I was backing out of a parking space on the street this afternoon and hit a car that was coming down the street. The rear passenger side bumper was crunched in but I popped it out and now it's just scuffed. The impact wasn't that much, but now the throttle seems messed up. When starting from a stop there's an initial burst of power folllowed by a brief lull and then power comes back. Facing up a hill.. there is no power with the gas pedal slightly depressed and then it kicks in with the same jerky power delivery. I've also noticed that the realtime MPG doesnt jump up to 100 when I'm coasting like it used to and the engine doesnt quit when at a stop.. and the idle fluctuates a bit. Is all this possible from a minor bump to the rear of the car? Is it in some sort of mode because it thinks the batt cells may be damaged? This is my first hybrid and I'm fearing the worst
If you haven't already, pull up the cargo area floor in that corner and see if the battery has been physically damaged.
Also check the battery negative connection to the body right behind the battery. And relax, it's most likely there is nothing major wrong. The car is probably just confused.
I guess the car was confused.. it worked itself out after sitting for a bit and is back to normal... thanks for your suggestions!
