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Check Engine Light, Engine Knock

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Marcilla Smith, Jan 9, 2019.

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  1. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    If I was you I would call the Toyota dealer and find out if your car has ever been in the shop for that
    TSB, they record things like that, you will need your VIN number.
     
    #21 padroo, Apr 6, 2019
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  2. Marcilla Smith

    Marcilla Smith Active Member

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    When I called my local Toyota dealership, the person I spoke with would only say that there were no outstanding recalls on my vehicle. When I asked if it would help if I gave her the TSB, she told me a TSB and a recall are the same thing. Her response to everything was to stonewall and push for me to set an appointment. I thanked her for her time.

    As for the knock, I tried some Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner I picked up at Discount Auto Parts for $5. THIS STUFF WORKS!!!

    [​IMG]

    It says to wait until the tank is almost empty, but with mine still at 4 bars, I poured it in and filled the tank. Within a few miles, the knocking was noticeably diminished. With the gauge still at 10 bars, I couldn't hardly make it "rattle" no matter where it was in the range of speed or how much accelerator I gave it. And to think I was worrying I might need a new ICE!

    For anyone who thinks they might have pre-ignition or otherwise hears a knock or "engine rattle," I hope they will at least consider spending the $5-10 to see if this can save them a trip to the mechanic!
     
    #22 Marcilla Smith, Apr 17, 2019
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you're not doing this tank after tank, I don't think it really matters to have the tank near-empty before using this. Even with just half a tank of gas used, if you pour in that bottle, then fill the tank, it will be well mixed.
     
    #23 Mendel Leisk, Apr 17, 2019
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  4. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    It's the nature of electric fuel pumps to churn the gas in the gas tank. Fuel pressure regulators either with a return line from the fuel rail or returnless systems send fuel back into the the gas tank to maintain constant fuel pressure.
    Anytime you put a fuel additive in your tank it will get mixed.
     
    #24 padroo, Apr 18, 2019
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I've looked for Techron in the past, doesn't seem to be available up here. I've been trying this:

    [​IMG]

    MotoMaster F1 Extra-Strength Fuel Injector Cleaner, 473-mL | Canadian Tire

    It has PolyEtherAmine cleaner. Not sure what they mean by "1/2 bottle", in the above link. The bottle says to use one ounce per 16 liters (good ol' Canadian messed-up Metric). I believe the 473 ml bottle is in fact 16 oz.

    Sitting in the driver's door bottle holder. Fits nicely. Want to dose it next fillup.

    It's really cheap, goes on sale for half-price every so often (about $7 CDN), and with recommend dose (a bit under 3 oz for 45 liter Prius tank), it's about 5~6 usages. I'm figuring to use it about twice yearly, sorta synced with the spring/fall oil changes.
     
    #25 Mendel Leisk, Apr 18, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2019
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  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    A technical service bulletin makes the Toyota dealer techs aware of a known issue.

    A recall advises Toyota owners of a serious defect which requires dealer service.

    The two are different concepts. Recalls would be a subset of all issues which require a TSB.
     
    #26 Patrick Wong, Apr 18, 2019
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  7. Marcilla Smith

    Marcilla Smith Active Member

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    Depending on the level of PEA, that seems like a really good price for 16 tanks worth :)

    Meanwhile, I am still left ignorant of whether the firmware update has been applied. Is there a way to check this myself? I prefer DIY to putting my faith gullibility in the dealer
     
    #27 Marcilla Smith, Apr 18, 2019
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Well, more like 5~6 tanks. Still, for $7 CDN, yes, good price.

    Using the the dispensing bottle is an "art". Someone here clued me in: loosen the cap on the small measuring bottle, and keep the main bottle cap tightly sealed. Then squeeze the main bottle, and the dispensing bottle can be slowly filled. It only holds 2 oz, so for the approx 3 oz required for a prius gas tank, you've got to do the process twice.

    Dealership is best bet for update checks I think. As far as I know they just need the VIN??
     
    #28 Mendel Leisk, Apr 18, 2019
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  9. Marcilla Smith

    Marcilla Smith Active Member

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    Yes, I missed the part about "3 oz."

    Apparently my local dealership is going to need more than the VIN. More like a course in customer service :: eye roll ::

    Maybe I'll try emailing?
     
    #29 Marcilla Smith, Apr 19, 2019
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  10. Marcilla Smith

    Marcilla Smith Active Member

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    Hello my name is S***** and I'm here to assist. I can set an appointment up for you. When is the best time for you?

    Thank you,

    S***** C****

    Service Care Coordinator
    336-398-**** (direct line)
    336-288-****/**** ( Main Line)

    R*** Toyota
    **** Battleground Ave.
    Greensboro, NC 27408
    ​
    So much for that idea...

    I tried looking online for how to recalibrate the ECU. I found what seemed like it might have the SW to DL for the EU market, but not NA :: sigh ::

    Any other ideas for DIY before I take it into a (non-dealer) hybrid specialist?
     
    #30 Marcilla Smith, Apr 27, 2019
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  11. DThrill

    DThrill Junior Member

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    when my Prius had engine knock codes registered bad engine coils... turned out to be LEAKING INVERTER FLUID into engine cylinders from bad head gasket. Had to get half of the engine rebuilt.
     
    #31 DThrill, Apr 27, 2019
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  12. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Inverter fluid is a separate loop and only services the Inverter does not come anywhere near the engine.

    If your talking about the 2010 its probably had big EGR issues and head gasket issues like every other 2010 out there.
     
    #32 edthefox5, Apr 27, 2019
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  13. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    If performed, the dealer service should be logged at https://toyota.com/owners

    And per the TSB (pages 5 and 6), there would've been a sticker placed under the hood. Though they could've ran out of stickers :whistle:
     
    #33 SFO, May 4, 2019
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  14. Marcilla Smith

    Marcilla Smith Active Member

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    After flashing the ECM then idling the vehicle overnight and driving from Raleigh to Greensboro, I can say that so far there is no MIL.

    Furthermore, there is now absolutely NO engine knock at any speed or level of acceleration. Additionally, a highway MPG test over 30 miles showed 52 MPG whereas a similar test previously showed 44!

    Anyone who has never had the ECM updated because there were "no issues" but is getting the typical (according to fuelly) mid-40's on highway MPG may want to consider looking into getting the ECM flashed
     
    #34 Marcilla Smith, May 14, 2019
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