things that makes a prius jerk or vibrate

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by fopoku2k2, Aug 5, 2016.

  1. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    292
    60
    1
    Location:
    Columbus - Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have a 2010 prius with about 245k miles on it. I have recently noticed slight vibrations at speed of 15-20 mph and or when letting off the accelerator. I also noticed it goes away at higher speeds. I don't feel these vibrations when on battery or when coasting down a hill. I did an oil and filter change in March. I am planning on changing the spark plugs soon

    Any idea what might cause a prius to jerk or vibrate?

    Thank you
     
    #1 fopoku2k2, Aug 5, 2016
  2. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2016
    830
    410
    0
    Location:
    Sausalito
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    What makes a Prius jerk...slow acceleration...joke.

    Seriously with 245K mileage......

    Other than spark...wires/ plugs/ coils.
    There would be fuel...dirty injectors or filter.

    There are others, yet if spark and fuel are ruled out.......motor or transmission mounts would be my guess.

    Any engine codes stored utilizing an OBD reader?

    Good hunting.
     
    #2 Kenny94945, Aug 5, 2016
  3. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    292
    60
    1
    Location:
    Columbus - Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The only engine code I have gotten is P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire. Last time I got this was about a year ago
     
    #3 fopoku2k2, Aug 5, 2016
  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,261
    15,499
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    When was the last time the spark plugs were changed? Ever investigate the intake manifold or egr system?
     
    #4 Raytheeagle, Aug 5, 2016
  5. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2012
    1,555
    661
    0
    Location:
    Central MO
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    II
    mine did that before the engine blew up,do a compression test
     
    #5 tankyuong, Aug 5, 2016
  6. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    292
    60
    1
    Location:
    Columbus - Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    What is a compression test?

    MI 5 ?
     
    #6 fopoku2k2, Aug 6, 2016
  7. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2016
    830
    410
    0
    Location:
    Sausalito
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    Since you are asking what is a compression test...best a shop does this for you.

    You need a special gauge, remove plugs, insert gauge take reading. Basically it is measuring the compression pressure of the piston and rings as they seal to the cylinder bore and as the cylinder seals to the head. Try an internet search for a video. Also search leak down test.

    Fairly easy to do, just a guess that cost is one hour or so of shop time.

    Based on above post it might be prudent to do this test with your high mileage Prius as our co-member had the same code as you which led to an engine failure.

    However, if "gambling" you planned to change the plugs soon, so do this first, look at your old plugs for indications of miss fire issues. If you can change the plugs yourself the gamble is about $40 or just change the one plug in cylinder # 2, a $10 gamble. Also test that plug wire. A bad spark plug or wire in cylinder # 2 could cause the original symptoms you describe.

    Unfortunately I do not have a list of codes with correction tests/procedures. Maybe some other member does?

    Again good luck.
     
    #7 Kenny94945, Aug 6, 2016
    tankyuong likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)