2010-2015 Prius Morning Death Rattle Test! Head gasket or not? 3rd Gen

[@jaredflacker8107]

Amazing that I found this video when I did. Just two days ago I did this whole operation: completely cleaned out the egr tube, cleaned the whole intake manifold, replaced the pcv valve, cleaned the throttle body. It’s only been a couple days but I can already tell it’s running smoother, it doesn’t start rough (I only got the death rattle once for like 3 seconds before it evened itself out, scared the ever loving hell out of me). And I may be imagining it but I think I may have better mileage now. Either way if you have found this video and want to learn how to fix it yourself I highly recommend a video on here “Prius Shakes?” By Mervs Service Secrets. It’s a really simple but thorough step by step tutorial that even a dummy like me can follow. Good luck.

[@DrewGarage]

Hey thanks for the comment! I do have a video for that on here, actually: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIHOeJWlmb2EfNksi=7m2b9Zf9PLh4mWCp

[@stveichman3329]

Maybe because you did some Maintenance on the car. Just think if you didn’t change the oil for 30,000 miles, then you did. I bet it would run better then as well.

[@ldenorio]

is your coolant low at all?

[@richardcorpus5070]

my coolant was kinda low.

[@VictorA25]

@@richardcorpus5070 you are most likely good but I would have replaced all effective parts with new parts instead that way you can fix the issue till it comes back around but you'll be good for another 150k miles till everything gets clogged again

[@wookieecantina]

The Car Care Nut has a wonderfully beneficial video series, you're correct. Thanks for posting this, it's very helpful.

[@DrewGarage]

Yes everything I have seen of his was extremely valuable (except his Gs300/400/430 JDM equivalent video - he used the wrong car lol). He’s also a very kind man; a gentleman. I’d recommend any toyota fan to subscribe to him

[@pawnee68]

I have a 2012 Prius with 310,000 miles. This "death rattle" started mainly in the mornings on days with lots of humidity. I replaced the plugs and coils and everything is fine so far. I also change oil every 10,000 miles. Car runs perfect. Thank you for the video. I'm hoping it's fixed and I don't have to do either solution. lol.

[@starchaser28]

Impressive. Is the ICE engine on your Prius original or rebuilt/replaced? I just hit 210k and hoping to get another 100K.

[@zorro324]

had the rattle come back?

[@metrork1]

Oil is cheap enough, replacing an engine and all the cost to do so is not. Stop over looking your oil maintenance warning that comes on every 5,000 miles, and do the required oil and filter change as required by the manufacturer. Remember, the dirtier the oil, the more your piston rings stand the chance of seizing up and your oil consumption will also increase and you gas mileage will go down.

[@Kymarov9]

Any issues since? Update?

[@mikeg7924]

Did you ever do the EGR? I am at 230,000 and get the rattle at startup sometimes. I had a code for #2 cylinder misfire, replaced the plugs, reset and it came back. I just replaced all the coil packs today and reset. Hoping it fixes it, but I have never done the EGR cleaning, so I am suspicious on whether I should or not.

[@mikalcobbs9402]

Can also get oil in the intake on Prius if you over fill your oil even by a little bit, I worked as a Toyota master technician before going independent and I used to intentionally under fill Prius by 0.1-0.3 of a qt. Over fill can cause it to get sucked into the PCV as well which can foul out plugs, clog egr and the PCV. Fun stuff.

[@DrewGarage]

That’s some really good advice for everyone! Personally I try to be exact - we sell a ton of these cars and I always change their oil before they go to their new home. I try to educate the customers on their care. Hopefully it’s taken to heart!

[@FlamingBattleSword]

Wait I usually fill my oil up during the winter. Is that possibly the cause of this then? And if so, what can I do about it? Only makes the noise below 28°

[@mikalcobbs9402]

@@FlamingBattleSword no filling up during the winter won’t cause this, this rattle can be caused by bad EGR, bad head gasket, lack of fuel on start up. If you’re rattling on ice cold start that sounds like a viscosity issue possibly oil taking a minute to reach the hydraulic chain tensioner or on VVTI motors a cam gear rattle from low oil pressure

[@goldmund22]

Good to know. Have a 2013 Prius and on the last oil change the tech overfilled by at least 0.3 QT I'm sure. Anything I can do at this point?

[@metrork1]

@@mikalcobbs9402 Or a blown head gasket which they are known for.

[@NoGasWelcomeAboard]

Just finished turning our all original one owner 246K mile 2013 Prius 3 into a “new” car vs one with a red Triangle of Death and a “Check Hybrid System - Stop Now” message. Immediately had it towed home & it was not started again till fixed. Just prior to this it had begun with the morning start Rat-Tat-Tat and no AC cool. My permanent fix included many new parts including: water pump, Toyota OEM AC compressor, head gasket kit, timing chain kit, fuel injectors, NGK spark plugs, Denso ignition coils, many bottles of carb/brake cleaner & Purple Power, and oil/coolant/filters. Head was taken to local machine shop for a complete rebuild ($450). Several great YT videos helped with detailed step-by-step videos. Big thank you shoutout to the Gasket Masters people. Total cost including the machine shop bill and a $1,008 Toyota AC compressor (purchased online) was allot less than $3000. Expensive? Maybe but peanuts compared to a new car! Even better is I’m no longer intimidated by all the Toyota hybrid ”Magic”. Last step was new $600 OTD Hankook 90K mile warranty tires from Discount tire. Car now drives better than new and is getting amazing fuel mileage compared to before. 500,000 miles, here we come!

[@waynes9163]

Success hurrah update after all the attempts at diagnosing this rattling ice engine I finally fixed it?, it wasn't the intake manifold nor EGR valve nor cylinder head gasket or as I suspected a faulty Throttle Position Sensor. I am a retired mechanic with many years in industry so I may be rusty but I do know what I'm talking about and I hope this story helps others avoid getting ripped off. I had replaced the spark plugs in its service along with oil and filter, there was zero indication of a head issue as no fluid loss, no smoke from exhaust, no overheating, no oil in the water or visa versa, I did get a code multiple misfires which after clearing a few times settled on misfire detected on Cylinder 4 I moved plugs around but fault came back still saying no4 so I moved the coil packs and still it said no4 so not plug nor coil pack. I blocked the EGR with a thin blade and the fault was still there rattling and a new code "insufficient flow through EGR system" I removed the blade, I also removed the EGR assembly thoroughly cleaned it, and the pipe to the intake manifold and used long brushes to decarbonisation the manifold once removed, I also cleaned up the throttle body and bought the specific cleaner for the MAF sensor, all of the above were dirty and will have benefitted from the good cleaning but they weren't the cause of the shake rattle and roll between 1450-1550 RPM so what else was there?? the injectors are electronically controlled pulse so as it was an easy test I dismantled just enough to remove them and move the one from no4 and put it in no1 cylinder, reassemble clear codes and run engine, fault obviously still there but importantly the fault code had moved with the injector, just to double confirm I repeated this process this time putting suspect injector into no3 cylinder and sure enough the new code said misfire No3, so I ordered a aftermarket set which were about $80AUD delivered, I installed them this morning and once the system depressurised the engine ran smooth, I erased codes and disconnected both battery systems to enable the car to reset to factory, at least that's how some forums recommended a full reset, after reconnecting batteries and trying a few times to get car to start it finally did and was smooth so I boxed everything up final check for fuel leaks, all good, out to road test. instantly she felt like a new car switching between ice and electric smoothly, acceleration back to full power, cruising excellant, no sign of feel of a misfire, no rattles bangs pops or shakes, it quite literally was perfect and a massive relief I had finally found and fixed the problem, shame my ODBC which has the Lexus software installed couldn't pick up the faulty injector out of the gate would have saved soooo muuuch time and effort, all up though it has cost me several hours researching and testing but less than a couple of hundred dollars to fix, heaven knows what a Lexus dealership would have tried to screw me for. I just have one tiny issue since reconnecting batteries there is a warning "Check Hybrid System" which is odd as on road test pressing the DISP button with right thumb on steering wheel I can see the system switching exactly as it is supposed to charging discharging and switching ice to electric and back, I feel there isn't an actual problem because there wasn't prior and this is just something that needs resetting so a little more research unless anyone can give me a clue. I hope my story helps others having same issue, I thank all forum inputs but nobody suggested injectors so maybe this can be added to list to be checked when encountering this mysterious shake rattle and roll of the ct200h.

