Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky"

spacey_ts · 07-15-2009, 12:48 PM

Hi All,

I have a 2009, which I bought after someone totaled (by running a red light) my 2007. So I am used to all of the quirks, jerks, noises, etc. that we enjoy as prius owners.

However, with this 2009 (with 9800 miles on it), the transfers between the different "modes", for example, from engine breaking to gliding to all-electric to ICE, etc., really seems more "jerky" and "sticky" than in my 2007. It almost feels like transfers between gears when you drive an automatic transmission vehicle. It's much more noticeable than it was in my 2007. I hope I'm explaining the problem well enough. I'm very familiar with the little shudder when the ICE turns off (at stop lights for example) and I'm familiar with that little "pull-back lag" that happens when you're decelerating to 0 mps and you pass through ~ 8-10 mph. But I'm not familiar with these little sudders constantly occuring as I'm driving. There are no warning lights coming on and the car is getting wonderful mpg. It's a great car amd I'm very satisfied except for this shuddering, which I'm not too worried about, but it seems strange since I really don't remember it from my 2007.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

richard schumacher · 07-15-2009, 04:52 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of salvaged vehicles.

You mention engine braking: are you using "B" in everyday driving?

spacey_ts · 07-15-2009, 04:59 PM

Hi, no it's not salvaged - it's dealer certified. I never use the enginer braking "B" option; just normal engine braking when you're coasting and take your foot completely off the gas (also charges battery). Also it does it whether warm or cold - I noticed a lot of previous posts where people experience some harsh "shudders" when the car is cold.

BAllanJ · 07-15-2009, 07:38 PM

Hmmm... the only one I feel in my 2009 that's anywhere near as hard as an automatic transmission shift (and a smooth one at that) would be when I warp stealth down slow enough that it goes to regular glide (ie the rpm drops to zero on a glide from higher speeds) I have actually been very impressed at how much I can't feel the transition from electric braking to friction braking.

Bob_Stan · 07-15-2009, 07:50 PM

I can barely notice the ICE coming on and off in my 2009, even when completely stopped.

ksstathead · 07-15-2009, 08:12 PM

have you checked the fluid levels (ice & cvt)?

just a thought from one with little knowledge here.

07-15-2009, 12:48 PM	#1
spacey_ts Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 5 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky" Hi All, I have a 2009, which I bought after someone totaled (by running a red light) my 2007. So I am used to all of the quirks, jerks, noises, etc. that we enjoy as prius owners. However, with this 2009 (with 9800 miles on it), the transfers between the different "modes", for example, from engine breaking to gliding to all-electric to ICE, etc., really seems more "jerky" and "sticky" than in my 2007. It almost feels like transfers between gears when you drive an automatic transmission vehicle. It's much more noticeable than it was in my 2007. I hope I'm explaining the problem well enough. I'm very familiar with the little shudder when the ICE turns off (at stop lights for example) and I'm familiar with that little "pull-back lag" that happens when you're decelerating to 0 mps and you pass through ~ 8-10 mph. But I'm not familiar with these little sudders constantly occuring as I'm driving. There are no warning lights coming on and the car is getting wonderful mpg. It's a great car amd I'm very satisfied except for this shuddering, which I'm not too worried about, but it seems strange since I really don't remember it from my 2007. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

07-15-2009, 04:52 PM	#2
richard schumacher Destination: Eschaton Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 5,508 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 99 Thanked 93 Times in 66 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky" Welcome to the wonderful world of salvaged vehicles. You mention engine braking: are you using "B" in everyday driving?

07-15-2009, 04:59 PM	#3
spacey_ts Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 5 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky" Hi, no it's not salvaged - it's dealer certified. I never use the enginer braking "B" option; just normal engine braking when you're coasting and take your foot completely off the gas (also charges battery). Also it does it whether warm or cold - I noticed a lot of previous posts where people experience some harsh "shudders" when the car is cold.

07-15-2009, 07:38 PM	#4
BAllanJ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kingston Ontario Posts: 188 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: N/A Package: C Thanks: 10 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky" Hmmm... the only one I feel in my 2009 that's anywhere near as hard as an automatic transmission shift (and a smooth one at that) would be when I warp stealth down slow enough that it goes to regular glide (ie the rpm drops to zero on a glide from higher speeds) I have actually been very impressed at how much I can't feel the transition from electric braking to friction braking.

07-15-2009, 07:50 PM	#5
Bob_Stan Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central New York Posts: 61 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky" I can barely notice the ICE coming on and off in my 2009, even when completely stopped.

07-15-2009, 08:12 PM	#6
ksstathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 188 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 95 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Transfers between engine modes very noticeable - feels "sticky" have you checked the fluid levels (ice & cvt)? just a thought from one with little knowledge here.

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