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My engine is creating a terribly loud noise on startup (video)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by CarOwner, Jul 20, 2020.

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  1. CarOwner

    CarOwner New Member

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    I decided to go out for a drive today for the first time in 1.5 weeks. I guess my 2007 Prius turned into a Ferrari during that time, based on how loud the engine was on startup:



    Note that the check engine light is on (also the red "!" icon--but only because my door was open).

    Definitely not normal and has never made this sound before. I can smell gas about 30 seconds after starting the car. The sound coming from the engine changes when I shift gears (as seen in the video), and it's all LOUD. The noise does not go away if I leave the car on. I had a very brief look under the hood, all looks normal from the top.

    I had my oil changed and everything topped off about two months ago, but have driven very little due to COVID.

    Is it an engine issue? Spark plugs? Fuel injectors? Muffler issue? Help and thanks.
     
    #1 CarOwner, Jul 20, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2020
  2. broski

    broski Junior Member

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    Sorry to say it, but your catalytic converter was stolen.
     
    #2 broski, Jul 20, 2020
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  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Agree the cats out of the bag. Are you in California?
     
    #3 rjparker, Jul 20, 2020
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  4. CarOwner

    CarOwner New Member

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    Wait, what? Are you serious? Yes, I am in CA.
     
    #4 CarOwner, Jul 20, 2020
  5. CarOwner

    CarOwner New Member

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    Yup, it's gone. I love 2020.
     
    #5 CarOwner, Jul 21, 2020
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Lol..."USA" sounds like California to me.

    Used to be the deep deep mystery's of the 12 volt battery sent people to this site now its either dead hybrid battery's or stolen cats.
     
    #6 edthefox5, Jul 21, 2020
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  7. CarOwner

    CarOwner New Member

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    Sorry, crappy formatting on my part: what I meant was "Are you serious that someone stole my cat?" I'll fix it.

    Edit: Nvm, guess I can't edit posts after a certain amount of time has passed.
     
    #7 CarOwner, Jul 21, 2020
  8. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Its a problem because of the precious metals inside and the ease of removal with a cordless recip saw. Now people are selling covers that make them harder to access. The factory cats are expensive and from what I understand, Cali won’t allow cheap knockoffs or a cat delete (no cat converter with some added piping and sometimes an o2 sensor cat emulator). Hopefully you have full coverage and report this to the police.
     
    #8 rjparker, Jul 21, 2020
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  9. CarOwner

    CarOwner New Member

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    Thank you for your help.

    Thank you to everyone else.
     
    #9 CarOwner, Jul 21, 2020
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