I have a 2007 package 5 with under 2000 miles. Occasionally, and perhaps more frequently of late but not always, when I put my foot on the brake, there is a strange buzzing in the stearing column for about a second or so. Has anyone heard of this? Should I take it in? I don't remember this with the cars I test drove. Also, there sometimes seems to be a buzzing in the engine area when I turn off the car. Both seems to be electrical but I really do't know. java script:emoticon('',%20'smid_11')
The buzzing with the brake is the brake accumulator pump. The Prius can't use normal vacuum assist for power brakes, so it uses a little pump. It runs about every third time you press on the brake peddle. The pump sound when you shut down is a coolant transfer pump that save hot engine coolant in a thermos bottle for later use. This helps you start with a warm engine the next time you start. It's all normal. Don't worry. Tom
