2014 Prius C: chugging noise and feel when accelerating w/ gas engine

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusC_OCD, Nov 5, 2019.

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  1. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    Hello friends, I have a 2014 Prius C model 1 that is quickly approaching 100k miles. I have put on roughly 60k in the last three years and recently I have been experiencing a slight chugging when I accelerate or am working hard to get up a big hill. It seems like the engine is struggling a bit more than usual. Especially on a longer steeper uphill, the car struggles and drops to 60 mph with the pedal down. Sometimes when starting I get a rougher idle, but this may be due to cold and unrelated. I have an OBD2 but don’t have Prius specific codes downloaded, but it is showing no errors.

    I have done all recommended mileage maintenance (with a trans fluid change at 60k which really helped some jerkiness in the exchange from battery to gas).

    Anyone had this experience? Is it a situation where I should check the plugs? Would it be an intake or valve issue?
     
    #1 PriusC_OCD, Nov 5, 2019
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Not likely to be valve-related based on info you’ve presented.

    Plugs remain a real possibility in my mind, and fuel supply as well. Do you always get fuel from the same place?

    Also worth a quick peek at the air cleaner to make sure a squirrel didn’t fill it with the harvest.
     
    #2 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 5, 2019
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  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Do you think this could be related to EGR valve and it getting clogged and gumming up head gasket to the point it might fail, or has begun to fail?
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Nov 5, 2019
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  4. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    I won’t say that I use name brand gas for every fill up and would say 90% of the fill ups are whichever station is closest. I have used a few bottles of fuel system cleaner over the years.

    I also looked at air filter and looks clean, is there a space the squirrels would find room and is this different than the air cleaner?
     
    #4 PriusC_OCD, Nov 5, 2019
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    As I understand it, what you are describing is a feature of the 2ZR engine’s EGR system, not the 1NZ’s. At the very least, the EGR system in the c does not match that used in either 2nd or 3rd generation liftback.

    Wouldn’t totally rule it out either.

    Nah, the air cleaner’s the only spot I know of for rodents & associated debris.

    Spark plugs are easy in this model- to the point where it’s worth inspecting what you’ve got without committing to replacing them. Worth a peek I say.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 5, 2019
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  6. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    Is there an easy way to check this myself or to clean it without a disassembly. The videos make it look straightforward once disassembled.
     
    #6 PriusC_OCD, Nov 6, 2019
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    You could stick a camera down the spark plug holes and see if it looks clean or dirty? Hopefully other on here with more experience than I will tell you what you need to look for...
     
    #7 PriusCamper, Nov 6, 2019
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  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    A camera in a plug hole isn’t going to tell you anything about the EGR system. It might tell you other things, but I wouldn’t bother.

    Just get the plugs out and check the tips.
     
    #8 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 7, 2019
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Makes sense, but if any plugs come out dirty than scope would be wise...
     
    #9 PriusCamper, Nov 7, 2019
  10. dubit

    dubit Senior Member

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    Anyone know if there's a valve clearance inspection recommendation on the Prius C? I realize this isn't done much anymore, and on many cars it's just not needed. But there are a few Honda's that have this recommendation and it hits right at 100k (or is it 120k).

    With 100k on the ODO, I'd replace the plugs regardless of their condition.
     
    #10 dubit, Nov 8, 2019
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  11. PriusC_OCD

    PriusC_OCD Junior Member

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    Photo is of the old (original) plugs at 98.5k. Replaced plugs with Denso IK16TT today. Was super straightforward with the C, used anti seize to a 12 lb/ft torque.

    Drove about 40 miles and the rough idle has decreased. Not sure on the mpg but averaged about 50.1 for mostly highway. I am still having some acceleration issues on hills where it feels like it’s struggling a bit. Haven’t popped any codes so thinking the throttle body may need a cleaning.

    Any other thoughts? Would EGR have any impact on idle and a bit of struggle to accelerate?
     
    #11 PriusC_OCD, Feb 17, 2020
  12. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Check the valve clearance! I saw it on the manual! Can not believe it when I saw it but it seems they run on mechanical tappets.
    Coils are the next bet before the valves.
     
    #12 Max Taiwan, Mar 16, 2020
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  13. Max Taiwan

    Max Taiwan Active Member

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    Coils! try changing the coils. Can try buying one and replace one to trouble shoot. But at close to 100k, I would go ahead and change all 4. They should be good for another 100k!
     
    #13 Max Taiwan, Apr 2, 2020
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