Have a 2008 HYCam. When starting from a complete stop I get a "judder" (like clutch slipping) for about 2 seconds. Happens every time I start from a complete stop. Dealer calls it normal transition. Not a problem. IS IT???
Hi! We took delivery of our Hybrid Camry yesterday so I don't know if its a problem or not. However, there is a slight... sometimes noticeably hard ... shudder/judder/shiver?? when the gas engine cuts in or cuts off. It doesn't do it all the time. Its a very rare occurrence and it makes you think... "Whoa!! What was that???" FWIW, I think its normal. :ranger:
I noticed that, too, when I was test-driving an 08. Since then, I've bought the 09 and still has it (less pronounced though) - I could live with it. Funny, I needed a loaner car while my wife's Yaris was being serviced and they let me drive another Camry (which I thought was a hybrid, too, because of keyless entry, etc.) Right away, I noticed the absence of the "judder", the more instantaneous response to the gas pedal, then, also noticed the Cruising Range of 294kms instead of 650+, then, the bigger trunk space, alas, I was driving a Camry Non-Hybrid!!! Well, you can't have everything ;-)
This was one of those things that came up about the prius. It's normal. that's just how it works. there really is no way to put wear on your hybrid system. i'm noticing (at 103k miles) that i really don't feel shuddering anymore.
Think about it this way: shutting down the engine is noticeable on any car, even non-hybrids. Engine start ups are noticeable too. The impressive thing about engine starts and stops with Toyota hybrids is that they are almost imperceptible, except for the occasional shudder on shut down. It is surprising that it works as smoothly as it does. The shudder is more common with new engines and cold engines. It should smooth out a bit with time. Tom
I have a thoery: The shudder or jitter you feel is the race war between the ICE and MG1. You see, MG1 spins to counter-act the ICE when power is not needed form the ICE. So, when the ICE comes on it ramps from a hundred RPM to 1200 RPM very quickly. MG1 has to spin up to counter-act ICE and doesn't exactly match. Hence, the shudder you feel is a torque-war. Absolutely nothing to worry about.