[@DrewGarage]

Nice work! I’ve always found modern cars to be easy because they tell you what’s wrong, but when they fail to do so, their complexity compared to older stuff rears its ugly head. This was helpful thank you

[@trappdaddy6920]

@@DrewGarage so what part did he change the ignition coils ??

[@DrewGarage]

@@trappdaddy6920 probably better to ask @Wayne s as he’s gone though many steps

[@julioanthony1951]

@@trappdaddy6920 he changed injectors

[@tmph1814]

Thanks for this vital information! PS, your "rat a tat tat tat..." soundpiece is awesome. I feel it will be a sound meme hit😃

[@DrewGarage]

You’re most welcome and thanks lol. I would just about die if anything on here went “viral” enough to stand out haha

[@garrettdog123]

Sound bite

[@user-tr5tt8fc8u]

I had same problem, went to the Stealership they said “ bad head gasket “ and quote me $4600 for repair or $7100 for whole engine, My Priii is 320,000 miles so it wasn’t worth it, but $30 worth of CRC bottle of head gasket repair was well worth it, No rattling No overheating No coolant loss, hoping to squeeze another 300,000 out of this baby lol 😂 Thanks for the video

[@DrewGarage]

Wow!!!! I’m glad that worked. Man I can’t believe they charge that! A head-gasket job should be under $1000 on these from a hungry mechanic. A motor is $2000 or so, maybe 10 hours labor worst case. So even at dealer rate $160 an hour that’s 3600. Man stealership is an understatement. Glad the video helped :) hope you subscribed! I do as much with Prii as possible. Currently only have 3 but I love them and buy them often

[@jaygee2006]

Did the crc work

[@user-tr5tt8fc8u]

@@jaygee2006 Yes for 5k miles Then I swapped the engine for used JDM one

[@rj.parker]

It won't work for long

[@patrickparsley4091]

Same here. Dealer had it for a while fixing regenerative braking issue ( snuck it in under recall!!) when i picked it up they said it rattled real bad on startup. It was cold tho. Anyway told me same abt head gasket. Looking forward to try to diagnose this with this method.

[@robc_13]

Definitely learned a ton. Thanks for this video. You called out things like oil consumption that I didn't suspect would be part of this issue, but I definitely have it on my Prius as well. Looks like I have some work to do. Loved the video. Thanks again for this!

[@DrewGarage]

You are most welcome! I am grateful for your compliment :-) don’t forget to subscribe!

[@metrork1]

Your oil consumption will go up if you do not do the required 5,000 mile oil changes.

[@brian3255]

In 2 weeks I'm doing the intake manifold, throttle body, EGR valve, EGR Cooler, cleaning and I'm replacing the PCV VALVE and installing a Oil Catch can on my wife's prius. Hope all this helps my wife's.

[@seayafishing]

I’m in the middle of doing the same! Did the catch can help and have you had to dump it yet? My egr cooler was 100% clogged and the intake system from valve to manifold was clogged and gummed up BAD! Cleaned cooler, manifold & pipes, replaced PCV, EGR Valve and added oil separator kit. Also replaced the water pump, therm & spark plugs.

[@patrickbarrera3377]

I did this on a Lexus. Same condition and symptoms. I also did a oil catch can and remove about a half-cup of oil every 5-6 months at an oil change so the PCV valve wasn’t the only issue for me. Results are great and can confirm the utility of this work.

[@DrewGarage]

That’s good to know thanks!

[@sonofapollo5892]

Great!im in the same boat 2012 Ct 200 Lexus

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

What brand and where did you buy your catch can at? Let us know when you can. Thanks.

[@Sagemeister007]

Most likely EGR valve stuck. I replaced mine 2010 Prius with 250K miles with cleaned the intake manifold and sound gone. Thanks.

[@DrewGarage]

Definitely not a “most likely“ scenario as this particular generation of Prius has a known head gasket issue, yes the EGR system can cause this, but the purpose of this video is too quickly eliminate that as a possibility and focus on other causes like head gasket, fuel injector, coil pack etc. While the head gasket is a common issue, there is no way to know what it is until you do some diagnosis, which is why I made the video video ;-) please subscribe, there is much more similar content to help figure out these cars

[@sergiocabezas8416]

I cleaned all that carbon and oil, I replace the EGR valve, The PCV valve, I cleaned the EGR cooler, and I still have the rattle. I took out the reservoir coolant Cap, released the pression and the idle rattle and engine code disappeared, but after driving for a while, stopping for a couple minutes, and go, noise came back. So, I released the pression again and everything went okay. So, I replace that cap and helped a little bit, but the problem still there less intense. Conclusion at this moment, I think is the head gasket.

[@DrewGarage]

Sadly i agree. The pressure being gone means it doesn’t push coolant into the motor as easily is my guess. I hope you get the head gasket done and that’s it - no engine damage. Hopefully this video help, if you aren’t subscribed, please consider doing so! Prius content will be published fairly often

[@carolyng.5810]

I have a 2011 Prius with 238,000+ miles. I bought the car used at 3 years old with only 6,500 miles. Since almost the beginning of my ownership, every once in a while upon starting there will be a noisy rattling and shaking. Sometimes it stops after a few moments; other times I have shut it off and restarted it and it's fine after that. Yesterday it rattled and shook upon starting so I checked the oil. It was low so I added 1/2 quart. It had been only 800 miles since the last time I needed to add oil. It's been burning oil for the past year or so, with the need to add oil becoming more frequent (went from about 1/4 quart every 3000 miles to 1/2 quart in under 1000 miles). I drive a lot so 1000 miles is about 2 weeks. The last time I brought my car to my mechanic he said if the need to add oil becomes frequent I should look at getting rid of the car. That is not something I really want to do at this point. I'm not sure if the rattle upon starting is a major issue or a minor concern considering it happens infrequently and has been for nine years.

[@elenanito8843]

My 2010 Prius is doing the same thing 😢

[@saedif]

You need to remove the plugs and do a top end clean procedure. I use lacquer thinner

[@joeshmoe8952]

I had a constant shake on my 15 Prius where it wouldn't stop, run and the check engine light even went on. I thought it was a blown head gasket but with the coolant level being fine and the engine rattle not stopping, I had my doubts. After getting my Prius towed to my hybrid mechanic, he determined it was an ignition coil gone bad. I tried to save money a couple of years ago and bought my ignition coils on eBay and ended up with counterfeit OEM parts. Once I got the real dealership parts, everything was good and my car was back to normal. Yes I spent $441 on new coils & spark plugs but thanks to my honest mechanic he saved me the worry of thinking I had to pay for a head gasket repair which is very pricey. Please buy your major engine components at the dealership, don't be cheap because it will cost you later.

[@HAVEFAITHINGOD83]

THE NOISE YOU MADE MAN. I CANT STOP LAUGHING

[@StefanSteinerWA]

My 2011 Prius with 160000 miles has this happen every so often, perhaps just once every few months. When it happens, most of the time I just need to restart the car and it mostly goes away with a few revs of the engine. It started happening around 60000 miles. I like the idea of cleaning out the intake system and will so it soon. The engine runs a little rough. I’m first going to replace the spark plugs and the ignition cool pack. I’ve never replaced them yet. Thanks for the video!

