3rd gen rear suspension an issue. 4th gen has improved handling, but also more complexity, pushes into the hatch area more?

    Too bad about your car, but it was a good run. (y)
     
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  15. Damagio

    Damagio New Member

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    True...not "an issue" like the rear suspension was failing...I just always felt mine was a little "thumpy" for lack of a better word.

    Unfortunately, mine was rough. A commuter car that was not really taken care of cosmetically. I had font bumper, running light damage, windshield chips, several nice sized dings from parking lots and a dumpster I had in my yard rolled into it one, paint spilled in the cargo area, and it was going in for new tires after the shudder issue was fixed...thank goodness I waited. All in all, with it's mileage it was "fair" or worse plus it needed the head gasket. I wound up getting the $1500 and the new one at invoice. Immediately drove it up to Lodi for the Pinball Festival this weekend. 54.7 MPG on the way home. 50.0 MPG overall (had about 14 miles on it when I picked it up). So far, so good. I am going to do a better job taking care of this one.

    You guys have been a TREMENDOUS help! I really love this forum, so I thank you, sincerely.

    Mike
     
  16. evilchargerfan

    evilchargerfan Junior Member

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    that catch can "half installed" pic is mine. that was a progress picture of the install process, once done the result was indeed a fully (and correctly) installed occ


    resolution to my nightmare = HG leaked between cyl 1 and 2. I was lucky enough to not have warped heads so, slapped on a new hg and the car is back on the road

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    (mods, if I am not allowed to link to another forum, please let me know)
    Chargerfan - First Problem Detected 117K: Engine Shake On Take Off And On Start Up - Page 2 - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

    white lexus = former DD/will be put up for sale soon
    silver honda = the new DD
    [​IMG]

    for a non hybrid, I cant complain about the mpg!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Wow, those engine bay pictures look like a Sears close-out sale. (y)

    So that trivial little shiny metal zone between two cylinders caused so much havoc.

    The CT200's a hybrid no?
     
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  18. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

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    Absotootly. It's a turd gen Prius engine and HSD part for part. I think he's referring to his Fit. That's probably better mpg than the CT does:eek:.
     
    #38 m.wynn, Jun 18, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2018
  19. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I was at the one in our area the other day and it was PACKED with people :cool:.

    Got a good deal on some jeans(y).
     
  20. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Red the club Lexus post of yours. Good thing a tsb was out to replace manifold and you kept persistent on the entire situation. If turd gen Prius ain't gonna get the a similar tsb to replace manifold and Toyota just gonna sweep the Prius manifold failure under the carpet then it's time for me to decide which Honda Civic hybrid package trim will be in my future
     
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