Has the rough cold start issue being corrected?

Ok, how many of those resulted in reports logged in Toyota's database? I suspect it's not 100%.

For those who haven't done so yet, get it logged! Please see the posted I linked to at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...mpletely-freaked-out-today-2.html#post1419682 as to why. The more quantitative data that Toyota sees in their database, the better. Posts here on Priuschat may not help. To quote from Doug:

 

I now allow the ICE to warm up at least to the point where it can shut down before I turn the system off. This seems to resolve the issue.

 

Twice in 36000 mi.

Once was after a short engine run, then a cold soak overnight (low temps).

It did it again a few days ago. Prior operation 50 miles (my commute home). Sat for 2 days, temp about 35 (in the garage). So, with mine it can happen after a normal run as well as a short run.

 

As I posted in the other forum labeled "knock events", Toyota knows about the issue and isolated the problem..., there will be a tsb coming out soon!

 

This happened to me this morning at <30 and I just had my first service at 8k two days ago..thought my car was gonna die, hope they fix this in the future..

 

I just had this happen to me. The car had been driven plenty for a complete warmup then parked in a 56 degree garage for a ween untouched. When I started it it turned on right away then knocked and shook for maybe a 3 count then smoothed out. No repeat yet but it was quite a shock. Almost like the engine had no oil. Which was my first thought. Good to heat there's a TSB coming out.

 

This phenomena is not at all specific to Prius. I just did a quick search and saw similar complaints about a RAV4 and a Mazda6. I've also experienced it with a Volvo and Audi. A lot of posts explain this as sticking valves, but it could be any number of things -- like condensate on the O2 sensors or your stopping the engine while it is still running with maximum enrichment. In any case it's not damaging and just running your vehicle a couple of minutes seems to eliminate it. You don't have to wait until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

Clarification: I've never experienced knocking or any other mechanical noise during the Prius start up. I've only had perhaps 10 seconds of rough engine operation, as if there is a misfire.

 

VVT-i controller, as indicated in other posts and by the Toyota TSB which covers a similar, non-Atkinson Cycle engine in other Toyota products.

I find it hard to believe a metallic clanking from a new engine is not damaging.

It's AFT that they're stepping up and admitting there's a problem with this engine.

Let's put it this way: If I went to buy a used Prius and it exhibited that behavior, I wouldn't buy it. Would you?

I mean, if the present owner of the car said to you, "In any case it's not damaging and just running your vehicle a couple of minutes seems to eliminate it," would you be like, okay, I agree, I don't have a problem with the used car I'm about to buy making that noise, here's a check for the car...?

probably not.

And it'd be that much worse if it were my new Prius.

 

The TSB addressed an engine similar in architecture to the Gen III Prius engine, only non Atkinson Cycle. I contend otherwise, especially given that the issue has made it to YouTube in multiple postings.

 

This is ridiculous. A new car which requires procedures undocumented in the owner's manual to keep the engine from making a loud metallic noise and shaking the car.

I get the Prius enthusiasm, but sometimes it's important to realize that it's still an internal combustion engine under the (steeply sloped) hood. When engines make loud metallic noises, that's the sound of your car getting old before its time.

 

Are there two different issues here? One consisting of only uneven firing at start up, and the other involving metallic noises? I have only experienced the former.

 

Mine 2011 did that yesterday went to a movie drove it 7 miles in was about 50F outside temp came out started real ruff I think it been doing that other times driving when the engine has to restart it self. Sometimes like coming home for work when I turn off the highway give it some peddle feels like I am going over a bad place in the road next day it will be real smooth in the same spot.I think it doing it at highway speed to less noticeable but i feel it start sometime and other times i don't.Made apointment to take it next Friday01/06/2012

 

2012 right?

 

yes 2012 I corrected it

 

this is making me nervous about my future pip.

 

My 2011 with 3600miles did the misfire, rough idle this morning.

25deg last night: I went to plug in my Ipod last night in the car. Started the car to verify the Ipod connection and then quickly shut if off after I heard the music playing. The ICE came on for a minute last night.

It was too cold outside for me to wait for the warm up cycle to complete.

This morning turned it on and it misfired, idle rough but no metal noise to my ear. Turned it off rapidly and hit start again this time normal start-up.

For me, I will always allow the start of the ICE to finish it's cycle in the cold before shutting it down.

my2cents.

 

I experienced this just once. I drove from Florida to New York and then left the car in the driveway for 3 days. There was a lot a shaking and metallic noises, like the engine was falling apart, for about 30 seconds and then it smoothed out. So in my case, it was not due to an incomplete warming cycle.

 

When my 2010 did it I was so surprised that by the time the shock of hearing and feeling what was going on it was over. Like I said previously about a 3 count and it stopped. So I'm wondering if there was a metallic noise or just a severe misfire. I hope there's no next time but in case there is then I'll be more prepared.

You know if you talk to your friendly service manager about it they won't be able to get it to happen again and it gets swept under the rug and maybe not even noted in your service history. Just to mention it I check my oil weekly and it's still at the full mark.