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Prius rattle noise under medium acceleration

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by codycowgill, Jul 13, 2017.

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  1. codycowgill

    codycowgill Junior Member

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    My Prius makes a rattle noise under medium acceleration. Nothing is loose under the hood (prop, washer fluid reservoir ect.) Has always made the noise ever since I bought it 4 years ago with 150k miles. Now has 210k miles. Uses a Qt of oil every 1500 miles. I've heard a few theories like the oil control valve or the catalytic converter. But figured I would post my video of the noise and get some opinions. The check engine light is for the coolant sensor valve. No other codes have been thrown. Thanks.
     
    #1 codycowgill, Jul 13, 2017
  2. Igoryan

    Igoryan Junior Member

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    I've got the exact same noise.
    I also have 202K on mine.
    And I started getting error code for catalytic converter.
    P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
    It appears once in 1-2 weeks.

    Not sure when I will replace it, but I will update here if the noise is gone.
     
    #2 Igoryan, Jul 14, 2017
    codycowgill likes this.
  3. Bens04Prius

    Bens04Prius Junior Member

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    I have a similar noise but no codes - my car also vibrates heavily when idling in park. Did you ever figure out the problem?
     
    #3 Bens04Prius, Jul 18, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    look all the way down the exhaust line for a heat shield touching something.
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 18, 2017
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  5. codycowgill

    codycowgill Junior Member

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    Havent figured it out but will check the heat shields.
     
    #5 codycowgill, Jul 31, 2017
  6. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    has the PCV valve ever been changed?
    no codes or warning lights just part over routine maintenance everyone overlooks..
    its about 8 bucks and there are videos on youtube how to change it
     
    #6 Beachbummm, Jul 31, 2017
  7. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    always check youtube.. solved 98% of my fix it problems with info from there

     
    #7 Beachbummm, Jul 31, 2017
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  8. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    The main factor is have you ever run the oil so low the check engine light came on?

    If so the engine is most likely damaged especially if there are no lights on the dash now and in your case is using oil like crazy.
    If lights on the dash it's showing a misfire and may very well be a cop.

    Start looking for a used engine.
     
    #8 edthefox5, Jul 31, 2017
  9. codycowgill

    codycowgill Junior Member

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    Well Not sure if the sound had anything to do with it but I threw some bearing caps on my way back from California and made swiss cheese out of the bottom of the engine...
     
    #9 codycowgill, Aug 4, 2017
  10. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    It likes to throw piston #3 thru the block.

    The death rattle in a Prius engine can either be a cop or the bottom internals are damaged usually piston wrist bearing. In your case it was probably the piston rod bearing.
    Blown bottom end is caused by oil starvation. Low oil poor oil splash and the upper part of the inside of the engine like piston chamber walls and piston/rod connection see no oil.
    If really starved the mains will fail. They take the most punishment in an engine.

    If low oil and no lubrication the oil control ring is quickly damaged first and will result in a lot of oil blowby
    Turning the engine into an oil eater.
     
    #10 edthefox5, Aug 4, 2017
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  11. codycowgill

    codycowgill Junior Member

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    Have another engine on the way, with around 100k on it. Came with the transaxle attached for a good deal. All in all there was 4 holes. 3 on the transaxle side of the engine underneath. The other one was hidden under the intake manifold.
     
    #11 codycowgill, Aug 17, 2017
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  12. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    #12 Jmack111, Aug 18, 2017
  13. codycowgill

    codycowgill Junior Member

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    Small Update, noise was still there somewhat with "new motor/transaxle until i reset the computer (unhooked battery cables and shorted them for 10 min). After that the sound went away. Maybe the computer was still compensating for something from the old engine? Anyways smooth sailing now and Rarely uses any oil (compared to 1 Qt every 500 with old motor). Previous owner took poor care of motor apparently.
     
    #13 codycowgill, Nov 24, 2017
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  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats, thanks for the update. all the best!(y)
     
    #14 bisco, Nov 24, 2017
    codycowgill likes this.
  15. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Can you explain what you mean by "them"? What exactly is "them"? Did you connect the + and - battery cables together? Why did you do that?
     
    #15 dolj, Nov 25, 2017
  16. Sonat

    Sonat New Member

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    Anyone tried checking the water pump is working efficiently for that rattling metallic sound?
     
    #16 Sonat, Apr 5, 2018
  17. ccamero

    ccamero New Member

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    I have the same problem. I checked you tube and cleaned EGR cooling and valve using you tube Nutz and Bolts how to.
    I also changed the spark plug and checked the coils. The rattling noise was still there but not as bad. So figured that my injectors must be clogged or bad. I bought redex fuel treatment for hybrids from halfords and after 300 miles the rattling has gone.
    Driving now with no annoying rattling engine noise and the car is as smooth as ever and better MPG. I have 208k on on my mileage.
    I am also in the process of changing the transmission oil and cleaning the intake manifold.
    Hope this helps you.
     
    #17 ccamero, May 10, 2018
  18. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    You are posting in a G2 forum.
     
    #18 edthefox5, May 10, 2018
  19. Lord Byron

    Lord Byron Member

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    I have the exact same noise.. been driving me nuts forever now! I just threw the Cat code today. Did you replace your Cat..? Was that what was causing the rattle?
     
    #19 Lord Byron, May 3, 2019
  20. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    Did you do the Injectors before the noise

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #20 Jmack111, May 3, 2019
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