2013 Gen 3 Prius – Hose keeps popping off immediately at startup (POP/smoke)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Viraj 86, Aug 12, 2026 at 11:28 PM.

  1. Viraj 86

    Viraj 86 New Member

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    Location:
    Sri Lanka
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Hi everyone,
    I have a 2013 Prius Gen 3 (2ZR-FXE), ~297,000 km.
    I have a strange problem that started after an engine tune-up. The old PCV valve was removed, cleaned with carb/injector cleaner and reinstalled. Before this service, I had driven about 80,000 km without this problem.
    Now, occasionally when I:
    Press brake → press POWER → POP/pressure sound → smoke/vapour appears around the intake/throttle-body area → a hose pops off.
    It happens right at startup, sometimes before the engine has properly started.
    The hoses that have come off at different times are:
    PCV hose
    small EVAP/purge-related hose
    recently, the same small hose repeatedly
    After reconnecting the hose, the car runs completely normally.
    There is no misfire, no Check Engine Light, EV mode works normally, A/C works normally and fuel economy is good.
    Scan data shows LTFT around +11–13%, with no current DTCs.
    I also noticed a slightly oily/slippery film around the throttle-body/hose area, but I'm not sure if it is oil or coolant.
    My main questions:
    What could cause a hose to pop off immediately when pressing POWER, before normal engine operation?
    Could a PCV valve that was cleaned and reused cause this?
    Could the EVAP purge VSV cause pressure to build up?
    Could this simply be a bad/loose hose connection or missing clamp?
    What should I test first?
    I have attached photos of the hose and connection.
    Any advice from experienced Gen 3 owners would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!