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Noise from inside engine bay

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by tah, Jul 23, 2023.

  1. tah

    tah Junior Member

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    Please help me identify this noise.

    I've owned a few Prius' before but don't think I've ever had one sound like this. This seems to be coming from the left side of the ICE, possibly low in the engine bay.

    This is a 2011 with around 90k miles and in spectacular condition, one owner with all service records.

    Here's the video on YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZMSO1MADvWA?feature=share

    Thanks in advance!
     
    #1 tah, Jul 23, 2023
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is the a/c on?
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 23, 2023
  3. tah

    tah Junior Member

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    Yes
     
    #3 tah, Jul 23, 2023
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    likely the compressor then. turn off the a/c and see how it sounds. also, play with the fan speed with a/c on manual, see if it gets noisier as you turn the speed up.
    can you hear it inside the car with windows closed?
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 23, 2023
  5. tah

    tah Junior Member

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    I'll try those suggestions. Sounds reasonable that it might be the AC Compressor.

    No, I don't hear it from inside the car.
     
    #5 tah, Jul 23, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds normal then. maybe the older gen was quieter? i can't remember. they do get really noisy before they blow, but there's no determing how much life is left.
     
    #6 bisco, Jul 23, 2023
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yeah that sounds like your AC compressor on a pretty hot day but it also sounds like it's running pretty quickly or fast can you see bubbles in the sight glass? It may need to be topped up so it'll slow down mine doesn't sound nearly that fast and I'm pretty certain mine is working perfectly or as specified.
     
    #7 Tombukt2, Jul 23, 2023
  8. tah

    tah Junior Member

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    Thanks, I’ll check that.
     
    #8 tah, Jul 23, 2023
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