[@DrewGarage]

You are most welcome! You aren’t losing coolant, right? Over that much time, I feel like you would notice if your coolant was low - it’s just about dead level with the seam In the reservoir against the passenger side fender if everything is OK. The other thing is, does your car use a lot of oil during the 5000 miles? Please don’t use 10,000 mile intervals is virtually everyone sales to meet some of the requirements for intervals that long… So during the 5000 miles, if you aren’t using a lot of oil, and you aren’t using any coolant, there is a serious possibility that all you need is a good cleaning of the intake and EGR system, and while you were in there, new plugs. Get them from the dealer or get the exact replacement elsewhere Glad to help :-) consider subscribing! We are prius lovers and try to post a lot about them

[@MultiHippie13]

@@DrewGarage 2010 Prius, 236,500 miles. I'm using a lot of oil but not a lot of coolant, like I almost run out of oil at around 1400 miles after the change. I've been changing every 10,000 miles but am now wondering if I need to do 5,000. I just replaced the PCV valve and got about a week of quiet driving before mine started with this sound again. I'm looking at cleaning the intake next but will try your solution first.

[@pellacars]

@@MultiHippie13 just some food for thought: very, very few people meet the requirements for 10,000 mile oil changes… You have to be in a warm climate with long drives, no short trips… There’s more to it than even that, but there is not a car on this planet I would go more than 5000 miles with between oil changes, so much of those extended oil changes have to do with the EPA pressing manufacturers of cars, they have far more to do with money and politics than they do what’s actually best for the engine… The reason you’re burning oil is because your piston rings are stuck… There is a good chance that too much damage is already done, but if it is not, you might consider only filling to half a tank, and putting two cans of seafoam or gum out tuneup in a can in your gas tank, do this several “half tanks“ and it just might free up your rings. There is also a product you can add to your oil, Liqumoly, that may help free the rings. But if the engine walls are scored from the rings being frozen, it’s too late

[@metrork1]

@@MultiHippie13 Not very wise going 10,000 miles without an oil change. You must do the 5,000 miles oil changes according to the Toyota manufacturer. That heavy dirty oil froze up your piston rings.

[@Mark_Chandler]

maybe the reason it rattles in the morning is overnight coolant leaked into a cylinder. You start it up and it vaporizes the coolant and stops rattling. Once the overnight water is gone, it stops rattling. Is your coolant disappearing?

[@stveichman3329]

I think the first thing to check would be the antifreeze tank. If the antifreeze went down it would tell you it wasn’t the EGR. As far as the PCV valve being the culprit, it is actually the piston rings letting all the oil by them. Then the oil travels out the PCV valve to clog the intake.All Prius need to have the EGR cleaned periodically, not just when problems occur.

[@johnbarber7952]

I got the rattle on my 2015@ 350,000 miles. I simply changed the spark plugs and cleaned the mass airflow sensor and she runs like a top now! Even got a nice spike in mpgs.

[@chrisspanyer1525]

Need to clean egr cooler . I have cleaned 2 now. They clog up solid. Piano wire and a lot of time. The egr valve is a recalled part so get new one if planning on cleaning cooler. I replaced pcv valve and it doesn’t help with oil. I added an oil catch can that helps little bit. Nice video. Thanks

[@DrewGarage]

Thanks! I actually have a video on it so where in here. Wasn’t that bad the way I did it but it was a while ago I forgot haha

[@metrork1]

Oven cleaner and compressed air worked for me.

[@camposvazquez]

I thought the pcv valve in my gen 2 was hard to replace... Also i am glad my gen 2 doesnt have an egr ... Thank you again drew...i re-watched this video to help my buddy with his gen 3...

[@stveichman3329]

??????

[@metrork1]

If you notice your coolant is dropping and you have that rattle noise when you first start the engine, 9 1/2 times out of 10, it is a blown head gasket. I had this same problem on my 2010 Prius. Fortunately I was able to do the work myself. I removed the head and took it to a machine shop and had them mill the head flat again. I then reinstalled the machined head, no more problem with a rattle or coolant loss.

[@DrewGarage]

Yes exactly. Coolant dropping and this noise is the head gasket. Too many folks won’t admit it’s a problem haha. Still a great car. Please subscribe :)

[@indusmotors2328]

I have two 2010 prius and first one headgaskit went dropped an engine in it and 2nd 1 now is dropping coolent level and that noise plus seen little white smoke from tail pipe. Going straight to the gasket replacement

[@metrork1]

@@indusmotors2328 If the head is more then .002 inches out of flatness, it is best to take the head to a machine shop to have it milled or your just wasting your time. I know, I had to learn the hard way.

[@jorgemercado5134]

How much did you pay to have it milled?

[@metrork1]

@@jorgemercado5134 $125.00 to have the head milled that I paid.

[@svjusdreaming4180]

My Prius just had 2 bad coil packs runs great now

[@ZBrink11]

Same ☝️

[@logic_rules]

Cant you understand if it is the HG looking at the level of coolant? If the coolant stays the same level over time, that means coolant is not leaking into the engine. I have morning rattling sometimes (after watching this video I went out and started. And it started without rattling 🤞) My coolant level is the same as it was March when I had the engine replaced. (The engine suddenly broke soemething inside without any warning at 198k) The new one should be at 95k when put in. Not it should be 115k. It rattles somedays when I turn on. But coolant level is still at the max level I will do the EGR and intake cleaning this holiday.

[@renshooo]

It would be so much nicer if the video started with the rattling sound. Thanks for putting this up.

[@DrewGarage]

I wholeheartedly agree! I didn’t get an opportunity to record it, but I figured it would be OK because anybody looking at it already knows what it sounds like in probably has their dreams haunted buy it lol

[@CC-sf8jn]

Thanks for the video. I just cleaned the egr pipe, cooler, valve, intake manifold including those 4small channels, and throttle body on my 2012 with 90k as preventative maintenance. I did not have the death rattle at startup. Replaced the pcv valve and installed an oil catch can that I have to empty at least once per month, greater in the winter. Now keep my oil level halfway between full and add lines as this should decrease the amount of oil passing thru the pcv valve into the catch can and throttle body. Pcv location is low on this engine may be why so much oil goes into throttle body. If I do get death rattle I will clean it all again and REPLACE the egr valve, which may be what Toyota does with the recall/service bulletin IF you get the egr check engine code?. My opinion and may not be right and death rattle could mean bad head gasket also.

[@DrewGarage]

Nice work getting ahead of it! Yes the death rattle could be head gasket as well, this video is the quickest way to see if it’s the EGR system. Yes it could be the head gasket as well, like at the same time, but looking down into the cylinders and making sure one or a few aren’t shiny clean (this indicates water being burned and cleaning the carbon out of the combustion chamber) or simply noting miles and miles of driving without any coolant loss ruled that out in my case

[@CC-sf8jn]

After cleaning the EGR cooler, valve, pipes and intake manifold including ports, I then got the cold startup rattle on a cold feb morning. Got it on video the next morning, dealer did zf3 warranty update for 2010-2012 Prius with less than 150k and 10 years and REPLACED the EGR valve and did an EGR software update. So my rattle was not from a clogged EGR system but from a bad stuck open EGR valve on cold startups. No more startup rattle so far, but will see next winter.

[@DrewGarage]

@@CC-sf8jn wow you’ve had quite an adventure! Hopefully it stays quiet

[@TheBarberShopScott]

Curious to hear your opinion. Have the death rattle to the point of it throwing code P0302. However there is not coolant use... Car has 235k on it. A full list of maintenance logs as I'm the second owner. Just starting to dig into it, and I'm afraid of dumping loads of money into the ignition system just to find out even without coolant consumption it's still a head gasket. I unfortunately don't have time till the weekend to try the egr bypass though. The rattle smooths out quickly each time and during the drive I don't notice it.

[@zzoinks]

Isn't there a way to test the oil for coolant, if the head gasket causes a coolant leak? Maybe not enough to be detectable I guess.

[@TheBarberShopScott]

@@zzoinks there is, you actually test the coolant for exhaust gas, and it was the head gasket in my case. Actually just did the engine swap yesterday. So happy to have my car back. Short term fix I found while waiting for the engine to be delivered and to have time to address it was to pop the hood and release pressure in then overflow tank every time I stopped somewhere.

