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Whistle Noise While driving

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by chota, May 23, 2012.

  1. chota

    chota Junior Member

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    I'm a newbie so still getting used to my 2012 Prius III. The other day while stopped at a red light I decided to run out and open the trunk for my work badge that I left in my briefcase. It's a long light and I knew I'd have plenty of time. I put the car in Park and put on the parking brake then ran out. When returning the light was still red, so I put the car in Drive and waited. After it turned green I hit the gas gently but noticed the car did not move. The car behind me hit his horn, so I hit the gas harder and the ICE kicked in and started moving the car a few feet. That's when I realized the parking brake was on and released it. Since then I'm noticing a whistle noise when I drive slow. It seems to be there when driving in EV and with the ICE running. It's not the noise maker but a higher pitch noise. Could I have done something to MG1 and MG2 when I hit the gas harder to move the car. It sounds like an electric motor high pitch sound. It may have been their before but I didn't notice it until now.
     
    #1 chota, May 23, 2012
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Check to see if your wife left a water bottle open on the roof. :)

    You didn't do a thing to the car. You might check to see if you have a window cracked open.

    relax.
     
    #2 spiderman, May 23, 2012
  3. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    You more than likely have one of the windows slightly down.

    If you mean a really high pitched whistle like an old tv used to make then it is probably just the inverter and is normal (unless it is really really loud).
     
    #3 GrumpyCabbie, May 23, 2012
  4. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    What does that "proximity notification" unit sound like, anyway? Our 2010s didn't have one.

    I bet you're hearing the inverter. Your brakes should be fine.
     
    #4 pjksr02, May 23, 2012
  5. chota

    chota Junior Member

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    It's not a wind noise, When I press the accelerator at low speeds I hear it. Otherwise it's not loud enough with my windows up. If I let up on the gas pedal or put it in neutral it goes away, must be the inverter. Thanks All.

    No water bottle this time, I checked under the hood to make sure:rockon:
     
    #5 chota, May 23, 2012
  6. chota

    chota Junior Member

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    2012 Prius
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    Now I"m hearing it more, it seems to be louder when the ICE comes on and I press the gas pedal to accelerate. Although it's around even in EV mode just not as loud. It changes pitch with the gas pedal so I don't think it's the inverter. Any thoughts?
     
    #6 chota, Jun 3, 2012
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