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Buzzing sound when using defrost

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by MommysPrius, Feb 5, 2020.

  1. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    I'm quite late to post this but my Prime has always made a buzzing noise when I use the defrost. (I often have to use this option because I notice when I use just the regular heat my windows starts to slowly steam up)
    When I turn it off, my car is silent again.

    Is this buzzing noise normal or should I get it checked out? I'm pretty sure my car has always made a buzzing noise in defrost mode since the day I bought the car. Thought it was a normal thing, but I'm finding it annoying these days lol.

    Thank you in advance! Oh, and no I don't have the auto climate control on.
     

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    #1 MommysPrius, Feb 5, 2020
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    The Heat Pump makes a buzzing sound. Could that be it?
     
    #2 schja01, Feb 5, 2020
  3. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    I don't have a clue. Does the heat pump normally make a constant buzzing noise?
     
    #3 MommysPrius, Feb 5, 2020
  4. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    Buzzing? Mine sounds like the compressor on my home HVAC condenser which could be interpreted as a buzzing.
    Yes it makes the sound as long as the Heat Pump is running and I "think" using defrost is one thing that will cause it to run.
    Having said that, in my case the sound is more noticeable outside than in the cabin.
     
    #4 schja01, Feb 5, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2020
    MommysPrius likes this.
  5. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    With just turning on the fan, with temp turned down so heat isn't called for, is the same noise made with the air flow to the windshield, or at all?
     
    #5 Trollbait, Feb 5, 2020
  6. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    You'd probably avoid steaming up the windows if you leave AUTO ON, which includes A/C ON. This dehumidifies the air, causing the inside of the windows to stay clear.

    I would only use DEFROST when there is ice on the outside of the windshield...
     
    #6 FuelMiser, Feb 5, 2020
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    baseball card in the spokes
     
    #7 bisco, Feb 5, 2020
  8. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    Sounds like my car.
     
    #8 MommysPrius, Feb 5, 2020
  9. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    I'm used to not running Auto on because it uses air conditioning in my other full gasoline cars in the past. Thus, taking more fuel lol.
     
    #9 MommysPrius, Feb 5, 2020
  10. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    A/C in the Prius is electric, not engine driven, so no drag on the engine. I'd also imagine that the front defroster in the Prime uses more energy than the A/C, so I suggest you rethink your bias.
     
    #10 FuelMiser, Feb 6, 2020
  11. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    I didn't know it was different for our cars. I just knew it would take more gas in gasoline cars using A/C. Good to know, thank you. I'll try that on my next drive
     
    #11 MommysPrius, Feb 7, 2020
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