2007 Engine Problem

dgbarnes · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2007, 01:41 PM

I took delivery last Friday of a new 50th Anniversary Edition Camry. By the way, count me among the group that is not crazy about the dash appliqués, but it's my wife's car.

Anyway, it had 26 miles on it when I got in to drive it off the lot. I haven't driven a Camry Hybrid since earlier this spring when we were looking at them, but I immediately noticed a strange noise and feel when accelerating. The only way I can describe it is a feeling like the clutch is slipping.

It doesn't matter if I accelerate very slowly, or very quickly; when the car begins to accelerate, I get the jerkiness (very slight) for about a second, then everything is fine.

Obviously I'm not a mechanic so my description aren't technically accurate I'm sure, but I'm trying to describe it the best way I can. It feels exactly like ABS brakes when they first grab; just not as exaggerated.

I also noticed while sitting in the driveway programming some things on the Navi that when the gas engine starts it is VERY noticeable; almost like starting a regular car. But I don't know if the two problems are related. In fact I don't even know if they are problems.

Is this normal for the Camry Hybrid? I won't have a chance to take it to the dealership until tomorrow, but I'd like to know what I should expect.

Thanks in advance.

Jer · #2 (**permalink**) 05-29-2007, 12:09 AM

Sounds like the gas engine cycling on and off which is entirely normal with this vehicle. The Camry is electric first and gas second unlike most other hybrids. What this means is that when you start it, you don't crank a gas engine which is why you push a button. The gas engine cycles on and off whenever the computer determines it needs to come on to charge the battery or for additional power as needed. That slight shudder is just the gas engine starting up when it comes on. You should also notice the needle go from 'E' on the bottom to somewhere above that as it kicks on and begins burning gas instead of just running off of stored electric energy.

mmikulak · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgbarnes

I took delivery last Friday of a new 50th Anniversary Edition Camry. By the way, count me among the group that is not crazy about the dash appliqués, but it's my wife's car.

Anyway, it had 26 miles on it when I got in to drive it off the lot. I haven't driven a Camry Hybrid since earlier this spring when we were looking at them, but I immediately noticed a strange noise and feel when accelerating. The only way I can describe it is a feeling like the clutch is slipping.

It doesn't matter if I accelerate very slowly, or very quickly; when the car begins to accelerate, I get the jerkiness (very slight) for about a second, then everything is fine.

Obviously I'm not a mechanic so my description aren't technically accurate I'm sure, but I'm trying to describe it the best way I can. It feels exactly like ABS brakes when they first grab; just not as exaggerated.

I also noticed while sitting in the driveway programming some things on the Navi that when the gas engine starts it is VERY noticeable; almost like starting a regular car. But I don't know if the two problems are related. In fact I don't even know if they are problems.

Is this normal for the Camry Hybrid? I won't have a chance to take it to the dealership until tomorrow, but I'd like to know what I should expect.

Thanks in advance.

Jerkyness is Gas engine starting- Normal.

Slipping is normal. It has a CVT transmission. Kinda feels like driving a boat. The transmission will catch up with the engine dending on how far down your foot is on the accelerator.

Your driving style needs to adapt to driving a hybrid.

mustang67408 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmikulak

Jerkyness is Gas engine starting- Normal.

Slipping is normal. It has a CVT transmission. Kinda feels like driving a boat. The transmission will catch up with the engine dending on how far down your foot is on the accelerator.

Your driving style needs to adapt to driving a hybrid.

Well Put.

It is normal for a Hybrid to act like this.

mral1515 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 10:25 PM

Yes it is normal for Toyota hybrids to akt like this. As far as thr jerking when sitting still it is the dampner between the CVT and gas engine can't stop all of the force when the engine actually starts. The Prius does the same thing. It is considered normal.

krs500 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 11:20 PM

Next time you get on the freeway onramp with plenty of room and nobody around, try putting your foot to the floor, and counting to some small number - like 5 or 7. If you are now going through 70mph or so, everything is fine. However, you should remove your foot from the accelerator before you hit a much larger number and get into trouble.
Listen to the engine as the car accelerates. This takes a little getting used to. The engine goes to a certain rpm, and the car accelerates to catch up with the gas engine. This is what the CVT provides. The first question I asked was "When is this thing gonna get out of first gear?" as I'm accelerating through about 70. (I know, hot rod lincoln...ha ha!)
The little nuances you are speaking of are some of the things you have to get used to. Kinda freaks out the passengers the first time you pull up to a stop - Boy your car is quiet - just as the engine kicks in and they want to jump out of their seat. Cheap entertainment for no extra charge!

Ed_T · #7 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 06:15 AM

The hybrid does not have a CVT, but a power-split device, which acts much like a CVT. Internally it is a masterpiece of design, and with proper maintenance should outlast the rest of the car.

Once you refine your driving technique a bit, you will likely come to accept and perhaps love those noises and characteristics which every new owner of a hybrid surely at first finds strange, new and unusual.

Getting the superior mileage is a blessing.