Hello! Rough / Jerky / Hard engine starts, NORMAL?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by FlipFeel, May 31, 2014.

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  1. FlipFeel

    FlipFeel New Member

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    I just got one of these lovely Prius C. I started noticing that sometimes when the ICE (engine) is engaged the car will shake, nothing crazy but a definite jolt throughout the whole frame. Most of the time while rolling the engine comes on seamlessly, or with a slight rumble. However like I said when rolling even there are times when there is a jolt.

    I noticed the effect most pronounced, when the car is parked with AC on and the ICE turns on to charge the battery, its not that the engine is a bit loud, its the jolt and slight rumble when it starts! I hope this is normal. However the only car I feel a rumble similar to this is in a other car the needs replacement of motor-mounts. So it has me a bit worried :( ...

    What is your experience with the motor starting, it is seamless every time? Jolts, rumble? Have about 550 miles on it so far, with ~52.5 mpg on the first tank.
     
    #1 FlipFeel, May 31, 2014
  2. Deleted member 111882

    Deleted member 111882 Guest

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    It jolts...?
    Take it back to the dealer; something isn't right.
     
    #2 Deleted member 111882, May 31, 2014
  3. FlipFeel

    FlipFeel New Member

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    Yeah, I'd call it a jolt.... It started once a few days ago and the whole car rocked forward a bit maybe just a millimeter or so but I'd call it a jolt.... I'll have to take it to the dealer, poop. Maybe I'm just magnifying something that isn't a problem, but i'll at least get them to sooth my worries by ac/ice testing another car to see if indeed there is a problem.
     
    #3 FlipFeel, Jun 1, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2014
  4. otbiker

    otbiker New Member

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    We feel this to a certain extent. I don't think you have an issue. Go to the dealership and replicate the scenario and compare...
     
    #4 otbiker, Jun 1, 2014
  5. bmw

    bmw New Member

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    #5 bmw, Jun 9, 2014
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jun 9, 2014
  7. FlipFeel

    FlipFeel New Member

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    I took it to the dealer and check other other another PriusC. I used an app called "Vibrometer" on android. I took a few measurements in my c, getting around ~2.5 max "shaking" on ICE startup. The dealer's car was the same, so it is normal. I suppose its because the way the valves are left open on compression that can lead to "rumble" start up lasting for half a second. Also why sometimes the ice will turn on seamlessly and other times not so much.
     
    #7 FlipFeel, Jun 13, 2014
    Yakoma, irrational and Mendel Leisk like this.
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    ^ Good scientific method sleuthing ;)
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jun 13, 2014
  9. Deleted member 111882

    Deleted member 111882 Guest

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    I thought it was more serious like a migraine-inducing jolt...
     
    #9 Deleted member 111882, Jun 16, 2014
  10. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    What you describe is normal. You are simply getting used to a new car and its movements and sounds.

    I sit in the parking lot at work before I go in for the morning, finishing my cigar and listening to the radio. Depending on the outside temp, the car can start zero, one, or three times in this period. Some days I set the parking brake so I don't get seasick with all that rocking back and forth on the engine starts. Not really, but it can be pronounced at times.

    As for the shaky engine, also something to not worry about. There was nothing in the booklets about being Rolls-Royce smooth.

    Enjoy your new C. It's definitely different.
     
    #10 Mr Incredible, Jun 16, 2014
  11. Christopher De Leon

    Christopher De Leon Junior Member

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    It is completely weird that this is normal, mine 2009 60k miles scared the shit out of me the first time it did it. Extremely rough, thought I was rolling forward and I slammed on the break. Since then I make sure to have the parking brake on, and it helps with the lunging forward feeling, but the whole car does shake quite a bit at engine start when parked. Engine shut down is noticable but much more normal feeling. I just purchased this car used from a Honda dealership, and took it back because I though something was wrong but they assured me it was normal for pretty much all hybrids. I didn't believe them so I came here. But it seems they weren't just feeding me a line.
     
    #11 Christopher De Leon, Sep 30, 2014
  12. Ecobill

    Ecobill Junior Member

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    I have read here that it is a known defect of the intake manifold.
     
    #12 Ecobill, Oct 1, 2014
  13. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    This is not an intake manifold. It is not even an issue. If you start the car with your foot on the brake, the car will not jolt or move forward or backward. Hope this helps.
     
    #13 orenji, Oct 27, 2014
  14. Ecobill

    Ecobill Junior Member

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    It's a totally different issue that has nothing to do with the brakes, It'x a jolt and chugging upon start while not in gear or driving.
     
    #14 Ecobill, Oct 27, 2014
  15. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Yes, step on the brake pedal before the ICE starts......
     
    #15 orenji, Oct 27, 2014
  16. fhaven

    fhaven New Member

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    Could be the bats
     
    #16 fhaven, Nov 14, 2014
  17. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Rats maybe, Bats are only in Batmobiles!
     
    #17 orenji, Nov 15, 2014
  18. CHINCHALA

    CHINCHALA New Member

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    You will feel the vibration when the car has been parked for a while and when the engine temperature is too low. Normally during morning start up. Or when you've been using battery for a while and the engine temperature got too low. Its normal for gas engines.... You know it needs more RPM when its cold and then reduces as it warms up.

    You should feel no vibration while driving as the engine is already warmed up.... At least that's what I've seen on mine. Hope that helps.
     
    #18 CHINCHALA, Nov 25, 2014
  19. Ecobill

    Ecobill Junior Member

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    Mine was different, almost light banging of metal to metal like the engine was seizing.
     
    #19 Ecobill, Nov 25, 2014
  20. actiondonkey

    actiondonkey Member

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    I got this with a low 12v battery. Starts have been much smoother since upgrading.
     
    #20 actiondonkey, Dec 8, 2014
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