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New noise on a 2010 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Marlowe, Aug 23, 2024.

  1. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    I’ve been experiencing a noise recently. It kind of sounds like an electric motor straining/whirring. It switches on for a sec or two and then stops. It keeps on repeating every 30 seconds or so. It’s coming from the driver’s side of top of the engine and I hear it from inside the car. I can hear it when the car is on but stationary. I have an mp3 but I can't see to upload it here as an attachment.

    Any ideas?
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Brake pump .pumping up brake accumulator. Usually internal leak.
     
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  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Sounds like a sort of muffled rattlesnake or joy buzzer? Brake pump.
     
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  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    My brake pump has been doing that since July 2017, maybe longer.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    How many miles on her?

    I think you need 5 posts to add a link
     
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  6. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    I haven't been here in a while. Probably because the Prius has been a dream since I got it in 2011-12 with very low miles (<1K?). Aside from cosmetics and basic maintenance, it's still a worry-free car that's remains a performer. So, as long as it keeps doing what it always has, we will remain together.

    Oh, the satellite radio bit the dust last summer. That was a bummer. I heard it would be pricy to fix so I didn't get it checked

     
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  7. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    What would it cost to fix the brake pump? Am I at risk of losing braking?
     
    #7 Marlowe, Aug 23, 2024
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2024
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    You must be doing something right. Have you ever cleaned the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system?
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    around $1,000. - $1,500. for parts, or $3-4,000. for a dealer to do it. you might find an indy mech cheaper than a dealer.
    you'll get warning lights before you have to replace it, and even when it dies altogether, you have mechanical breaking.
    could be many trouble free years yet, no way to tell.
     
  10. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    I don't think so. What would that do?

     
  11. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    Uh oh. That would be the first serious expenditure on this car. That might be the deal-breaker.

     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yeah, i traded my 2012 when the engine started misfiring.
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I'm genuinely perplexed. Typically a gen 3 with your miles, EGR never cleaned, the head gasket would be blown by now.

    How long have you had it? Recent acquisition?
     
  14. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    I've had it since 2011 or 2012. I may have had that done, I just don't recall. Is that a big job? What would it cost?

     
    #14 Marlowe, Aug 23, 2024
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2024
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's time consuming, maybe a grand to have someone else do it
     
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    this is an informative and funny how to, and mendel gets a shout out:

    watch
     
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  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I’m just scratching my head about your miracle 3rd Gen. (n)
     
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  18. Marlowe

    Marlowe Junior Member

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    I'm going to call my mechanic to see if we covered the EGR in a past servicing. I've been on top of all maintenance from the start.

     
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