[@ovidiutim3015]

I had that rattle 2 years ago. I was really hoping that the issue was the egr system but unfortunately it was the head gasket. It was a 3 day job to replace it. Not something you want to do on your 3rd gen prius

[@user-mx4et6mn3u]

You can use small metal brushes, as long as you don't have to force down a smaller diameter. I had a brush; from a gun cleaning kit; that fit perfectly, However, I had so much gunk that I had to force it through each chamber. (small hole in each port) Thanks for the additional info though! walk throughs are much appreciated!

[@DrewGarage]

Yea cleaning it was NOT fun. I think the stain from some of the carbon-soaked carb cleaner is still on my garage floor! I suppose a 22LR brush would be perfect

[@justinschmithorst8626]

I have a 2011 Prius with about 200,000 miles and I have this same issue. Engine makes that knocking noise as shown in the video whenever the engine starts up again, whether it be as a cold start or after the ICE shuts off for a bit at a traffic stop. There are no codes, strangely, and I've checked my oil and coolant levels and they're both consistent and my oil isn't milky colored. Fingers crossed it's an EGR issue and not the head gasket. I'll try the putty-knife-trick tomorrow and see what I get. Thanks for the video!

[@erandasameera-bw3xg]

Hey...! Can I know your state now? My prius has the same issue. I cleaned the EGR and still it has the rattle sound.

[@haywardkong1213]

why didn't you just buy a combustion gas tester and test it though your coolant system...It just checks if there are combustion gases in your coolant system.. IF there are combustion gases then you have a bad headgasket.... $20-$30 for the tester...

[@metrork1]

@@erandasameera-bw3xg Head gasket

[@BeegBenzo]

mine raddled like that for a couple days like 5 times max then stopped for about 3 months and it did it again today?

[@joskd8491]

very clear explanation! Thank you. I live in Europe and own an Toyota Auris Hybrid 2. It has the same engine and planetary gearset as the Prius has and my car has 196.000 kilometres, which is about 125.000 miles. I also cleaned the EGR-system and intakemanifold. It runs a lot better, without shaking and has also better gas milage. It was't as clogged up as yours, but still it was neccesary to do the job. I didn't have the 'death rattle', but it was shaking, as I said.

[@DrewGarage]

Hey thank you very much! I’m glad to hear it helped!

[@DrewGarage]

Don’t forget to subscribe :) I try to post a lot of Toyota hybrid stuff as it comes up

[@joskd8491]

@@DrewGarage done!

[@TimBeta36]

This problem is not very common in Europe. Could be due to better gas quality and less carbon build up.

[@joskd8491]

@@TimBeta36 it's a common problem on higher milages cars. In Europe are less high milage cars

[@alan6832]

I would have liked more on how to remove and reinstall the intake manifold, for example do I need a new gasket?

[@tjpenton]

I'm having the same issue, the motor rattle when starting early morning. But the coolant is draining quickly. Already had to fill it almost completely two times in one week (you can hear fluid 'slush' around inside the dashboard). And some white smoke. Does this tell you it's most likely the head gasket? If it's the head gasket, this trick of yours won't work in this situation, correct? Thanks for any advice!

[@elysianfields6350]

Egr empties into intake manifold...small passage easily cleaned with pipe cleaners. Not sure if you cleaned the small passage way. Oil catch can will help and diagnose the progression in "blowbye" as the rings age.

[@DrewGarage]

In the case of the one I talked about in the video, if I owned it, I would’ve put a catch can for sure! But, that doesn’t solve the issue of course, it only treats the symptom that causes the next issue… It will stop the oil from buttering up the intake manifold, but it won’t stop it from leaving the crank case. It would be super cool if there was a catch can that drained it once there was no more pressure and went into the crank case… Like an anti-drain back valve for a garden hose.

[@RatanaTan]

I have that death rattle on cold start up but misife only on cylinder 2 and rattles for a short time when its accelerating from a stop sign. seems like oil is shooing up from cylinder 2 also when removing spark plug and cranking

[@DrewGarage]

wow thats real bad. Watch my Second Gen misfire video - it digs into all the possible caused outside of prius specific, and talks about actual physical engine damage - and please subscribe

[@nizochrabekh5655]

Hi drew thank you for the videos you post I have the same problem in my 2011 Pruis and I wanted to ask you if it’s a good idea to get a rebuild engine or used engine also are you around Long Island New York thank you very much .

[@jamescoady8126]

Drew I have 210 Prius. 220k miles. Definitetly have a minimal leaking head gasket at this point. just the rough morning start and coolant consumption over time. Not sure I want to put that much money into it. whats your thoughts on head gasket seal and keep it as an in town local car? will this affect the hybrid cooling system? My daughter has the same car so i would just keep it for parts in worse case scenario. Thanks

[@bkp-pq1fl]

Thanks for sharing. Just curious about your mileage on your car when you start having this rattle problem? Thanks!

[@wkwmobile]

I think my head gasket is blown. The fluid in the overflow tank was pink after having the dealer change it. By the time I got home 23 miles away, I checked it and the fluid was no longer pink but a darker blush color. Could this mean oil or exhaust gases are leaking into the coolant system?

[@franciscogomez2565]

I’ve got a 2010 with the death rattle… hard miss on cylinder 2…. 115 compression with 125 across the rest…. Checked spark, checked coil, did combustion leak test OK, cleaned injectors and checked for leaks all OK I have a system bank too rich code P0172 and I cannot find the issue to save the life of me…. SOMEONE HELP PLEASE

[@alec3048]

Hey man, I just bought a 2011 Lexus CT200h. Really worried because 2 days after buying it from these guys (who told me that they had recently replaced intake manifold, spark plugs, and coil packs on the car), started getting the engine rattle on startup and the engine threw a code #P0302 for misfire on cylinder 2. They have not replaced the EGR cooler. I'm broke and praying that it isn't a headgasket. Do you think using a combustion leak tester would be a good idea to check if it is the head gasket? Or should I try the metal putty knife test first? Would enormously appreciate a response. Thanks.

[@dougiee6589]

good point on diagnosing the pcv valve leaking oil into the throttle body

[@DrewGarage]

Thanks! Sadly that indicates a piston ring issue I think :-/

[@saedif]

I have 2 3rd gen and they both have a catch can as they breathe oil

[@celia3479]

I don’t have the ratatat. Had a P0301, changed all spark plugs and ignition coils. Check engine light came on after driving it a bit and it seemed like some smoke. Had very little coolant so we took it to get some and when we got there there was coolant again. On the way back it was knocking at accelerations going 10mph.

[@DrewGarage]

the ratatata is fom the misfiring on cold stat, but once running, it wont do that until the headgasket is really bad. That doesnt mean its not burning coolant, which is why you are loosing it, sadly =( please subscribe

[@celia3479]

@@DrewGarage I think actually my coolant levels are fine. It’s been making like stalling in manuals. Now the battery has been dead twice and it was just replaced 6k miles ago. I think I need to: - test compression first to make sure you didn't ruin a cylinder by driving on it. If compression is good and you can't test the injector then injector is next. If it has multiple cylinders misfiring then you need to confirm there isn't a vacuum leak. I’m assuming since it was just a code for misfire in cylinder one theres no leak and I changed the coils. I’m hoping that changing the injector coils will fix it. Not sure whats causing the battery to keep dying

[@celia3479]

It really does only make weird sounds in the morning though. Thanks for your helpful videos, I’m subscribed :)

[@DrewGarage]

@@celia3479definitely watch my video on the second gen morning death rattle. It really expands on all possible causes. And thanks for subscribing:)

[@mikeg7924]

I just did the test. It rattled for a second then quit with the knife in. Then I took it out and put it back together, started it and it didn't do it at all. Ugh. Probably should wait until it's cold again to see if it rattles. It doesn't do it all the time. I just put plugs and coil packs in it and ordered a new EGR valve. It doesn't use coolant and has no signs of a blown head gasket. When it does the rattle at start up, it rattles for a minute then goes away when it seems to warm up. It's hard to say what the heck the problem is. The check engine light code is #2 cylinder misfire which prompted me to do the plugs and coil packs.

