My new prius seems to have a small humming sound in the motor area when the ICE is kicked in at 8 - 12mph . At 13mph it stops. It almost sounds like the pump(?) you sometimes here when you turn off your car. Usually it is whenthe car is warned up, sometimes the first block, it doesn't happen. This also occasionally occurs at 28 - 25mph when slowing, though not as consistent. Has anyone experienced this? Is it normal? Should I have service check it out? Any imput would be appreciated. Cheers, Tweldon
there are lots of new hums and whines you'll hear that you'll get used to as you drive. first, there's the brake accumulator pump which essentially pressurizes your brake system. you can hear this by stepping on the brake pedal for a long time (like at a long stoplight) it'll kick in to keep pressure. then there's the coolant pump, which you'll hear when you start up and after you shut down, and occasionally as you drive. there's also the inverter whine, which you'll hear very clearly while driving in electric and while braking. it's probably something normal that you have yet to get used to, if something was wrong you'd hear it all the time (as in accumulator pump running all the time to keep brake pressure) or there'd be a check engine light or something to warn you on the dash.
Yes, I can understand these various noises, but a very consistent humm/buzz between a 8 – 12mph is something I’m curious about. Do you have this in your Prius? What is it? During the test drive it was non-existent, or I would have asked about it. Only arose after a few 100 miles. A friend who has a ’06 does not have this, though I have not driven his car. Does any one else have this or know what it may be? Cheers, Tweldon
Galaxee's tip about the inverter might be what you're talking about. I've noticed the accumulator pump coming on, and the coolant pump when I get out... I haven't noticed a buzz at low speeds, but I bet now that you mentioned it I will
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ichabod @ Aug 26 2006, 10:33 PM) [snapback]309993[/snapback]</div> Give it a try tomorrow and let post what you find. It starts at ~ 8mph and ends right at 13mph on the nose. Cheers, Tweldon
