How can I disable Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) ?

I don't see that system in the manual. Are you referring to the blind spot monitor? If so, the buzzer can be disabled (manual page 628).

 

The system is a federal requirement for EVs, so there is nothing in the manual about turning it off.

Apparently the name has changed to Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, at least in the Prime. See page 81 of your 2024 Prime owner's manual.

For the regular Prius, it is on page 72.

 

Oh, that's the auditory system that warns pedestrians, since EV is so quiet. However, I think the OP is referring to other vehicles.

 

I'm still suspecting he is referring to his own vehicle, and the system that was called VPNS on older models, including on my recently sold 2012.

 

if he was referring to other vehicles, why would he ask where the speaker is so he can unplug it?
is he going to unplug all the gen 5 speakers?

 

You need to explain it to me like I'm a 5 year-old.

Are you talking about the noise that warns you about other people and things, or the noise that warns other people/things of YOUR presence?

 

Copy!

There is such a speaker. However I must warn you, upon disconnecting the speaker the following will happen:

- You will then enjoy near silent transport - YAY!
- You will notice your lock/unlock notifications disappear, along with most if not all the chirps you're used to hearing. Because the vehicle uses the single speaker for all external notifications.
-The car will sense that you've disconnected the speaker, and then it becomes your wife.


I've included a couple images for your reference.





There is still a way of achieving this goal, should you choose to proceed, ask on.

 

cough
Simple reversible "UFO noise" killer | PriusChat
cough

 

At least for the 2020-21 Prius Prime, the loudness was adjustable, via dealer / Carista / Techstream. Start at post #6 here, though the default might the lowest available.

2021 Prius - Disable Virtual Engine Sound - AKA Spaceship hum | PriusChat