Should I get EGR system cleaned before going on a road trip? 114,500 miles 2013 prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by HogMedia, Oct 10, 2022.

Tags:
  1. HogMedia

    HogMedia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2022
    12
    3
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Picked up a 2013 Prius Four with 114,500 miles recently and I’m thinking I should maybe get the EGR system cleaned before I head out on a 4000 mile road trip. Will I be fine though if I wait? It’ll add a couple hours I didn’t want to add on if I do it.

    There also hasn’t been any noticeable issues so far noise-wise. There was a brief somewhat rattle coming from the passenger seat area at one point but I’m not sure what it was and it went away quickly.

    Also, I reset the trip meter and at 233 miles I’m only at 45 mpg, is that normal? Not to say “only” cause that’s still a lot lol. Right after getting a cat converter shield though I've noticed it seems like the mpg meter only goes up to 25mpg when I'm driving pressing on the gas? I’m loving the car otherwise!
     
    #1 HogMedia, Oct 10, 2022
  2. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2014
    1,266
    716
    0
    Location:
    Cedar Crest, NM, USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    very optimistic /
     
    #2 StarCaller, Oct 11, 2022
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2012
    1,555
    661
    0
    Location:
    Central MO
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    II
    i would wait til after the trip
     
    #3 tankyuong, Oct 11, 2022
    Mendel Leisk and Tombukt2 like this.
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    11,163
    1,950
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    My wife cannot get past 42 to 45 in gen3 with very nice running setup 205 50 17 on factories. I get 48 constantly in Gen2.
     
    #4 Tombukt2, Oct 11, 2022
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,957
    39,986
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I would not delay much, but just before a long trip is asking for trouble; you don’t want possible screw ups just before road trip.

    See first link in my signature for tips. I’d second “2 hours” as optimistic. I’d budget a weekend, with tool and research prep beforehand.

    How recent did you purchase? Going on a four thousand mile road trip with fresh purchase seems risky; seller “might” have been dumping it.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Oct 11, 2022
  6. HogMedia

    HogMedia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2022
    12
    3
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I bought it two weeks ago. It's been great so far. Only issue is after I installed a cat shield the MPG has dropped considerably, but I'm wondering if the dash display may just be messing up here? I'm not sure why it would drop otherwise.
     
    #6 HogMedia, Oct 11, 2022
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    111,155
    50,596
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    take the prime
     
    #7 bisco, Oct 11, 2022
    Grit likes this.
  8. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    2,653
    1,145
    0
    Location:
    Northwestern S.C.
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Nobody knows for certain. At that mileage, your chances of getting by with waiting are probably better than even, but not 100%. I agree with others that you won't unclog the entire EGR tract in "a couple of hours." However, you might be able to clean the manifold passages within that time, and it's probably the most critical component for now.
     
    #8 CR94, Oct 11, 2022
  9. Rocky Mountain Priusman

    Rocky Mountain Priusman Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2021
    214
    110
    0
    Location:
    Canmore, Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I agree with the people here - do it after the trip. its a fairly involved job, especially the first time you do it. Unless you are a master mechanic and do this sort of thing regularly, then you may be able to bang it out in 2-3 hours.
     
    #9 Rocky Mountain Priusman, Oct 11, 2022
  10. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,343
    4,140
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Quick fixes are the best. One feller had a turd gen key fob issue and traded it for a prime. Problem solved!
     
    #10 Grit, Oct 11, 2022
  11. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,343
    4,140
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    A tank yielded 45 mpg and you smashed the panic button? Wait for your trip meter to be at 9,999 miles then check the mpg at that mark. I get mid 60 mpgs per gas tanks but I drive down hill only.
     
    #11 Grit, Oct 11, 2022
  12. ukulelegeek

    ukulelegeek Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    157
    113
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I would get the EGR service done now. It should have been done at 100,000 miles. Changing the catalytic converter may have changed some of the system back pressure, causing the drop in your mileage.
    It might improve your gas mileage and save you $$$ on your trip. 45 mpg is lousy for a Gen 3, unless you're pounding it at 70 mph all day. 4,000 miles is a lot, and you don't want to welcome problems on the road. I know it's a Prius, but get AAA anyway. They're the best if your car stops.
    Enjoy the trip and be safe!
     
    #12 ukulelegeek, Oct 13, 2022
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)