Prius “hiccuping/jolt” when going slow.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Arden, Dec 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM.

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  1. Arden

    Arden Junior Member

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    Hi! Does anyone know what this issue might be caused by? I don’t know a lot about cars so I’ll try to explain the best I can. For lack of a better way of explaining, the Prius does this weird “hiccuping/jolt” thing when driving at slow speeds. It’s hard to describe but it’s almost like the jolt you see from defibrillator shock (sorry for the bad example). I’ve also noticed it’s having trouble accelerating. Thanks for your help!
     
    #1 Arden, Dec 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM
  2. Arden

    Arden Junior Member

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    I don’t know how to edit the post so I’ll post an edit here.

    The jolt I’m describing lasts for like a second. It’s not ongoing or anything. Just a quick hiccup/jolt then drives normally.
     
    #2 Arden, Dec 26, 2025 at 1:06 PM
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Edit using the Tools button.

    You might be feeling the engine coming on which is easier to feel than when it goes off.
     
    #3 rjparker, Dec 26, 2025 at 1:25 PM
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her? there's a damper between the engine and tranny
     
    #4 bisco, Dec 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM
  5. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Our 2007 has always had a little shudder when the ICE starts or stops since we bought it in 2019. It is no worse (or better) now then then, so we ignore it. It is most noticeable when the car is sitting still and up to a couple of miles per hour, like parking lot speeds. When the car is going faster than that the transition isn't felt.

    That said, if the ICE is running rough there can be a lot of noise from the damper which is between the ICE and the transaxle. See for instance:

     
    #5 pasadena_commut, Dec 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
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