Just wanted to verify that it is normal for the Prius to emit a 2-3 second whirring or rapid ticking sound (like the sound one of those egg timers might make while it's winding down) under certain conditions when you press the brakes. It dosn't happen every time, but usually when you apply them after a sustained period of no braking (e.g. when on highway). I'm assuming it's the regenerative brake system kicking in?
It should be normal. Try this next time. Have the rear seats folded down, turn off the radio and start the car up. You'll hear all the relays clicking behind you!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 21 2006, 03:54 PM) [snapback]336152[/snapback]</div> So THAT's what those noises are! And I was thinking they were the sound of squirrel feet as they ran out from under the car (grin).
It's not the regen brakes, it's the hydrolic brake system building pressure. It runs from an electric pump, since the engine is not always running on a Prius. Tom
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stevejm @ Oct 21 2006, 07:51 PM) [snapback]336270[/snapback]</div> or those mice and hamsters from Pinto Girl's thread on horsepower increase hehe.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stevejm @ Oct 21 2006, 07:51 PM) [snapback]336270[/snapback]</div> Yes squirrels are ultilzed, but none are harmed in the Prius.
Speaking of curious sounds...am I the only one who hears the climate control system when in cooling mode? I'm not talking about the fan. Rather it sounds like a Star Trek version of vents opening and closing. Hard to pinpoint origin. Sounds like it's coming from behind the front seats :huh:
There are rear seat vents under the front seats. Also, when you open/close the outside vent, on my car, I can hear the vent cover (flap?) moving. It creaks <_<
Most of my curious noises come after I shut off the engines, so I hear them as I'm walking out of the garage. I haven't found a good nickname for my Prius yet, but when I do, it might have something to do with the old folk song The Marvelous Toy. I believe it was from Peter, Paul & Mary, though I may be mistaken. It's the one with the refrain, It went "Zip" when it moved and "Pop" when it stopped, and "Whirrr" when it stood still I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stevejm @ Oct 21 2006, 02:27 PM) [snapback]336146[/snapback]</div> I have been meaning to ask question about the noise myself. Just get the chance to yet and I was also trying to think of a good description for the sound <_< . Thanks to stevejm for bringing this up, now I can enjoy that sound in peace.
