2006 Prius, 41K miles rumbles when I put in reverse or drive!

Did it Rumble like a loud motorcycle? If yes, then someone stole your catalytic converter from under your car

 

On the passenger side, under where the passenger door is at, if you see some cut wires dangling, that’s an indication the oxygen sensor has been cut off. That’s usually cut when they steal the catalytic converter.

if you have full coverage insurance, that should be covered

 

how did they get in?

 

Yeah, these thieves could be your neighbor.

if you drive around for a few miles, the check engine light will light up

 

luscious garage.

disconnect the 12v negative and you won't need to start it unless it will be a few weeks or more, the hybrid battery might go out of balance.

 

i would call luscious and ask them. they've seen a million of these stolen cat cars. and keep in mind if you decide to fix it, it will probably just get stolen again.
although i read cali is allowing an aftermarket unit which might be less valuable to thieves. luscious should know.

 

Not sure why it won't move. We've driven lots of cat-less Gen 2 Prii into our shop so we can get them on the hoist & fix them. Also, it would rumble once the ICE starts whether it's in park, drive, reverse, or even neutral. This is probably a silly question, but in all the confusion of the experience, did you maybe leave the parking brake engaged? No shame in that when all you can think is "What the heck is all that racket??!!"

 

does the 'ready' light come on?

 

Be very careful not to drive it if the O2 sensor wires are dangling. Short them out and you just make the car a salvage vehicle. Hopefully you have comprehensive insurance because in California you’ll need it to buy a new CARB cat.

 

It's on electric for about the first seven seconds.

If there are no warning lights and the ready light is on, it should go if you put it in D or R. Do the indicators for those gears come on on your dash or is it staying in P?

 

i would ask luscious, if someone here doesn't have an answer

 

Well, since you'll need to take it to a shop to get a new cat installed, they can figure out that issue as well. Just too bad you can't drive it there.