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Why is my engine kicking violently suddenly?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wbs887700, Jul 4, 2022.

  1. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    My 2006 is suddenly kicking very hard when the engine shuts off and switches to electric while idling in park. It's a very rough kick, the car jerks violently.

    What is causing this? I've been idling the car a lot to run the AC while parked for the past few months.

    I feel like it might be one of these:

    -Clogged catalytic converter
    -Bad coil pack
    -Bad/dirty fuel injectors


    How do I find out which of those is causing it? I was thinking of trying liqueur thinner to clean the cat , and then if that doesn't work then try Techron to clean the fuel injectors. All the maintenance is up to date including Spark plugs. I'm concerned of some damage happening to the car.
     
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Add your hybrid vehicle battery getting worn out to your list. A cycle of reconditioning charge/discharges might wake it enough to play nicely again.
     
  3. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    I've tested my Hybrid battery multiple times with the doctor Prius app and it always comes back at around 62%, the fuel economy is decent also, it's at least in the 40s.

    62% means that it is in at least fair condition
     
  4. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    my experience has been that a fresh (new or rebuilt) HV battery makes a huge difference in how smooth/crisp the transition is between ice and ev.
     
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  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Check your motor mounts; Not sure if you got a 3 or 4 mounts on your make and model. Also check coolant levels.
    Nothing you've listed would cause what your describing. Everything you listed would also cause rough idle and a significant drop in mileage; which you didn't mention.

    Hope this helps
     
    #5 BiomedO1, Jul 4, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2022
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    could it be the hunt for tdc?
     
  7. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    How do I recondition my hybrid battery? Do I have to have it professionally done?
     
  8. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    The coolant and the motor mounts are fine.

    There is definitely a rough idle, that's part of the kicking. Not sure about a drop in mileage though.