NEW!!! Service Bulletin for Engine Knocking at Startup T-SB 0012-10

OK, do we know why the previous gen Prius didn't have the issue?

 

Possibly because 1st Gen had the 1.5L engine and 2nd Gen has the 1.8L?

 

Well, I took my Prius to Bohn Brothers Toyota in Harvey, LA. I informed them my car had started rough after sitting. After a 2 hour inspection, I was informed that despite meeting the criteria of the TSB, they could not replace the IM because they could not duplicate the environmental conditions (40 degrees F) since I live in New Orleans. Apparently, Toyota won't honor the Power Train Warrenty in this case since I live in the south. Very disappointed with Toyota right now.

 

Follow up.

E-mail and call to Toyota Corp got the standard response but directed me to the Service Mgr. This morning after work dropped by with copy and case # which opened the door. Was asked if could leave car up to a week and provided a free loaner. Field Tech has been tagged and they will call with results.

As with anything there is protocol to follow. Already miss my Sound System.

 

Using your logic, 2.4L in Camry hybrid shouldn't knock, yet it does.
Do you have a better explanation?

 

No, they are just two different motors. Why should they both have the same problem? That's why I started with Possibly and ended with a question mark. Sorry, don't know anything about the 2.4L in the Camry Hybrid.

 

At one time we had a Mazda Miata that exhibited this problem on Monday mornings everytime it was moved to the driveway to be washed on a Sunday.
Our solution to the problem was to trade the Miata.
It is possible that the fuel injectors are getting 'gummed up' by the moisture in the E10 fuel and partial warm-up cycle on the ICE. Heet fuel treatment could be supressing the gum formation.
A possible fix to try ( if a new Gen3 that I am planing to purchase exhibits the problem) is to use a set of injectors from a Gen2 if they will fit after making sure that they have not been sitting around. The injectors used by the Gen2 do not exhibit this sticky problem seemingly 'by design'.

 

I'm not touching that one.

 

I poured a half can of Sea foam today. Has anyone used the sea foam before? I've used it extensively on my Subaru and Matrix in the past without any problem.

 

Why?

 

Hey, I just joined the club! Thankfully, I've been reading PC forums A LOT lately, especially the problems section to know what maintenance I may need and what to be aware of, so when it started rattling and shaking, it startled me, but being aware of this problem I wasn't too freaked out. It calmed down after about 10 seconds, and just ran a bit rough until it warmed up. I have a free service coming up probably mid next month, and will at least mention this to the mechanic to have them put it on my record, but probably won't pursue it until it does it again (probably come next winter). Either way, thanks for all the info, both with regards to the cause of the problem, and with regards to how much of a PITA is it to bother getting it resolved.

 

Turns out I was incorrect. The issue exists in gen 1:

 

Got my car back this morning. They did the engine mount T-SB-0204-11, not the intake. I did notice a slight reduction in vibration during normal start. Will report more after a few cycles. No joy getting T-SB-0012-10 C/W.

 

Yo Fro, I got the mount too and it did help the vibration during starts. Seems like the new mount isn't much better as it seems the vibration is back (hard to tell really though).

Sorry they didn't do the I/M but it seems like they haven't produced a viable one anyway.

 

Well I just joined the ranks of a knocking engine this morning.
I started the car, got out to Close the garage door and it started knocking. The MIL light was on buit I thought that maybe it was because I was out of the car with the key.

Will check tonight.

 

So I just had my intake manifold changed. The knocking happened about 3 times during the last 2 years, but once I was able to video record the process on my cell. The local dealer techs said they have never seen this before, but did send the video to CA office engineer. They told me it is one of two things, and after 2 hour testing told me they would replace the manifold.

Not sure if the rough starts are over, as it does not happen often. Still has some vibrations on cold starts.

However.....

What has happened though, is that the switch from the electric motor to ICE while driving has become VERY SMOOTH. I have complained before several times that when I drive on electric only and ICE comes on, especially while turning or driving uphill, there was strong vibration felt in the accelerator pedal. I was told this is normal. Had a rental prius, and it was also vibrating, but not quite as bad. The vibrations are worse during winter.

Now, the car is as smooth as butter. Cannot even feel when the ICE engages. What a difference!!!! Absolute pleasure to drive!!!

Hope that helps.

Sophie

 

Yah, right!
All they need to do is to watch youtube.

 

Trust me...they know.

 

I wouldn't bother with the TSB it doesn't fix the issue.