2008 Prius 150k worries

I would check the oil level in your car first. 8k to 10k is a long time for these engines. I'm betting you are low on oil

 

Can you describe the rough transition?

 

I often feel a little jerk when I'm not moving. Can't feel it when the car is in motion.

This is new? You've had the car for a long time so you should know what's normal.

What maintenance have you done since 100k?

 

At what vehicle speed do you typically notice this? I have an '08 that is above the 180K mileage mark that I drive at least 35K a year. I notice a bump in the transition at a highway speed of 65 mph when cresting a small hill sometimes. At that speed the ICE is running continuous so I'm not really sure what causes the brief interruption in power. Yeah, the forum search function is challenging. I've found it to be most useful when searching for a single term. The more words you add the farther it gets from the relevant topic. So, to the car, I would carefully clean the throttle body and get some MAF sensor cleaner and give that the jazz. Could be a restricted ICE air filter or, dare I say, a sticky PCV. When was the transaxle oil changed last? That step is more preventative than curative.

 

My description above didn't say that at the times I notice this happening I clean the throttle body and MAF and I don't notice it happening again for a number of months. I also didn't say that I'm wondering if this little bump every now and then might not have something to do with the variable valve timing in the engine. Things I think about on my long daily drive. I also mop up the oil and whatever else accumulates across the inside bottom of the intake manifold when I have everything apart, but some will say I'm taking chances by doing this. I'm careful. It is a DIY if you are so inclined. Remove the air cleaner box top and the filter. Look down into the throttle body and the first thing you see is the MAF. It sticks out in the air flow. It can be removed to make it easier to clean by removing the two screws and a wiring harness that hold it on the throttle body. There is an electronic component in the immediate air flow and a set of hot wire components hidden up inside the sensor assembly. Make sure you only use MAF cleaner and nothing else. No Q-Tips or other probes up in there. Delicate parts. I don't know how much a dealership would charge for this service. Good luck.

 

Yes, that would solve the problem. Clean up the maf sensor and the throttle body.

 

I'm suspecting the spark plugs may be your issue. When you had your oil overfilled, that may have fouled up your plugs. Cleaning the throttle body should help too.