[@DrewGarage]

If the knife affects it, you’re on to something. It does need to be cold though. Do as much diag as possible before firing the parts canon :) Godspeed! Hope it goes well

[@mikeg7924]

​@aarongomez4305 Nope. Needed to do the whole egr circuit. I cleaned out the cooler, replaced the egr valve and intake manifold. Good to go now

[@jjlifestyle4257]

Hey drew so I was driving my 06 prius home tonight and I got a loud grinding noice sounded like I was draging something.. but I don't think I was about 10 min before that my prius screen popped up and said problems. Then the break light came on and i was not stoping as well as normal. It's not accelerating like it should, petal to the floor i get to 65 ish.. I don't know what could be wrong with it it has over 200,000 on it. It doesn't make the noise upon starting just after I've been driving a bit. I'm going to pop the hood tomorrow (daylight) and see if anything is low... can I put fuel injecor fluid in it by chance? Would that help?

[@Prisonmike89]

Thanks for the video. I just went through an cleaned my EGR system out and now I have a rattle that I didn’t have before FML. Wondering if I somehow managed to damage the EGR cooler or something during the cleaning process. Then again I also cleaned the injectors and did spark plugs while I was in there so I have a whole list of variables now. Maybe I’ll try your puddy knife trick. Thanks

[@DrewGarage]

Yikes that’s one of my least favorite things - having like 5 Things to go back and eliminate. Moving injectors and coil packs etc and seeing if the codes (assuming you have codes) Follow helps. Or the misfire counter on your scanner

[@Prisonmike89]

@@DrewGarage Yeah was probably dumb to do all that stuff in one go, but didn't want to tear it back apart again. Oh well I'll figure it out this weekend hopefully.

[@DrewGarage]

@@Prisonmike89 I dont think it was dumb - the intention was routine maintenance. If you were just chucking parts at a PROBLEM that is not ideal, but what you were doing wasnt trying to prevent a problem. I am about to do: Valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gasket, plenum gasket, knock sensor wire and coolant hose in the V, spark plugs, timing belt, water pump, bearings, cam seals, crank seal, transmission filter and fluid, and anything else I can think of all at once ahah. And there is no problem. I hate to say this because I LOVE prius, but they do come with a little more risk given just how much is going under the hood. Hang in there you'll get it

[@shammiefernando9487]

I experience the same morning rattling frequently, along with a coolant dropping. Rattling started 2 year ago and only 5 times I heard noice. And top up coolant 500ml to 700ml last two years Although I reported this to Toyota, they were unable to identify any problems since the rattling did not occur when they inspected the vehicle

[@alexmay9284]

1:23 what to do in this case? What to do if my Prius started to lose coolant and I have misfires in cylinders 1 and 2? THx

[@DrewGarage]

Very sadly that’s almost guaranteed a head gasket. If early enough, new head gasket. If not, new engine :(

[@DrewGarage]

That’s a very topical answer. Any questions just ask!

[@Joebidennnnnnn696]

My Prius just started shaking when I slowly accelerate from stop but no shake when I start up in cold or first in the morning. Like you said in the video. It’s likely the EGR and intake manifold?

[@77.88.]

Wouldn't what you are talking about throw a code which would show up on the instrument panel?

[@PLAIDSHORTS1]

so I tried this and put the putty knife in and still got the engine shake. Can it be sparkplugs and coils? and the intake manifold?

[@gv4832]

I did a head gasket job on my CT200h 1 year-14k miles ago and I'm back to the hard rattle on start up. Initially, it started as you described with the "miss" at low/slow acceleration. I also did a deep clean of the egr system and intake at the time. No loss in fluids (oil/coolant) and I'm at a loss. Have you done many head jobs and seen them pop again in such short mileage? And, did you simply do a deep clean of the egr system/intake and pcv valve replacement?

[@DrewGarage]

Hello! Thank you for visiting the channel. Here’s my opinion, and again this is just my take on it. A Toyota engine is an aluminum block and an aluminum head - both soft metal of course. The head gasket, I believe, is steel… The trauma involved in a head gasket failure is often times more the block or the head or both than it is the gasket itself. Yes, they have those swelled ribs around them which tend to be the failure point, but I’m sure every aluminum motor/head that has a gasket fail has some warpage in and of itself, so that could be why the failure seems to happen again in a decent amount of cases There are a multitude of reasons that this can happen, the head gasket being one, and the EGR being another that are both pretty common. The result of my investigation with the car in the video was an intake manifold full of carbon with black EGR ports all soaked in oil Introduced from the PCV valve probably because of piston ring issues. I ended up sending the car to auction, as I didn’t want to chance it being a problem for one of our customers. I was glad to make this video because it quickly illuminates a lot of concerns if the conditions and cold start change with the putty knife in. But, unfortunately, diagnostic approaches only split into a fork in the road there, they certainly don’t arrive at an answer

[@aleksmail2115]

Thank you for your videos. I have same issues with my Auris Hybrid 2013. I cleaned up my EGR and intakemanifold. And 17000km after ive got the same morning rattle. I have new sparkplugs installed. Should i look at injector side now?

[@DrewGarage]

Hey thanks for reaching out! A leaking injector could do that, but I’d wonder about excess oil coming in through PCV if there isn’t a head gasket issue What country are you in?

[@aleksmail2115]

@@DrewGarage , thanks for your response. I live in Nederlands. I have no oil consumption and coolant liquid level. When i was cleaning egr, there was a lot of oil in intakemanifold. Im also feel a gasoline smell inside the car when motor is rattle

[@DrewGarage]

@@aleksmail2115 The oil in the intake manifold is the result of oil consumption through the PCV valve… An oil catch can can help this. As for the gas smell in the car, no idea! Definitely check those injectors. You will get it :-)

[@larrytiffany4007]

Drew thanks for yours and car care guys video! We have a 2012 Prius with 240k miles and still getting 40mpg! Gave it to our daughter a couple years ago and recently started death rattle and misfire codes. Replaced plugs and all coil packs (Denso). I ran a shop long ago and know to replace all at same time like light bulbs. The codes and death rattle still there. I'm 99% sure it's the EGR valve and clogged manifold issue. Regardless with 240k I'm sure its needing to be done. Only concern is cleaning out intake ports on engine with out carbon falling in. Haven't found anything on how to avoid it. Any tips?

[@DrewGarage]

Hey thank you so much for the kind words! Glad it was helpful. So when I did this, I didn’t touch the intake ports on the head, I only cleaned the manifold/Plenum. That’s a tricky one, because dropping that down in the motor could cause more harm than good. I think force to choose, I would just leave it. Run some top end cleaner Perhaps? Don’t forget to subscribe :-)

[@erandasameera-bw3xg]

Hi. I have the same issue with my 2011 prius. Recently I did an engine tune up with EGR clean. When I did it, manifold was filled with engine oil also, no any difference with coolant and engine oil with the time. But the rattle sound is there still. The mechanic scan the car and no any single misfire of the engine. Please help me with this.

[@DrewGarage]

Yeah so that’s tough… Very good chance your misfiring is coming from the oil in the intake manifold… The test in the video should prove that it’s not your head gasket. There are things called oil catch can you could install in the PCV to help eliminate this. You might also have severe piston ring where which would also cause misfires. There should be a link in the description to a video about the second generation Prius misfires and their common causes, that video dives much more in depth and pretty much all the common reasons for a misfire

[@igorl8367]

Mine has a similar but weirder issue. 2010 prius, 250k miles. For the sound to appear, I have to drive at least 1 exit on a highway, or above 50 for a few minutes. Then when engine is shut off, and I come back to the car - starting it results in a terrible rattle, which continues and if driven - engine chokes at low speed and check engine comes on. Dealer told me: engine needs replacement because 1)gasket is blown - they smell oil, but i dont smell it in coolant OR in exaust. And coolant isn't disappearing. 2) main bearings are blown 3) spark plugs can't be replaced and might break if tried. so..I did replace spark plugs myself, nothing broke, but rattle still there. So my options are: first to try cleaning EGR, then if doesnt help - replace gasket. The weird thing about it is also - it rattles on lower driver side (when facing the engine, on lower right side, almost outside of engine, and sounds like a timing chain not catching on - which is strange, since timing chain is on the opposite side...)

