Cold engine + neutral = bucking bronco

[1Guy1Truck]

Alright I realize no one really uses neutral, I found this out by accident. Thought I had the shifter in drive but had put it into neutral. Gas engine was running and the engine was cold. It started bucking and puttering like it was going to stall out. Once in drive it was fine. I know a lot of maverick owners like to write off issues as “just hybrid stuff” but this is not normal. Has anyone else noticed this? Also if you live in a cold climate on your next cold start slip it into neutral and see if yours does it too. I mentioned it to my dealer and they just brushed it off and with all the other issues it has I just brushed it off also.

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[NedF]

There is no true neutral in the way a conventional transmission works. The transmission is always connected to the drive train via the sun and planetary gears. The motor generator 1 is trying to charge your battery and keep the truck stationary at the same time but because the ice is at a higher and less stable RPM the transmission computer is adjusting as fast as it can to keep the truck stationary but it’s a tall order hence a bit of bucking.

 

[NewcMaverick]

Both my XL and XLT Hybrid buck like crazy when cold. The first time it happened I walked up on it bucking while using remote start and thought the thing was going to blow up, now it's just "normal". Once it heats up it stops.

 

[vandeda2024]

I agree with 1Guy1Truck. If it's normal for the Mav, then the software engineers need to work harder on tuning the system. My Prius v that I'll be trading in for Mav has never done this in over 6 years of ownership, including to temperatures as cold as -15F. But, at least I'll know if the Mav does it to not be alarmed .... though a good reminder that good software engineers are so vital.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Both my XL and XLT Hybrid buck like crazy when cold. The first time it happened I walked up on it bucking while using remote start and thought the thing was going to blow up, now it's just "normal". Once it heats up it stops.

Hi there! This definitely doesn’t sound like the experience we want you to be having– If you'd like to, go ahead and send a message to us with your VIN and approximate mileage. I’d be happy to look into this for you. Thanks!

 

[NewcMaverick]

Hi there! This definitely doesn’t sound like the experience we want you to be having– If you'd like to, go ahead and send a message to us with your VIN and approximate mileage. I’d be happy to look into this for you. Thanks!

Interesting. It's not bucking incredibly bad - and if you read through this forum it seems like a general consensus that these things suck at idling when cold. I wouldn't say bucking like a bronco, but it does shutter a bit and you can feel it in the cab.

 

[1Guy1Truck]

Hi there! This definitely doesn’t sound like the experience we want you to be having– If you'd like to, go ahead and send a message to us with your VIN and approximate mileage. I’d be happy to look into this for you. Thanks!

No, I don’t converse with AI bots.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Both my XL and XLT Hybrid buck like crazy when cold....

I have not had that happen, and have remote-started my XL several times in the cold. But it hasn't been stoopid cold here yet (like single digits or neg. temps), and rarely does so. And if it was that cold, I doubt I'd be going anywhere until the weather warmed up.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

When cold. First run of the day.
My 23 hybrid XLT 16K will shudder while coming to a stop if the ICE is shutting down precisely at the same time.

 

[icegradner]

Yeah, it seems to be a common thing on cold starts with the Hybrid. I get it as well, doesn't even have to be below freezing. There were several software updates early on that were supposed to correct or change this, none of them worked.

I never get this on engine shut downs while driving, only the odd time when the ICE kicks in right before I shut the truck off.

 

[skinnyboy]

I agree with 1Guy1Truck. If it's normal for the Mav, then the software engineers need to work harder on tuning the system. My Prius v that I'll be trading in for Mav has never done this in over 6 years of ownership, including to temperatures as cold as -15F. But, at least I'll know if the Mav does it to not be alarmed .... though a good reminder that good software engineers are so vital.

Couldn't have said it better.

Cheers.

 

[Malort]

I agree with 1Guy1Truck. If it's normal for the Mav, then the software engineers need to work harder on tuning the system. My Prius v that I'll be trading in for Mav has never done this in over 6 years of ownership, including to temperatures as cold as -15F. But, at least I'll know if the Mav does it to not be alarmed .... though a good reminder that good software engineers are so vital.

I was going to say the same thing about my hybrid MKZ, never had this issue. But then I remembered my MKZ had a CVT trans, not an eCVT. Different systems, apples and oranges. Does your Prius have an eCVT? I agree Ford should find a solution......

 

[710-oil-614]

Hi there! This definitely doesn’t sound like the experience we want you to be having– If you'd like to, go ahead and send a message to us with your VIN and approximate mileage. I’d be happy to look into this for you. Thanks!

GO AWAY! NOBODY LIKES YOU!!

 

[icegradner]

I was going to say the same thing about my hybrid MKZ, never had this issue. But then I remembered my MKZ had a CVT trans, not an eCVT. Different systems, apples and oranges. Does your Prius have an eCVT? I agree Ford should find a solution......

Yes, all Toyota Hybrids (Taco and Tundra aside) use eCVT transmissions, right from the first generation Prius in 1997 (Japan) and 2001 in NA. My 2008 Camry Hybrid did not have this shudder other than on cold stops at lights during winter, this is mostly a Ford issue.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Yes. Yes. And yup. Seen it all in mine.

I'm rarely below 40°F. It still does it "cold-ish".

What helps a lot is drive the last half to one mile home in EV only. Use the EV coach. Park with a low HV battery charge.

Then, next day on a cold start; the truck will have some "work" to do. Some predictable "load" as it recharges the HV battery.

It bucks most when cold, the HV battery is already charged, and it needs to idle with "nothing to do". (No load)

Try it. It works for me.

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