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Loud noise from engine while driving, lose display and engine quits

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by FlightTraker, Jul 4, 2023.

  1. FlightTraker

    FlightTraker Junior Member

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    I have a 2009 Prius with 278,000 miles. While driving in the city the other day (25 mph) there was a loud “moaning” noise from the engine compartment. The engine quits and the display disappears. I coasted to the side of the road and stopped. The “moaning” is like a descending crescendo. When it hits the bottom, the car lurches foreword like you were driving and threw it into park. Even though the car is stationary on the side of the road. After this is done, I can start the car and drive away. This happened 3 times in 2 miles of city driving.
    Any ideas?
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    When a car fails like this there's dash warning lights and error codes get stored that need to be read at a local auto parts store or via Dr. Prius app using one of these: Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

    And coming from under the hood isn't specific enough... Is it coming from the exhaust? The intake? The transmission? The water pump?

    Also "moaning" isn't specific enough... Can you describe it without using that word?

    One easy trick is to very carefully put a stick or stethoscope to various parts under the hood while the car is running and put the other end of the stick against your ear. That is the fastest way to locate the source of a noise. Of course that's assuming it makes than noise with only the engine running.

    If the noise relates to the speed of the car it might be drivetrain related, or if your 12v battery has lost its charge it could be causing these kinds of glitches.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    does the display come back on?
     
  4. FlightTraker

    FlightTraker Junior Member

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    No. I have to reset it each time.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    after you have 5 posts, you can post a recording of the sound
     
  6. andrewassurance83

    andrewassurance83 New Member

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    Moaning sound could be mechanical or electrical. But of the time is mechanical it could be the transmission or the electric motor.
     
  7. andrewassurance83

    andrewassurance83 New Member

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