[@DrewGarage]

That’s all really weird. These motors can also burn valves. I have another video that covered the second gen but doves deeper into ALL the reasons a car can misfire

[@qcsupport2594]

About the warm up, EGR valve is activated only after a warm up. So maybe it's opening during the drive, and then sticking open a bit due to clogging (a real thing with this engine). In which case Drew's test with the putty knife would give you a no-rattle follow up start, because the stuck-open EGR valve is blocked by the knife and can't make trouble. Did you try that test? BTW, a mechanic who says "spark plugs can't be replaced and might break if tried" is not one I'd hire.

[@igorl8367]

@@qcsupport2594 I tried disconnecting the EGR electric plug, didnt work - still had rattle (i think it is the same as putting a putty knife there?) So i'm beginning to disassemble it already and I think I'll clean it anyhow, will clean everything and maybe even replace head gasket too (quite a few vids on youtube on how to). Already drained oil/coolant - too late to test. And yeah, that mechanic is a lier, i replaced spark plugs on my own, easy job+nothing broke. didnt fix my issue, but yeah, some dudes don't want to deal with these cars.

[@qcsupport2594]

@@igorl8367 Disconnecting the plug is the same as the knife *except* when the valve is stuck open. (But you were gonna need to clean everything anyway sooner or later.)

[@igorl8367]

@@qcsupport2594 so I started the head gasket job, and will clean EGR while I'm at it. So far, harmonic balancer is the toughest thing to remove. The bolt turns the engine, and impact wrench is no help. Just looking at the valve cover, engine seems super-clean after 250k...so it may very well be the EGR. Will update when i get to the gasket. Thanks again - videos like yours give people confidence they can do things on their own!

[@west_park7993]

Weird problem. 2012 Prius, 145k miles. Oil changed religiously at every 10K, 0W20 full synthetic. Never driven at low coolant levels. Sudden loss of coolant on the highway. drove 200 miles one way, no problem. on the way back, stopped at every rest area to add DI water, i.e. every 30 miles or so. In each case, there is still some water in the plastic tank. Engine runs smooth, accelerates smooth, purrs like a cat. No white water vapors in the exhaust. Took apart the front, and looked for pink residue around connections and radiator seal lines. No pink residue. Rubber hoses are tightened with original spring clamps, but no pink leaks. Electric water pump is clean. However, there is pink residue at the back of the plastic overflow tank, the firewall and the drive shaft. Sometimes the leak is so big, that it ends up on the front passenger tire and the passenger side doors. How does it go from inside to the OUTSIDE the vehicle is a mystery. Check engine never shows up. The high temperature light comes on and off, sometimes flashing, sometimes solid, then disappears. Driving around town seems no loss so far. Planning to do a pressure test and exhaust fumes test later on today. no rattling, no water in the oil. Changed oil yesterday, it is dark brown, but no water.

[@nallathambiramalingam5273]

I had similar experience. The issue resolved after changing the electronic water pump.

[@DetectiveStablerSVU]

Does an issue with this system ever cause the dash to say "check hybrid system"?

[@DrewGarage]

Likely not - it’s engine related so it would be engine codes like p0300 p0301-4

[@jamestierney7123]

Wow, what a find, great video. Thanks for your expertise. I’m a non-mechanical guy. I do have a question. However, my lights on my steering wheel that indicate the volume call all that stuff are dim. If not let it off I took it to Toyota and they said I have to buy a whole new steering wheel, what’s your thoughts on that? Thank you for your time and expertise.

[@Goflyrc2]

Most likely the clock spring in the steering wheel, no need for a whole new steering wheel.

[@markkaufman5031]

What if the rattle is intermittent? It's my wife's car and I haven't observed it directly. Since it's intermittent blocking the EGR pipe wouldn't necessarily prove anything unless it actually shakes in that case (Hopefully not the case!!) If it's intermittent does that mean it's just not as far gone or does it mean it's not likely the EGR? I did notice oil was low at the dipstick (barely up to tip, had to add 2 quarts).

[@DrewGarage]

Even if it’s intermittent, you can use this to eliminate EGR on cold start. Do watch the second gen video I have about all possible reasons of misfire. Should help :) please subscribe

[@ahmetyasinerdil6245]

hello i have a question, it did this knocking problem when i was going to start the car last night, but it hasn't recurred for 3 days, do you think it's the ignition?

[@4533nene]

How do we know if Toyota dealer is being honest about the issue? They said it is the head gasket and they want to charge me $8900 for a used engine with 140k miles on it. Or $4,000 for head gasket repair. But I read something about the EGR valve which led me to this video and now I’m worried that I’m stuck because I don’t know how to check these things on my own 😢

[@DrewGarage]

Hi! Watch the video again closely - it should allow you to eliminate the head gasket if it goes away with the test in the video. I’m confident you can do it! A 10mm wrench and a metal 2” putty knife! Also, find a reputable prius specialist that isn’t the dealer - dealer tends to be overpriced and sadly less effective and less accurate in diagnosis

[@vvvvvv5664]

Nead your opinion please. Prius 2016, very light rattle in the morning not always, small rattle in slow acceleration and loosing coolant cold be the egr valve cooler? I also have pressure in the coolant tank, sometimes i got white smoke when idle. Could be bad egr cooler blow or head gasket? Is possible to get that pressure in the coolant tank from egr? No check engine lights, but i got a code on my OBD scanner (P268172 Engine coolant bypass valve/Control circuit open/Actuator stuck open) Much appreciated your opinion.

[@metrork1]

Its your head gasket

[@vvvvvv5664]

@@metrork1 thanks brother, yes it is head gasket, I have been to three garages and they can't tell me 100% that the head gasket is the trouble so I have ordered an boroscope and I took spark plugs out and I see clear that coolant is liking inside the two of the cilinders. Two of the garages are Toyota dealership, shame!!!! Thank you for your answer anyway.

[@metrork1]

@@vvvvvv5664 I used a torque wrench when tightening the head bolts to 62 LBS. It has been about 3 years now and no head gasket problem. I know about the torque angle tool. I found after using that the torque angle tool and then testing with the torque wrench, that is how I came up with the 62 FT LBS. I don't really trust the torque angle tool to keep the same exact tightness over all.

[@titusfive]

In addition to the cleaning did you replace the EGR valve?

[@patrickparsley4091]

Thx for this. I have the rattle in the morning- sometimes- but throughout the day no issues. What’s the beat way to see if it is the head gasket? Just check coolant level regularly? Its a 2012 prius V

[@DrewGarage]

Try what I showed in the video - if the rattle goes away you know it’s not the head gasket. This video helps identify other issues - please subscribe:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2PVkGWOnsR3jsk

[@waqarqadeer5217]

Is there EGR in Gen 2 prius as well ?

[@staytuned8736]

Im getting a code that read misfire in cylinder four! I've cleaned the egr valve and replaced the spark plugs and coil packs nothing has fixed it anything else?

[@DrewGarage]

Injector leaking? Possible head gasket? EGR ports in the intake manifold ?

[@GLC-1979]

Oil Consumption is not a plugged PCV problem, it's a Ring/Piston problem. Especially on the 2010-2014 cars.

[@shayant4644]

Would you be able to do a video on the brake actuator,I have lexus es300h brake actuator needs to be changed I got a used gave it to a mechanic to replace it, the noise went away but the problem with the Regen braking,ABS,ESP persisted and now the sound is back, so i’m not sure if I need a new part or the mechanic possibly didn’t do the job right?

[@DrewGarage]

If I get a Toyota hybrid that needs one, I will absolutely do a video! Sorry for the trouble you’re having

[@Innateintelligence]

I have an old Lexus hybrid that makes a more ticking over rattling sound... I think. It's hard to tell as the sound kicks in mid driving. It used to do it when the battery would go low. But then i noticed it on low fuel. After putting in forte the issue is gone but it does still do the ticking noise, sometimes it stops with the acceleration and other times it continues with the acceleration. As its much older 2007, im suspecting based on this vid it just has one big heck of carb build up in all the intakes, egr etc. Guess i have my work cut out :,(

[@DrewGarage]

It could be valves need adjusted… that happens with miles. Please subscribe :)

[@Sainze]

Oh man, I think I just changed the head gasket on my Prius for no reason 😮‍💨. Oh well, now I don't have to worry about the gasket going bad on me.

