Cold temperatures - Engine vibrations under light acceleration 1100-1200rpm

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Hybrid_Motorsports, Feb 8, 2025 at 5:12 PM.

  1. Hybrid_Motorsports

    Hybrid_Motorsports Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2023
    34
    15
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    So I noticed when the temperatures drop, I can feel a very slight vibration from the engine when I really gently press on the accelerator. The vibration are only at 1000-1200rpm then its perfect. You would barely feel if you weren't focusing on it but it is there. This seems to go away once the car is warmed up. Is this a normal characteristic in colder climates? I cleaned my entire EGR system and intake manifold this summer and only started noticing this on colder days.
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,650
    39,782
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,894
    50,437
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    might be the egr, might be something worse
     
  4. Hybrid_Motorsports

    Hybrid_Motorsports Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2023
    34
    15
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Did a full EGR and manifold cleaning this summer about 20k ago (Car is at 145k). No coolant lost what so ever. I just occasionally notice this tiny vibration at very lower rpms. I almost have to try to make it vibrate because anything above 1200rpm is smooth. This only happens when the car is cold.
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    8,983
    5,403
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    You are probably feeling the engine come on.
     
  6. Hybrid_Motorsports

    Hybrid_Motorsports Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2023
    34
    15
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Yes, I think I'm still getting used to the hybrid experience. It doesn't help my suspension is stiffer and I can feel the road imperfection more at low speeds. Just putting on my winter tires, I could immediately feel a difference at a lower speed which is sometimes hard to separate from this engine turning on vibration. I think I am just being paranoid and the engine kicking it with a low charge on cold days will be felt a little more.
     
  7. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    2,105
    889
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    How is your air intake filter?

    I know exactly the feeling you are talking about.

    Something is slowing air flow either from the air intake or egr or even a dirty throttle body.
     
  8. Hybrid_Motorsports

    Hybrid_Motorsports Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2023
    34
    15
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I actually just changed it out so I will see if it makes a difference. It wasn't too dirty but not clean either. I reused when I did the EGR cleaning during the summer but now it's time to put my Denso replacement.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    2,105
    889
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Now after that if you still feel it, then check the throttle body and clean it if it is dirty.
     
  10. Hybrid_Motorsports

    Hybrid_Motorsports Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2023
    34
    15
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I made all that spotless already 20k ago. Took everything apart on the intake manifold and EGR system. For 130k it wasn't too dirty but those small ports in the intake we're starting to get obstructed.
     
  11. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    2,105
    889
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Alright well the rabbit hole can get deep.

    Next could try a fuel treatment bottle like Cataclean.

    Because it can also be dirty fuel injectors.