Have others noticed this on their Gen3 Prius? While it is subtle but nevertheless I've noticed there's abrupt transition and feel on highways when it seems like ICE kicks in. This observation is completely new and that's why I'm inquiring. I've not noticed this at all for the first 5k miles until now. So, last week I changed oil for the first time at home with Mobil1 0w-20 syn and made sure the dipstick was shown at proper level. I also rotated the tires. Then I proceed on a 700 mile trip. As I was approaching my destination I started to notice this subtle but somewhat jerky transitioning when accelerating moderately. Not sure what could be causing this. I don't think it's the CVT transmission... Should I change out the oil to stock non-syn?
It has nothing to do with oil, Mobil 1 0W20 is fine and is what a lot of us use. I think what you feel is normal but no one can be sure without driving your car. Why no go to a dealer and take a test drive in another Prius and see how it feels to you.
I have noticed this as well and just assume it is the components loosening up. When new, it was very smooth but now not so much. Of course this has happened to our Kai van as well over the years. Like Tom mentioned, you can always have the dealer look at it... just be prepared for "this is normal" or "this has never happened before". You might have them check the transmission/transaxle fluid as well. I guess the Gen IIs had problems with it leaking.?
Only other variable that I could think of is maybe a bad batch of gasoline from my last fillup. So, I just refilled the half empty tank with another brand. I can almost guaranty that the dealer will waive it off as "normal". I don't want to waste my time.
I get this occasionally sometimes. I honestly wouldn't worry about it. Dealers are assholes, and chances are you're going to be "shewed" away by them. It all depends on how warm the engine is I think - I really don't know. However, sometimes the transition from electric to ICE power is a little more noticeable than others. I have 15.5K miles on my car, and this is more noticeable at times than others. I say just drive the car and enjoy it, if something is to go wrong - you've got the warranty to get it fixed.
Is the 'jolt' or 'transition' at about 45 mph? If so it's something to do with the switching between the two motor/generators. I believe the engine also comes on after this transition but doesn't necessarily use any fuel. I'm sure others will explain this in more detail.
I love it when i feel the yank the electric engine generates !!!!! I actually gotten 3.8 litters at 210 kilometers on a relaxed saturday workday !! The prius is like thi chi !!!! Go with the flow be one with the force !!! Enjoy the ride !!!! Zzzzzzzzzzzen
It's not the CVT, as the Prius never shifts gears. It only has one physical gear ratio, and those gears are always engaged. Tom
I do feel a transition occasionally. Sometimes it happens when gliding up through 46 mph and the ICE spins up but doesn't fire up. Sometimes it happens at lower speed when thrust is needed and it really does fire. But it did this from the start, and I haven't noticed any change over 29k miles.
I'm sure you know it, but ... Actually it is not a gear transition, but you feel a quick MG2 and ICE rotation leveraging at 46 mph/70 kmh. I think it has something to do with MG2 rotation limit.
Depends if it is a jolt or a 'transition'. If it's a big bad clunking jolt then it's not right and needs looking at. If it's a transition then it is much more gentle than most automatic transmissions and is perfectly normal. With the Prius you get one transition or 'change' but with automatics you'll get 3, 4 or 5. I know which one I prefer. (note - I am aware the Prius doesn't change gear as such but this 'movement' is a transition when the engine is run at 43-45 mph and is similar in feel to a gear change on an automatic)
The limit is with MG1, not MG2. MG1 must spin backward to keep the ICE stationary. As the speed of the car increases, the rotating speed of MG1 must increase to compensate. Eventually it reaches its limit and must spin the ICE. Tom
I had a similar experience with the car shifting gears as I transitioned from going uphill to going downhill. As started going downhill on a steep road, suddenly the car lurched forward.Could be mildly dangerous. Luckily I was riding the brake.
But this is a Prius forum and I am guessing you don't have a Prius as the Prius doesn't have any gears to shift so would be unable to lurch. Mildly dangerous? Impossible.
