Something turns on when I go near the car

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by brakeshoe87, Jun 10, 2013.

  1. brakeshoe87

    brakeshoe87 Junior Member

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    I have a 2012 Prius 2. Every once in a while when I get near the car or open the door there is a mechanical sound from the front of the car. It lasts for about 5 seconds but not long enough to open the hood and see what is running. The dealer suggested it was the fan, but there is no reason the fan would run after the car was sitting in the garage all night. Anyone have any suggestions on what this could be and how to correct it?

    Thanks
    Dave
     
    #1 brakeshoe87, Jun 10, 2013
  2. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    IIRC- it's the brake system vacuum pump making sure there's boost for the brakes.
     
    #2 ny_rob, Jun 10, 2013
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    where did you take it, a bmw dealer?:p welcome to priuschat! did you get a manual with the car?
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 10, 2013
  4. brakeshoe87

    brakeshoe87 Junior Member

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    Took it to my Toyota dealer and they had no clue. I looked through the manual but did not see anything that sounded like my problem. I am not sure why walking past the car should trigger a brake pump. It seems like that would be more appropriate when I am about to drive the car and not when I am taking out the trash. I also question why if this is the case, does it only do it on very rare occasions.
     
    #4 brakeshoe87, Jun 10, 2013
  5. hubmacfan

    hubmacfan Junior Member

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    You must have the smart key in your pocket when you're walking by. The system is assuming you're about to get in the car and drive it.
     
    #5 hubmacfan, Jun 10, 2013
  6. Batavier

    Batavier Member

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    Mine does that as well. It's a small whirring sound. Try sneaking up on your Prius without the smart key... see if that helps. :) They're devious little cars, these Priuses. :)
     
    #6 Batavier, Jun 11, 2013
  7. PLSPUSH

    PLSPUSH Active Member

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    try turning it off, and sitting it for half an hour, you would think it was haunted because of all the noise it makes!
     
    #7 PLSPUSH, Jun 11, 2013
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