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Violently shaking on start after maintenance

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Curlygirlsaretwisted, Dec 12, 2020.

  1. Curlygirlsaretwisted

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    2013 Prius
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    Took my car to Pepboys for 100k maintenance. Wanted to be Preemptive and get a coolant changed and brake fluid change a long with the spark plugs and oil change.

    2 days later my car is intermittently shaking violently on cold starts. Took it back and the tech got it to do it once and it threw a mass airflow code. So he tightened a few things and started it thinking he’d fixed it and cleared the code. IT WAS NOT FIXED. I know nothing about cars but I do know I’ve never once had any issues. Minus low mpg which was fixed by a recall issue a year back. I’ve cleaned the throttle body, but not the whole system. If that makes sense. What could have gone wrong? I’m taking it to the dealership to be looked at. Am I wrong to demand a refund from Pepboys as I took it in for maintenance and it was returned with an issue it never had. And after 2 more visits where unable to fix?
     
  2. Curlygirlsaretwisted

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    #pepboysDisaster video
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Did they clean the MAF sensor during the service?

    I'd be very reluctant to have Pep Boys do a major service, involving coolant and brake fluid. Both are tricky, require repair manual access, and/or techstream.

    FWIW, the description and video sounds like head gasket leaking.
     
    pjksr02 likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the only thing i see that could be related is spark plugs. after you get the dealer evaluation, if it is determined that it was related to the pep boys work, i would absolutely demand a refund and/or pay for repairs.

    if the manager balks, escalate to corporate. they have a reputation for not putting oil back in after draining, but do pay up for engine replacement.

    edit: or maybe they overfilled the oil?
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Sounds like a classic headgasket issue. Usually they shake on cold starts for a minute or so unless they are really bad. Not every time. Look for reduced coolant levels in the passenger side coolant reservoir. I would definitely take it in for a dealer diagnosis. Unfortunately the 2010-2014 Prius engines are starting to have a lot of these. The repair could be expensive especially at a dealer. Consider alternative shops if it is the headgasket.
     
    pjksr02 and Mendel Leisk like this.
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I don't think 2015 is immune from head gasket issues; just less prone to excessive oil consumption.
     
    Grit likes this.
  7. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    First thing: Check the clear plastic engine coolant reservoir. Make sure there’s fluid inside. Don’t drive the car without coolant.

    I don’t think that even a poorly performed service will cause the head gasket to fail (unless there’s no engine coolant, then... yeah). But the car should be seen by a competent Prius mechanic. At a minimum, get a code reader and look for any error codes.

    It could be something simple, like a MAF or MAP sensor cable wasn’t re-attached.
     
  8. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    So the engine never violently shook before?
    What spark plugs did they install (listed on receipt?)?