hybrid engine only on during startup

[tahoe351]

In my 09 TCH, each time I start it, whether it be a cold or warm engine, the gas engine comes on about 4 or 5 seconds after I press the button.

I was talking to the owner of a prius and he said the hybrid engine is usually the only engine that comes on after pressing start.

Is the norm? Should my gas engine only come on normally after accelarating after startup?

[AML]

This is normal. The engine has to warm up or get the fluids circulated through.

[ukrkoz]

wouldn't say 4-5 seconds, more like 10, but that's exactly what happens. just enough for me to back out of garage and through driveway. then it shuts down before gate opens completely.

[Joe B]

I believe it's 7 seconds.

[ukrkoz]

i counted exactly ten mississipies this morning from the time "ready" light came up. but it's most likely relevant to outside temp. it's getting warmer here.

[snookwhaler]

I remember reading something technical about this last year. At the first start of the day it is for engine warm up and to warm the catalytic converter. Once the car is completely warmed up, the short run time is basically just to heat up the catalytic converter. There were a couple other reasons. I cannot remember what they were. The main reason was to keep the catalyst warm.

It is completely normal.