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What is the faint whine when starting or stopping?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by gnrob, Jul 26, 2016.

  1. gnrob

    gnrob Junior Member

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    We just got our 2016 4-Touring (red). Replaced our 2007 Touring. We noticed a faint sound that is audible only at very low speeds. It sounds a bit like a siren from a long way off, just audible. The salesman said it was just normal, but he was not a "car guy". Has anyone else noticed this sound? Next time I am near the dealer I will stop in and ask the service guys.
    Thanks,
     
    #1 gnrob, Jul 26, 2016
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  2. TheRedRocker

    TheRedRocker Member

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    Pedestrian warning sound. Prius is too quiet when the engine isn't running...

    Check out CNET artificial engine noise for more info... I can't link because I'm a new member
     
    #2 TheRedRocker, Jul 26, 2016
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  3. 'LectroFuel

    'LectroFuel Senior Member

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    Congrats on the new car!

    It's probably the signature Prius regenerative brakes whirring. It sounds sort of like a siren with a sound note that gets lower as you slow down more.

    If it's not that, then TheRedRocker was probably correct. The Pedestrian Warning sound. That is a constant sound that never changes, but stops when you get to a speed of about 20mph I'm guessing. I also have a gen 2 Prius and the Pedestrian warning sound surprised me because my 2005 didn't have that.

    I put the CNET link down below :barefoot::

    Prius' artificial engine noise demonstrated, explained - Roadshow
     
    #3 'LectroFuel, Jul 27, 2016
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  4. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Hmmm - I didn't like the sound, but the wheels were nice on the car!!
     
    #4 alanclarkeau, Jul 27, 2016
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  5. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    AC electric compressor running.
    Electric brake pump.
    Pedestrian alert noise if available (not in EU)
    The inverter doing his job
    The electric motor doing his job.
    ...

    The Prius does a lot of noises really different from most conventional cars. I'd just drive it. If it breaks it is in warranty. But I doubt it will.
     
    #5 pakitt, Jul 27, 2016
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  6. gnrob

    gnrob Junior Member

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    Thanks to all. I think Pakitt has the right idea: electric motor sounds. I have heard similar sounds when large electric motors startup to run the air compressor on railroad locomotives (much louder in that case). After listening to the video link that LectroFuel gave us, the sound I hear is nothing like the sound in the video.
    With 130 miles on it, I already love this Prius. "Huge" learning curve with all the display options.
    Rob
     
    #6 gnrob, Jul 27, 2016
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  7. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),24 Venza Limit,B52-D,G,F,H

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    That's your wife.:ROFLMAO:
     
    #7 ETP, Jul 27, 2016
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  8. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    I like it.

    I just call it the "Star Wars" sound.

    It's about the only excitement I have in my life. :LOL:
     
    #8 Coast Cruiser, Jul 28, 2016
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  9. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    I was backing Pearl S out of the backyard and the neighbors were standing on their driveway, jaws dropped, staring at my car. I told them it was about to "hover" (pedestrian warning sound). ;)
     
    #9 David Beale, Jul 28, 2016
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  10. artie

    artie Member

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    I fantasize that it's the turbo kicking in - and out.
     
    #10 artie, Jul 31, 2016
  11. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    If it's not the artificial noise, you're probably hearing the inverter noise, which to me sounds like faint gear noise, except that its frequency doesn't vary with speed as gear noise would.
     
    #11 CR94, Jul 31, 2016
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