loud noise on starting enging (and on restart)

worrywort · 09-20-2009, 09:06 AM

I have a 2006 Prius, package 5. I get a loud noise--almost like a loose engine mount or loose connection in the exhaust system immediately after starting--and for a while each time that the gas engine shuts off (to go to the electric motor only mode). The sound seems to be in the engine compartment. I open the hood and I'm clueless.
This will persist for the first 2-5 or so minutes of driving (sometimes less, sometimes more).
It isn't there on the expressway at 55 mph--and but it is noticeable if I'm parked at a drive-thru window or sitting waiting to pick some-one up at a drive thru.
It isn't heard once fully warm with stop and go for construction work on the express-way.

I don't have a single dealer in the area who I can trust for work. (Buffalo).
I have tried to get mechanics who I have used previously for non-hybrids to look and no one wants to touch the car.

I am a basic klutz and probably shouldn't be owning a three year older hybrid. I thought about trading it in but bought the extended warranty instead.

Should I change the 12V batter just to be safe?
I am afraid of this car breaking down after reading posts on inverter coolant/batteries/transaxle.

I did buy the 7/100000 warranty but it seems, based on other posts, that it isn't worth much.

Paradox · 09-20-2009, 09:09 AM

Based on how you describe it, sounds normal to me. My 2006 did that while still cold and then it went away... Never led to a problem.

Patrick Wong · 09-20-2009, 09:34 AM

Given your description of the noise, I'd say that the 12V battery has nothing to do with that particular problem.

You might be right that an engine mount is loose. Can you demonstrate the noise upon demand, when the car is cold?

If yes, then since you have extended warranty coverage, I suggest you report the problem to a Toyota dealer (if not Buffalo, then drive to another city).

Why pay >=$1K for the extended warranty, if you don't use it when it can help?

worrywort · 09-20-2009, 09:37 AM

It's there more when cold. I can't always have it happen but it happens more often than not when the engine is cold.

firepa63 · 09-20-2009, 11:16 AM

It's normal for the engine (ICE) to be a little rough starting and stopping when cold. If the noise and shudder go away after about 5 - 10 minutes of driving, I would consider it normal.

richard schumacher · 09-20-2009, 01:02 PM

What Patrick wrote. Not dealing with a problem will be more expensive than dealing with a dealer.

09-20-2009, 09:06 AM	#1
worrywort Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: buffalo Posts: 11 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	loud noise on starting enging (and on restart) I have a 2006 Prius, package 5. I get a loud noise--almost like a loose engine mount or loose connection in the exhaust system immediately after starting--and for a while each time that the gas engine shuts off (to go to the electric motor only mode). The sound seems to be in the engine compartment. I open the hood and I'm clueless. This will persist for the first 2-5 or so minutes of driving (sometimes less, sometimes more). It isn't there on the expressway at 55 mph--and but it is noticeable if I'm parked at a drive-thru window or sitting waiting to pick some-one up at a drive thru. It isn't heard once fully warm with stop and go for construction work on the express-way. I don't have a single dealer in the area who I can trust for work. (Buffalo). I have tried to get mechanics who I have used previously for non-hybrids to look and no one wants to touch the car. I am a basic klutz and probably shouldn't be owning a three year older hybrid. I thought about trading it in but bought the extended warranty instead. Should I change the 12V batter just to be safe? I am afraid of this car breaking down after reading posts on inverter coolant/batteries/transaxle. I did buy the 7/100000 warranty but it seems, based on other posts, that it isn't worth much. Last edited by worrywort; 09-20-2009 at 09:07 AM. Reason: left out year/package

09-20-2009, 09:09 AM	#2
Paradox Prius Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SI, NY Posts: 2,131 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: V Package: Adv. Technology Thanks: 21 Thanked 299 Times in 180 Posts Friends: 9	Re: loud noise on starting enging (and on restart) Based on how you describe it, sounds normal to me. My 2006 did that while still cold and then it went away... Never led to a problem.

09-20-2009, 09:34 AM	#3
Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Green Valley, AZ Posts: 4,056 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #9 Thanks: 21 Thanked 213 Times in 184 Posts Friends: 44	Re: loud noise on starting enging (and on restart) Given your description of the noise, I'd say that the 12V battery has nothing to do with that particular problem. You might be right that an engine mount is loose. Can you demonstrate the noise upon demand, when the car is cold? If yes, then since you have extended warranty coverage, I suggest you report the problem to a Toyota dealer (if not Buffalo, then drive to another city). Why pay >=$1K for the extended warranty, if you don't use it when it can help?

09-20-2009, 09:37 AM	#4
worrywort Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: buffalo Posts: 11 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: loud noise on starting enging (and on restart) It's there more when cold. I can't always have it happen but it happens more often than not when the engine is cold.

09-20-2009, 11:16 AM	#5
firepa63 Senior Citizen Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SE Pennsylvania Posts: 930 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 39 Posts Friends: 0	Re: loud noise on starting enging (and on restart) It's normal for the engine (ICE) to be a little rough starting and stopping when cold. If the noise and shudder go away after about 5 - 10 minutes of driving, I would consider it normal. Last edited by firepa63; 09-20-2009 at 12:45 PM.

09-20-2009, 01:02 PM	#6
richard schumacher Destination: Eschaton Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 5,514 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 100 Thanked 93 Times in 66 Posts Friends: 0	Re: loud noise on starting enging (and on restart) What Patrick wrote. Not dealing with a problem will be more expensive than dealing with a dealer.

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