Can you identify this strange noise coming from engine bay?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by stonerider, Nov 23, 2014.

  1. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    It seems to be coming from near the inverter's under side, maybe below and to the left of the inverter if you are standing in front of the car. It happens when starting the car first in the morning and when it gets cold during day. Please, can you help me identify the source of the sound?



    My Prius is a 2007 with about 104k, all recalls taken care of, dealer maintained, 12V battery was replaced less than 2 years ago. Thank you!
     
    #1 stonerider, Nov 23, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    can't play the video, it says it's private?
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 23, 2014
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  3. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    didn't know I had to go back and publish it (after editing it to shorten the clip). it should be viewable now! Thank you!
     
    #3 stonerider, Nov 23, 2014
  4. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    It’s still private video.
     
    #4 valde3, Nov 23, 2014
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    That's the sound of a 1000 mute kittens sleeping.
     
    #5 The Electric Me, Nov 23, 2014
  6. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    So sorry!

    Google youtube video manager doesn't make it easy to make the change from private to public, finally got it done! It should be viewable now, thank you everyone!
     
    #6 stonerider, Nov 23, 2014
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    kinda sounds like a pump. inverter pump?
     
    #7 bisco, Nov 23, 2014
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    That sound comes from the coolant heat recovery system pump. The purpose of that pump is to move hot coolant into the coolant heat recovery system canister upon engine shutdown, when you make the car IG-OFF. Then when the car is restarted, the pump moves hot coolant into the engine, to help warm-up time. This is supposed to reduce exhaust emissions.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Nov 23, 2014
  9. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    Thank you for your replies!

    I thought it sounded like an electric pump.

    Now, do I need to replace the pump? Is DIY possible for someone like me, I know enough to do basic maintenance? However, I have no way to lift up the vehicle myself. I can work from the engine bay standing up.
     
    #9 stonerider, Nov 23, 2014
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    No
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, Nov 23, 2014
  11. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    Ok, thank you!

    How many pumps are there in a 2nd Gen Prius?
     
    #11 stonerider, Nov 23, 2014
  12. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    BTW, I have run Techstream on the car and there was no DTC.
     
    #12 stonerider, Nov 23, 2014
  13. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    There are four coolant pumps in a North American 2G Prius:

    1. Engine coolant pump
    2. Heater core coolant pump
    3. Engine coolant heat recovery system pump
    4. Inverter/transaxle coolant pump
     
    #13 Patrick Wong, Nov 24, 2014
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  14. stonerider

    stonerider Member

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    Thank you, Patrick!
     
    #14 stonerider, Nov 24, 2014
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