Pump Noise Has Changed

We own a 2006 and 2007 Prius. The 2006 is now making the coolant transfer pump noise. These are our first Toyota's and we be bought primarily after hearing all about Toyota quality. Well it seems they are no different then any other manufacture. A known issue and they won't fix it! But then again they won't fix the cell phone call log either, it shows a time 1 to 2 hours out. This will probably be our last Toyota purchase.

 

Take a deep breath. If the pump actually ever fails, as opposed to merely sounding nasty, because you pointed it out during the warranty period they will replace it for free. Keep some documentation of the situation.

And truly, if these cars were all perfect they'd have to charge a lot more than $27,000 for them.

 

So when the pump fails I assume it wouldn't leave a person stranded as the vehicle would still be able to run, just the coolant wouldn't be pumped into the storage cansister. So a failure like this really isn't that big of a deal initially, is this correct?

 

Yes, you are absolutely correct. The only practical effect is that the engine will not receive an infusion of heated coolant upon startup, hence it will take a bit longer to warm up and its emissions production will correspondingly be higher during the warm up period.

 

I believe there are some codes related to failure of the coolant transfer pump, so it would probably set a code if it stops working altogether.

I have been watching coolant temp with my ScanGauge and even though my pump makes some really nasty noises, it is still pumping coolant into the cylinder head as it is designed to.

I have looked at the cost to replace the part (about $200) and the difficulty of replacing it (not very difficult). Probably the most difficult step in replacing it is removing the front bumper cover. I'm not really worried about it.

 

I just got my pump replaced. It took me a few visits for the right person to hear the sound, but if you tell them to keep it overnight and try it in the morning, the sound will be really apparent.

My question is, now that my pump is replaced, there is still a vibration sound when the pump is working. Is that normal?

 

That would depend on how much vibration. The pump makes a obvious noise when running, and I suppose a bit of vibration, but not a lot.

Tom

 

I wonder if you might have the actuator pump noise that is happening pretty frequently with my car now.

 

A steady vibration, yes. It should sound like the old one did when the old one was *not* making the warbling shrieking sound.

 

Okay thanks, that sounds about right.

 

OK - here's my question. There is a sort of buzzing sound that I think was occurring when the car was switching from the hybrid to the ICE - or maybe is was when braking. I've only had my 2008 about 6 weeks. It sort of sound like a little wind up toy sound. But now I seem to be hearing it constantly - 5 seconds on, 10 seconds off. And there is an extreme clicking sound when I power down. I had an "extreme" braking issue on Sunday and it seems to have started after that. I remember reading something in these forums about "extreme" braking, but can't refind it. Any ideas, suggestions? Should I be driving it like this or is this an "get it fixed right away!" kind of thing - if anyone knows. Thanks!

 

I don't have an answer, but I think that deserves a thread of its own, since it's probably not related to the coolant pump. You're more likely to get better answers that way.

 

If it's a sort of "vvrrrr" noise, it's the brake accumulator pump. If you're certain you aren't riding the brakes, then there could be a leak in the braking system somewhere. Check the level in the reservoir, and get a dealer to check the braking system, or an independent if you know they have the correct Toyota diagnostic laptop.

The brake lines on the Prius should not be touched except with the help of the Toyota service tools. They're required to tell the electronic control unit exactly what you're doing, to control the various hydraulic valves appropriately.

If this is your first automatic: you should leave your left foot for operating the parking brake only. Otherwise, leave it on the provided footrest under the parking brake pedal, or somewhere else that's comfortable for you. Move your right foot from the accelerator to the brake for normal braking.

 

Having read through most of this thread I am not clear if the coolant thermos storage pump considered part of the hybrid drive and therefore covered under the 8yr/100k warranty? Mine makes the wave file noise when cold which sounds like a bad bearing t me. When the coolant is hot it sounds just fine. Thanks.

 

The TSB says its covered by the powertrain warranty, 5 yr or 60,000 mi.

http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-...-you-have-squeaky-chs-water-pump-new-tsb.html