Prius jerks while in motion

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eucalyptic @ Oct 17 2007, 10:01 AM) [snapback]526845[/snapback]</div>

Yes I've had the same problem and reported it to Toyota. The problem is/was that it seems to be only a very specific set of circumstances which will cause the fault. In my case it was a very long downhill run on a cold day with the battery showing completely full. When trying to then come to a stop at the end of the downhill, both the engine and the motor cut in and it's quite a struggle to keep the car from taking off. It happened three times and I reported precisely the circ's to Toyota. Since it was intermittent and not easily repeated, they put it down to an "intermittent" problem. Sooner or later this is going to kill or maim someone and there will be a recall. However sadly Toyota do NOT want to know at this stage. It is important however for everyone who has had this happen even ONCE to report it. Otherwise Toyota are going to stick their collective heads in the sand until someone gets killed or injured. Sad, sad, sad! Ken.

 

Did it seem to lose power momentarily then shoot forward?
If so, that is the traction control doing it's thing. Unfortunately it is rather agressive. Were you accelerating reasonable well on a slippery or wet surface? I have traction control kick in when I hit a man hole cover in a bend. This is normal, but if it's isn't traction control I'm not sure.

 

Hey, just because I drive fast and pass everyone, especially SUV's and BMW's, doesn't make me a jerk !!!






:lol: Couldn't resist the pun opportunity :lol:

 

I'm confused by your use of the phrase "it felt like it was going to stall."

I, too, am wondering if that was the traction control you were feeling. It's terribly intrusive and, if one of the front wheels looses traction for even a split second, it basically throttles the engine back to idle.

Other thing might be, you're in CA, we're just getting oxygenated gas for the winter...sometimes cars don't run quite as smoothly on this stuff as they normally would.

I've noticed an unusual shudder or two in my '06 over the last few weeks...thinking it might be the gas. Thing is I also put on more aggressive tires, and am wondering if the increased rolling resistance has something to do with it.

The dealer can check to see if the car has "thrown" any trouble codes when you take it in...if it hasn't, I don't think there's anything to worry about.

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KenIng...what do you mean by, "When trying to then come to a stop at the end of the downhill, both the engine and the motor cut in and it's quite a struggle to keep the car from taking off."

?????

You didn't have it in 'B' instead of 'D' did you?

If the battery's full and you're in B, and you're going down a hill, the engine will really rev high to give greater engine braking. You might be experiencing this. But it's NOT trying to accelerate, even if it sounds like it.

Generally speaking, you can't really listen to the Prius engine and tell where the power is going. You can tell that it's creating energy, but where that's going, exactly, is really the car's decision.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eucalyptic @ Oct 17 2007, 10:01 AM) [snapback]526845[/snapback]</div>

This problem is caused by a software glitch. It only happens under very certain circumstance. The next time you take it to dealer for maint make sure to tell them to update the software and check for recalls EVERY time you take it in. This ensures you get all the Little fixes and mods done for free as well.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TravelGeeks @ Oct 17 2007, 01:13 PM) [snapback]526971[/snapback]</div>

I've never heard of a software "glitch" like this in the '07.

I do remember the software updates for the '04-'05 models, but am not aware of anything of this nature regarding the '07's.

Would you mind please elaborating on your information? Where'd you hear this, exactly?

I wouldn't bet my life on it, but I reasonably certain that you are incorrect in this assertion...at least regarding an '07 model.

It *is* a good idea to check for recall information, but there are also other ways to go about it besides asking the dealer (if you really want to be certain).

--Pinto