[@HdaaaMnfsta]

Sir problem from egr or head gasket

[@haroldedwards9718]

What is the root cause of holes plugging up in intake. Is it because the egr valve is not functioning properly.

[@DrewGarage]

I hate hate to say, cause I love toyota, but it’s a design defect

[@Rx330lexuslover]

I cleaned the whole intake and the throttle body. Also cleaned the egr, changed all 4 spark plugs and ignition coils. Still gives me rough cold start idle but when I drive it it drinks coolant like crazy!! No chocolate on my oil or anything. Just drinks coolant! Every 500 miles to 800 its on low coolant. I always have to fill it up to the mark FULL. Any idea?

[@DrewGarage]

I am so sorry to say it, but that sounds almost 100% head gasket. The only thing that would make it more certain is of course pulling the head and looking at the head gasket, but the two main things are telling you that’s what it is: one is the death knock, if eliminated all other reasons that that could happen and two, you are losing coolant. If you try the trick in the video tomorrow morning, and it still makes the noise, you know for sure it’s not the EGR system. But the fact that you’re experiencing both of these symptoms Dash the knock and the coolant loss Dash I’d say head gasket. These cars typically don’t have coolant go into the oil, it simply goes into the combustion chamber, which is why it’s misfiring and making that noise So sorry :( don’t forget to subscribe!

[@Rx330lexuslover]

@@DrewGarage yeah I tried blocking the egr. Didn't work. Yup im all sub and liked the vid!

[@DrewGarage]

@@Rx330lexuslover thanks and I’m very sorry for your circumstances

[@Rx330lexuslover]

@@DrewGarage hey don't be sorry! There is nothing to worry about my health is awesome!! Life is good!!!

[@DrewGarage]

@@Rx330lexuslover hey that’s the way to be man!

[@jedswasabi8138]

my 2010 prius started rattling as well. i am buying a new car soon and i want to ask if the car is safe to drive with the rattling just for a couple months before i buy my new car?

[@DrewGarage]

Sorry to say but eventually it will die - when that is and where you are when it happens only God knows. Just understand that that’s the risk. I hope it works out. Where do you live? I’d maybe buy the dead car… please like and subscribe if you haven’t already :)

[@SPAGHEEEETTI]

Is there a part in the video where I actually get to hear the sound from the car, so I know it's actually the same sound we're thinking about?

[@DrewGarage]

There is in the second gen death rattle video - but I’m sure if you are having the described symptoms, you’ll know what I mean- it is a very very pronounced knocking on cold start that goes away in under a minute usually. VERY pronounced kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2PVkGWOnsR3jsk

[@frankroper3274]

Mine does it sometime and sometime not! Sometimes it is smooth transition and other times it shakes and sounds like a shaft knocking! It goes away in a few seconds after ramping up the speed. Nobody around here wants to work on it.

[@Ro6sTech]

I don't think it's the engine on mine I've had some guards fall off underneath by the exhaust manifold and a clamp broke holding the exhaust I'm wondering if one of the panels came off when I took off the guard underneath the car the engine is rattling or something from it idk

[@DrewGarage]

For your sake, I hope that’s it! This test will also work for you… If you block off the EGR system in the car still makes the noise, you at least know it’s not the EGR. But please do know, if it’s only on the first start of the day, and it sounds like a rock and a 5 gallon bucket being shaken, it’s probably not shields and covers

[@cheriftama2871]

That’s what happened to my Prius 2013 it was shaking and the problem was the head gasket I fixed my head gasket and now my Prius is running good no problem

[@DrewGarage]

That’s a shame to have to do a head gasket. Glad it’s worked Out

[@b.sfreetv5261]

How much did it cost to replace the head gasket?

[@yaweichen9773]

My 2008 Prius has the same issue, with misfire. So sad that no video available on KZbin of Gen2 Prius, about intake manifold cleaning, gasket replacement. I saw a lot videos on Gen3 Prius.

[@DrewGarage]

Hi! I am certain that’s because this is very rare on gen2 which is a good thing but it course doesn’t help you :( if I ever get a gen 2 with a misfire I promise to video the solution:)

[@yaweichen9773]

@@DrewGarage Hi Drew, thanks for your reply. I replaced the spark plug, and ignition coils, doesn't help. Then notice the coolant level drops a lot, so it may be related to the head gasket. I put the gasket sealer, seems the misfire disappears for 2 cylinders, I'll let it run for a few more heat cycles and see if it helps. I just bought a service manual in case I need to replace the gasket and service the air intakes.

[@DrewGarage]

@@yaweichen9773 I’m sorry to hear that, seems impossible it would be anything else… If you are misfiring and losing coolant, it would be a heck of a coincidence if it was not the head gasket. Good luck!

[@jimsgaragetoys]

I'll have to play with this and see. My wife's 2010 Prius just started making a rattle but not always at start up. It's also warm outside being summer and it doesn't burn oil. I've been good about the EGR system and have replaced the EGR cooler, EGR valve, PCV valve and intake manifold already. Maybe I need to take it apart and see if it's in need of cleaning again already. I was going to test for exhaust gas in the coolant to see if the head gasket failed at 151k miles.

[@AngryBob81]

Losing Coolant? If so, it's a headgasket.

[@jimsgaragetoys]

@@AngryBob81No coolant loss and it ended up being a bad set of spark plugs. I had ordered a set of Denso plugs on line and they ended up being counterfeit plugs. I replaced them with 4 new plugs from a dealer and the problem is solved.

[@haywardkong1213]

@@jimsgaragetoys awesome... yeah I checked out your video on replacing EGR cooler ,EGR valve , PCV Valve and intake manifold .... I plan on doing that very soon since I just got gifted a 2010 Prius with 99K miles from my wife's aunt . It Needs new tires and rear wheel bearing hubs... Need to get it smog checked soon so I can take ownership of the car. Plan on installing an oil catch can too,,, but still looking up to see if it's legal in California... so it doesn't fail future smog.... I also have a 2005 Scion tc with 179K miles ... will need to service it's cooling system after I get the Prius in service ... Need to change out the water pump, hoses, and radiator and replace the motor mounts... Also have a 2014 Subaru Outback (129k miles) need to replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals and do another change of the CVT fluid , but this time drop the pan and clean the magnet

[@jimsgaragetoys]

@@haywardkong1213 The mileage isn't too high that doing all the work will be good and then you can stay on top of it. I'm surprised that it needs new rear hubs at 99k miles. Mine are still good at 155k miles. I don't think the oil catch can is any big deal in CA, just don't get a vented one. As long as it's a sealed system there is no difference other than it catching the crap that would be going into the intake.

[@smoshlovingdragon]

Will this cause cylinder 1 misfire as well? I had shit spark plugs so I replaced those and got rid of my cylinder 2 and 3 errors but 1 is still persisting. I'm at 260k

[@DrewGarage]

The misfire will manifest on which ever cylinder has the issue. They head gasket can leak until just one cylinder, as well as a clogged EGR system can impact just one cylinder. It can also be injectors, coils… not sure if you are subscribed, but dig through the channel there is a new video on 2004 through 2009 Prius death rattle and it explains a lot more about the other possibilities, being an 04 through 09 doesn’t typically blow a head gaskets, and they don’t have EGR‘s. I covered virtually everything else

[@walizazai407]

I turned it my toyota 2012 gen 3 pruis hybrid was like almost full then rev it again the engine made ratat noise turned it off quick then left it

[@simond7582]

got.my first gen3 prius today, I have to say they aren't the smoothest sounding engines! 😂 has 110000km on the clock its ex Japan, I plan to do a proper service very shortly. Plugs, filters, intake/egr clean & pcv valve. Thanks for the info!

