1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

VVT-i rattle on the Gen 4?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Nico3d3, Aug 19, 2023.

  1. Nico3d3

    Nico3d3 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2021
    34
    14
    0
    Location:
    Quebec
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I knew the 2zr-fxe only have VVT-i for the intake side so, I hoped the dreaded VVT-i rattle wouldn't be so bad. But, in the past few weeks, I heard the noise for one second, a few times during the first start in the morning. According to the Car Care Nut, the only way to solve it is to replace the cam gear. There's no way to prevent it from happening since it's a production problem. I change the oil every 5000 miles with 0w20 synthetic oil, there's not much else you can do. I'm wondering if it could be related to the red bullet solenoid. Of course, I kept the OEM solenoid, so I might try to put it back to see if it change anything.
     
    #1 Nico3d3, Aug 19, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  2. Michael Wood

    Michael Wood Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2016
    179
    118
    3
    Location:
    Boston, MA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    I have a 2015 (180k) and 2020 (30K). Both of them are prone to a little cold start rattle on cold, wet/humid mornings when I leave them outdoors. However, when I garage them, it never happens - not even one time. My garage is unheated and dry.

    I'm convinced the Prius start rattle is caused by temp/condensation.
     
    #2 Michael Wood, Sep 24, 2023
  3. Mr.Vanvandenburg

    Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2007
    1,231
    460
    0
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Are you using a Toyota oil filter? You could try that. Especially if it is the cartridge type. Care care nut has a lot to say about those and the pitfalls if it’s installed wrong. Of course the oem solenoid too. I think some of the aftermarket filters don’t even fit right or are acceptable.
     
    #3 Mr.Vanvandenburg, Sep 25, 2023
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)