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2006 152,000 miles shakes violently until 5 mph

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Cyle dale, Aug 23, 2019.

  1. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    Just bought this a few days ago and everything was fine until I stopped at a stop sign... when I pulled away, it shook violently, didn’t want to accelerate, and shook harder and faster until it reached 5 mph when the engine kicked in, then everything seemed fine... but it now does this every time I get below 5mph... there were no lights for a Little while, but when I was almost home, the dashboard lit up... triangle with ! And check engine light. I have it at a shop to run the codes... they haven’t told me the codes yet, but said it is transmission failure. This doesn’t sound like the transmission failures that I’ve read about on here, and seems to be fine after I get over 5mph... don’t want to replace the transmission and find that it doesn’t fix the problem... also, is it a job I could do, or is it more complex with the hybrid system?
     
  2. oldtechaa

    oldtechaa Active Member

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    Since the transmission holds essentially the only moving parts that would be affected by the engine starting, it does sound likely that it would be the transmission. Others might have opinions for you too.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Is it a dealership with Techstream diagnostic software? Either way, I'd get the codes, look them up and post here before proceeding.
     
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  4. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    This is only a guess.
    Maybe not Hybrid relevant.
    Fuel injectors...at idle the flow is being limited for some reason.
    Once pressure builds, at 5 mph, the injectors begin flowing enough fuel to smooth the engine.
    Just a guess.
    Again not sure if your symptoms occur when only operating only on battery, eg before the gas engine engages.
    Good luck.
     
  5. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    It is only in battery... before the gas motor kicks in!
     
  6. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    They said they would give me the codes on Monday... it is a mechanic that claims to be a Prius specialist.
     
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  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Sounds like the transaxle needs to be replaced.

    If you are able to replace the transmission in other vehicles you should be able to replace a Prius transaxle. There are several posts about how to do that in this forum and you can obtain factory repair manual info at techinfo.toyota.com
     
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  8. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    The more I read up on the Prius, the moreit sounds like the transaxle. thanks, I’ll let you know how the repair goes!
     
  9. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    Got the Codes...
    P0A90
    P087A
    P0A7A
    C1241 (I think this is from all of the shaking)
    C1300 (I think this is from all of the shaking)
     
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    P0A90: If you could get the three digit info code that comes with this, that would help to narrow down the problem area. Otherwise the problem could be the transaxle, the motor, hybrid vehicle ECU, or inverter.

    P087A: I do not think this is a valid Prius DTC

    P0A7A: This points to a problem with the inverter or with the wiring harness that connects the inverter to the hybrid vehicle ECU

    C1241: The skid control ECU is complaining of low voltage on the 12V bus

    C1300: malfunctioning skid control ECU
     
  11. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    I’ll work on getting the three digits, but what are the chances that it could just be a problem in the wiring harness(P0A7A) that causes an underpowered MG2(p0A90)? That would also be the easiest fix of all of the options right?
     
  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    You can get the factory repair manual at techinfo.toyota.com which is a subscription website. When you look up the P0A7A DTC, the manual will show you which wires to verify between the inverter and the hybrid vehicle ECU.

    Certainly that repair is easier than replacing the transaxle, inverter, etc. The chances depend upon whether there was accident damage to the wiring harness, or perhaps a rodent infestation which caused the wires to get chewed up.
     
  13. Cyle dale

    Cyle dale New Member

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    Replaced the transaxle over the last two days... took about 16 hours and went very smooth! It was my first major job, before this, the most I had done is axle/ suspension/ starting system work... it was a tough job, but well worth it... total of about $350 as opposed to $2,200 quotes by private mechanics!
     
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  14. sugar land dave

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    Nice! Congratulations on your hard work and dedication to the DIY nature of the forum! (8>)