Engine Problems: Any thoughts??

Tony,

Good call: I plan to do just that. I want to be as prepared as I can to make sure this gets resolved. Either way, I pay them to handle my maintenance -- Unless there is a more insidious problem at work here, there shouldn't be oil in the throttle body either way. But I do plan to take a copy of these threads. I am really stoked that there is such an informed body of Prius frea...I mean fellow enthusiasts that could point me in the right direction!!

Regards,
Dave

 

Frank and galaxee,

My grandpa was a genius with conventional combustion engines in his day and warned me against overfilling an engine with oil. He said that the oil could froth in the heads. It would seem logical that there would be a substantial increase in the oil pressure as well; the oil expands under a heat load, that pressure has got to go someplace. I just hope if galaxee's diagnosis is correct, and it seems to be on the shortlist of possible explanations (given the evidence), that damage hasn't been done. I put 1K miles on it (after the service) in this condition. Only now did it fail, so that makes me a bit worried. Still, we need to entertain other possibilities (until proven incorrect), so will also check out the fuel filter/bad gas scenario to be sure. But there's oil in the intake, that's a certainty. I may even photograph it tomorrow. This is a good learning experience, albeit an inconvenient one (hopefully not expensive). Thanks for the continued support and ideas.

Regards,
Dave

 

Richard,

Unfortunately, I'd have no way of even knowing what they did as I never get any face-time with the mechanic. The "service manager" always acts as the go-between, likely because the mechanics have more work than they can handle. It's pure trust that they are doing what they should be and say they are. That said, as I mentioned previously, there have been subtle signs through other service experiences that they act in a big hurry and I am becoming increasingly suspicious of the quality. We've been screwed on scheduling of service & detailing, had a very greasy interior to clean up when the car was returned, and I explained the coffee incident in a previous post. Also, a couple of times we requested things to be done and they were not.

Now, you and everyone else might ask, what the hell am I still doing taking it to this dealer?? Good question. Well, this is our only vehicle, and the dealership happens to be within a 1/2 mile of my home, so I walk to and from. So while it is convenient, the outcome of my present sitiuation will dictate future choice.

I am going to be at the dealer tomorrow morning at 6:30am. I will meet with the shop foreman and service manager. I will be very polite and professional -- but will state my displeasure and expectations in no uncertain terms. If this meeting goes poorly (they get defensive and uncooperative) then I will dial Toyota Customer Service on my cell and we'll all have a conference call and get it sorted out.

Yes, I will be checking the oil whenever I leave the dealer henceforth. I expect, however, that when maintenance is performed, it is done with integrity -- that is why I own a Toyota (and a Prius!).

Dave

 

Driveprius,

I wouldn't sweat having service performed by the dealer. Despite my present concerns, I wouldn't take it anywhere else. After all...what choice do you have? No one is better suited to service this vehicle than Toyota. Still, my recommendation would be to establish a relationship with your service manager and staff, up front (You would do the same if it was an investment counselor or financial planner right?)

I have enjoyed 99% reliability up to this point (39 months of ownership). The 1% was for a warning that resulted in a warranty motherboard replacement. The car continued to operate just fine during the warning. I couldn't be happier and will not drive any other kind of car, both for ethical and environmental reasons, but also that Toyota makes a superior product -- end of story. I plan to hang on to this car for another 4-5 years. My next car will be a 2010 Prius!

Don't worry ,
Dave

p.s. I am still envious of all of the cool aftermarket products coming out for the 2006 models though!. Wish I could pimp out my ride! :lol:

 

Ok, here is the outcome to my tale. I'm sorry I couldn't post sooner but I couldn't get onto the Forum at all the past couple of days.

The tip-o'-the-hat goes to Galaxee for the pre-diagnosis but my hat's off (were I wearing one), to ALL who pitched in -- your help is very much appreciated!!.Too much oil was added during the 45K service; about 2 cups worth. Indeed the Prius is very sensitive to this it seems. Maybe my running 92 octane for our roadtrip contributed, although we had no issues during the trip and averaged 49.2mpg on the return.

The dealer was extremely gracious about the oversight. They took care of it immediately and without question and were very helpful. The oil level was lowered and the throttle body cleaned. Kudos to them as well as they also asked about the octane. I was told not to run the hot stuff (as others here also mentioned). It's interesting because I read the owners manual and it ONLY states not to run anything less than 87. It doesn't specifically state to run just 87. But I will from now on, and that's an extra cost savings.

Anyway, the car is running smoothly again. We've refilled with 87.

Thanks again to all for the assistance and suggestions; it made this a lot easier and I learned some interesting things.

Regards,
Dave