[@DrewGarage]

You’re most welcome! Do you mean you imported it from Japan? That’s awesome. We import cars from Japan too but in the USA they don’t allow cars newer than 25 years… where are you?

[@simond7582]

@@DrewGarage New Zealand, our impirt laws are fairly relaxed so there are loads of used Japanese cars here.

[@DrewGarage]

@@simond7582 I’m well aware of NZ being awesome that way. I am very disappointed with the United States government for our laws regarding this. I very badly want a Toyota Alford hybrid for my family, but I need to wait 5 1/2 more years to get it. I say let people import what they want, it will create competition and encourage companies to build better cars that people want to go buy. There’s nothing for sale in the United States that suits my families needs like the Alford hybrid (unless you want to spend US$55,000 on a sienna) or perhaps a four row hiace diesel. Very disappointing! You live in a beautiful country, by the way!

[@abdalacasrichannel6062]

I laughed so hard at the ‘it is like putting ur hand over your mouth and running.” I am still laughing 😂😂😂😂😂

[@DrewGarage]

Haha it’s funny I made this video a while ago and only recently re-watched it as the channel was just about to his the 1,000 subscriber milestone - which is HIGE - thank you so much to all you who subscribe! Anyway I laughed at some of the things that flew out of my own mouth hahaha I guess I was pretty passionate when I made this one. I did just make a video for the morning death rattle on the 2004-2009 but it’s not as well received as it’s longer and dives into ALL of the reasons - much disagreement about second gens

[@josephcatalan3161]

do you have white smoke coming from your tail pipe?

[@lilpimp213]

My prius did this twice i eneded replacing all spark plugs using a tad bit of seafoam through gas tank and started using 91 octane never again did it do that rattle 😅

[@DrewGarage]

Check out the second generation morning death neck video, it goes more in-depth and covers all the possible reasons a Prius or any car with misfire, misfire being the reason it death rattles in the Prius … It’s quite possible you had an issue with one of your fuel injectors that the seafoam cleaned out. Glad it worked out that way for you :-)

[@sherifmohsen1974]

You did not explain anything when you took the putty knife out. I didn't hear any change in the sound of the engine when you pulled it out.. Is that just an indicator that its blocked and clogged up regardless and that means it needs a cleaning?

[@DrewGarage]

Basically, in short, if every morning you hear the sound, but one morning you decide to put the putty knife in and you don’t hear the sound, it indicates that it is almost in definitely an EGR related issue. If you put the putty knife in and you still hear the sound, then it is definitely not the EGR, and it’s extremely likely that it is the head gasket. It could also be many other things like fuel delivery or spark, but this is a quick and easy way to see if it is the EGR… If you do this and the putty knife shut off the sound, the next step is to clean the EGR in the intake manifold, in a perfect world, that will be all that’s wrong. The wild card, though, is if you go to clean the intake manifold and it’s full of oil, that could mean piston rings are shot and oil is sucking in through the PCV valve

[@bobbyz23]

@@DrewGarage Or it could just be a plugged PCV valve not rings.

[@jonbessette8389]

I recently replaced my ERG and Cooler in December (tried to clean the cooler with no luck), now I have the low/slow acceleration shake. I don't notice it being loud when I start it in the AM, maybe I'm used to it. I don't think it's a head gasket because I am not loosing coolant, or it's very very small and I don't notice it. My next step is to take off the air intake and try to clean it. If my EGR & Cooler are any indication, it's probably bad. I did replace plugs when I did the EGR. I have ~185K on it, no codes...hoping it's the intake!

[@DrewGarage]

Are you loosing much oil?

[@jonbessette8389]

@@DrewGarage yes…I seem to be. However, since I posted, the check engine light came on. I was able to clean the intake and that has taken care of the shake and the light. I’ll have to keep an eye on the oil now…

[@DrewGarage]

@@jonbessette8389 so the car in the video rattled know more after I cleaned the intake. I did notice while cleaning it that there was a bit of oil in it, and then I noticed over the next thousand miles (I wanted to monitor the car before selling it) that it burned maybe like a quart if I remember correctly. That explains why there was oil in the intake, and it also explains why the carbon from the EGR was so gross and sticky. I sent that car to auction, but if I owned it personally, I would have put an oil catch can between the PCV valve and the intake and just monitored the oil consumption. I did have some success years ago running dozens of cans of sea foam like a product (gum out tune up in a bottle) over several tanks of gas in a Honda Odyssey that was burning a quart every 800 miles. Several thousand miles later (60,000 if I remember correctly) the car was totaled, and hadn’t burned oil since the cleaners. I watched a lot of videos here on KZbin about stuck piston rings with borescopes and before and after shots after using similar products, and as unbelievable as it seemed, I decided to try it and I’m glad I did. third generation Prius have an issue with piston rings, perhaps you can free yours up? Nevertheless, if the oil comes through the PCV valve, which I assume Hass to do with pressure in the crank case from piston ring blow by, that will cause a whole bunch of other issues like you already experienced

[@emilystokes8333]

Is it too late if your prius consumes oil at an alarming rate? :/ After a bit of driving and idling, when I go from a stop/idle, it starts the sound. I was told it was my piston heads.

[@DrewGarage]

Gosh I hate to tell you, but it sounds like it’s pretty advanced… An oil catch can can help keep oil out of the intake and reduce the symptoms, but watch this video from a great Toyota technician about what happened to your motor… Very good chance engine replacement is the best way forward kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGWthGqGrseJaM0

[@steves7973]

Great tip for checking for EGR system faults, should work for any car with a suspect EGR fault.

[@dmarinon]

hello, did you get to clean the egr valve and cooler as well?

[@DrewGarage]

I did! There is a video on my channel about it =) please subscribe

[@buzzybert69]

wow you are helped me diagnose my Prius. I thought the motor was shot. I did your test and it smoothed out. Wife said she smelled rotten eggs would this do this?

[@JefferyJGalusha]

I have 157000 on my 2011 and plan on doing this soon. No oil usage or issue yet. Did u have to clean cooler also? Hoping I can get another 150000 out of her.

[@DrewGarage]

In my particular case, the blockage was in the manifold, but standard practice would be to clean all of it. Cleaning the cooler is no fun. The big issue with the one I was working on was oil consumption, I sent the car to auction because I didn’t trust it for my clientele. Very sad and disappointing. I have no doubt you will get your 300,000, I just keep up on maintenance and if it ever comes down to a head gasket, do it before it’s too late. These cars are good for at least 300,000 of cared for :-)

[@TNT5021]

I had this and add Fuel additive+ clean the MAF all with wurth and it did the trick my car is aprox 140km (i did EGR clean at 120km ) so..

[@DrewGarage]

Strange story, I’m actually considering publishing a video about it, we had a stuck piston rings on a 2009 Honda odyssey many years ago, and a couple dozen cans of fuel system cleaner (gum out to nap in a bottle) read those rings, and oil consumption was reduced to virtually zero! Most people wouldn’t believe this, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I made the decision to do it after a lot of research including before and after videos with borescopes Into motors! If you are not subscribed, please do :)

[@amazoidal]

Where's the Catch Can? LOL. They put the PCV valve way too low in the block. Also a sign of oil changes past 5k.

[@G14_Spike]

Can you share the 45min Car Care video you referred too?

[@DrewGarage]

I can’t find it :( but the guy is car care nut. He’s got good Toyota videos

[@questorquestor2006]

I like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anKvm3SpgrCbeaM

[@G14_Spike]

Thanks @@DrewGarage!! I figured, I usually use both him and NutzAboutBolts for my Prius needs. I think this video may also include what you're referring too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/one5f5R6f5t7has

[@DrewGarage]

@@G14_Spike yea I really like the guy. He knows his stuff but it’s easy to see he is kind and humble

[@jpdoc5722]

mine turned out to be EGR . now runs like how it was 170k miles ago👍

[@DrewGarage]

Love it! Please subscribe :)

[@ronnysguzman6304]

Bro thank you so much man help me a lot thank god that I found this video ❤️

[@DrewGarage]

You’re most welcome! Don’t forget to subscribe :)