Just started hearing a chirping noise...seems to be when I accelerate. Oil level looks okay. Any ideas what could be causing this? Doesn't sound like a loose belt to me, but this is the first mechanical glitch in the 12 years that I've owned this great car. Thanks!
If you're hearing it only when you accelerate from a stop, it could be brakes or tires causing the sound.
Not just when accelerating from a stop. Just got a couple of new tires about a month ago. Part of what they did was to rotate the tires. They were fine after that...looked at the tires last night, and they look fine at this point. Could be brakes, except I'm not applying them when the noise is being made.
Only when engine on then? If you tried putting the car in expection mode or the engines only on not the hybrid system Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Yes, only when the car is moving, as far as I can tell. When I'm accelerating...doesn't seem to do it when I'm coasting.
Interesting, thanks for that. I don't think it happens when I'm sitting still, so I don't know if that'll help.
OMG, just took my car for a quick spin. I'm sorry, I hear the sound when I'm not accelerating, and don't have my foot on the brake...when the car is slowing down unpowered. Not sure how I got that backwards, makes me sound pretty flaky, doesn't it? Anyways, I've got it right now, the sound that s loudest when it is slowing down without braking.
It will tell you if it a engine problem or rolling (bearing) / brakes / A/C or vent lever motor Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Next time you drive, see if using "B" mode makes a difference in volume or frequency. Does the noise seem to come from engine or chassis, can you tell? Has the transaxle fluid ever been checked or changed? How many miles on the car?
I might have been experiencing the same thing you have. I hadn't heard the sound until a couple years ago when I started accelerating. It's not loud and is barely noticeable, so I haven't worried about it. I mainly happens when I accelerate harder than normal and quickly. It happens when the engine delays in starting up after the electric motors initially propel the car.