Engine/transmission pulses on my 2006

Shane · 01-24-2007, 01:41 PM

For about the past 2 weeks or so, in the morning while trying to accelerate, my 06 seems to stutter a little. It acts like it is hitting ice and the TCS kicks in, although there isn't anything but dry, cold pavement. Then while accelerating the engine seems to pulse. It is actually very noticable. With my foot on the gas pedal and in a consistent position, the car accelerates then slows, then accelerates then slows. This continues for a little while.

Is it just cold, or does it sound like something is wrong with the transmission/engine? Has anyone else experienced this?

Any input appreciated.

Pinto Girl · 01-24-2007, 04:26 PM

I'm wondering if it's a tank of bad gas, or a fuel filter issue, or perhaps the fuel pump(s) is/are going...? That's what I'd check if my Pinto exhibited those symptoms...but what they mean in a Prius is anyone's guess!
[smile]

In the Pinto, I'd probably replace the fuel filter and do an output test on the fuel pump to make sure it's functioning correctly.

A surge at idle can sometimes indicate a vacuum leak in the downstream part of the intake tract, but that doesn't sound like what you've described.

I'm guessing it's either an air or a fuel issue...or, more likely, an air/fuel mixture issue.

Perhaps the mass airflow sensor is not working correctly, or the fuel pump(s) are incapable of supplying adequate pressure and/or volume when the engine is working harder...?

Sounds to me like the mixture is not consistent and is going from lean to rich and back again.

lowspeed · 01-24-2007, 11:49 PM

I have that too. Exactly as you described it. but i'm trading the car hopefully this weekend.

I've lost the love.

ewhanley · 01-24-2007, 11:54 PM

I don't think there is anything wrong with your car. I have an '06 that exhibits the same behavior in cold weather. The colder the weather, the more pronounced the pulsing. For me, after the car warms up, the pulsing ceases. My theory is that the vvti, which is hydraulically controlled, doesn't operate properly at low, particularly sub-zero, temps. Perhaps switching to a lighter oil during the winter would solve the problem?

Bill Merchant · 01-26-2007, 12:52 AM

It's a 2006 and still under warranty, isn't it? Ask a dealer.

gilahiker · 01-26-2007, 01:08 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Jan 25 2007, 10:52 PM) [snapback]380972[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

It's a 2006 and still under warranty, isn't it? Ask a dealer.
[/b]

My dealer said they "couldn't replicate the problem." I'll take it in again knowing that other folks are having the same problems.

BORNGEARHEAD · 01-26-2007, 01:14 AM

You may want to leave the vehicle overnight with the dealership so they can try to duplicate the concern in the cold morning.

SomervillePrius · 01-26-2007, 08:04 AM

I have an 06 and it runs fine even in "cold" weather (5F this morning for example). When it's really cold the prius doesn't use the battery (much) so the car is a little more sluggish but doesn't stutter! And I never warm up the car before driving, I simply hit the start button and drive.

As other have said I would take it to the dealer and have it checked out. This is not normal car behavior.

galaxee · 02-02-2007, 11:30 PM

are you talking about the speed accelerating and slowing? or the engine rpm?

no check engine light? vvti causing a problem would trip a code of some sort.

Synergetic · 02-05-2007, 08:17 PM

I'm in the market of getting a more efficient car....

I went to go test drive the PRIUS today and the only thing i did not like is when i was on the express way ...

I FELT THE SAME THING

When the accelerator was depressed halfway while accelerating the car reved up and down almost as if it were stuck switchinge BTWN two gears...

well

thats the only think I DIDN"T LIKE

I may just end up getting the yaris

unless anybody has an answer to this

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01-24-2007, 01:41 PM	#1
Shane Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 30 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	For about the past 2 weeks or so, in the morning while trying to accelerate, my 06 seems to stutter a little. It acts like it is hitting ice and the TCS kicks in, although there isn't anything but dry, cold pavement. Then while accelerating the engine seems to pulse. It is actually very noticable. With my foot on the gas pedal and in a consistent position, the car accelerates then slows, then accelerates then slows. This continues for a little while. Is it just cold, or does it sound like something is wrong with the transmission/engine? Has anyone else experienced this? Any input appreciated.

01-24-2007, 04:26 PM	#2
Pinto Girl Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 2,372 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Friends: 0	I'm wondering if it's a tank of bad gas, or a fuel filter issue, or perhaps the fuel pump(s) is/are going...? That's what I'd check if my Pinto exhibited those symptoms...but what they mean in a Prius is anyone's guess! [smile] In the Pinto, I'd probably replace the fuel filter and do an output test on the fuel pump to make sure it's functioning correctly. A surge at idle can sometimes indicate a vacuum leak in the downstream part of the intake tract, but that doesn't sound like what you've described. I'm guessing it's either an air or a fuel issue...or, more likely, an air/fuel mixture issue. Perhaps the mass airflow sensor is not working correctly, or the fuel pump(s) are incapable of supplying adequate pressure and/or volume when the engine is working harder...? Sounds to me like the mixture is not consistent and is going from lean to rich and back again.

01-24-2007, 11:49 PM	#3
lowspeed Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 267 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have that too. Exactly as you described it. but i'm trading the car hopefully this weekend. I've lost the love.

01-24-2007, 11:54 PM	#4
ewhanley Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 247 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 1	I don't think there is anything wrong with your car. I have an '06 that exhibits the same behavior in cold weather. The colder the weather, the more pronounced the pulsing. For me, after the car warms up, the pulsing ceases. My theory is that the vvti, which is hydraulically controlled, doesn't operate properly at low, particularly sub-zero, temps. Perhaps switching to a lighter oil during the winter would solve the problem?

01-26-2007, 12:52 AM	#5
Bill Merchant absit invidia Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA \| Oregon \| Portland area \| 97004 \| Posts: 4,100 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 18 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts Friends: 60	It's a 2006 and still under warranty, isn't it? Ask a dealer.

01-26-2007, 01:14 AM	#7
BORNGEARHEAD Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 73 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	You may want to leave the vehicle overnight with the dealership so they can try to duplicate the concern in the cold morning.

01-26-2007, 08:04 AM	#8
SomervillePrius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 946 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	I have an 06 and it runs fine even in "cold" weather (5F this morning for example). When it's really cold the prius doesn't use the battery (much) so the car is a little more sluggish but doesn't stutter! And I never warm up the car before driving, I simply hit the start button and drive. As other have said I would take it to the dealer and have it checked out. This is not normal car behavior.

02-02-2007, 11:30 PM	#9
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,675 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	are you talking about the speed accelerating and slowing? or the engine rpm? no check engine light? vvti causing a problem would trip a code of some sort.

02-05-2007, 08:17 PM	#10
Synergetic Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'm in the market of getting a more efficient car.... I went to go test drive the PRIUS today and the only thing i did not like is when i was on the express way ... I FELT THE SAME THING When the accelerator was depressed halfway while accelerating the car reved up and down almost as if it were stuck switchinge BTWN two gears... well thats the only think I DIDN"T LIKE I may just end up getting the yaris unless anybody has an answer to this