2001 Prius makes loud sounds has issues, please advise. (See video)

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by generictwin, Oct 23, 2015.

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  1. generictwin

    generictwin New Member

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    2001 Prius
    My 2001 Prius makes this sound when the engine is running. All the battery lights are on all the time, I think it needs a new HV battery but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Perhaps the other battery is faulty I really don't know. All the engine lights are on and if the brake light comes on it starts shaking or the power steering fails or it just completely shuts off on the road no lights no power steering nothing. When that happens I use a battery booster that I keep in my trunk to get it going again but it's really dangerous to drive now.

    Anyone had this issue or know what the trouble is exactly? Overtime I take it to a mechanic or HV specialist they have a different conclusion.


     
    #1 generictwin, Oct 23, 2015
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    I know nothing about 2001 Prii. That said, the sound is typical of voltage is too low to engage an ICE starter relay, which is chattering. Corrosion on battery terminals doesn't help, but isn't the root cause.
     
    #2 Air_Boss, Oct 23, 2015
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Welcome to the Gen I forum where we like to help folks understand what is going on. Sad to say, the Prius is not a 'Click and Clack' type of car:
    There are a lot of things that can cause the symptoms described. We can speculate but the best comes from having a Prius aware scanner like a miniVCI with a Windows XP laptop. There are others like the Scanguage II and some IOS/Android tools. I have the miniVCI and Scangauge II and these work for me. The IOS/Android tools still baffle me.

    As for speculation:
    • using jumper box, the 12V DC-to-DC converter may have failed - measure the 12V voltage with a VOM. Car off, the battery should show 11.9-12.8 V. Car on, it should be 13.8-13.9 V showing the charging circuit is working.
    • sounds like belt slipping - there is a single belt that drives the AC compressor and water pump. It can wear out and slipping can make squeeking sound.
    • sounds like fan bearing - there is a fan to cool the traction battery with an air exit on the driver side of the car. See if a noise is coming from this area suggesting the car thinks the traction battery is overheating.
    It would help if you could describe your technical skills . . . the most interesting car maintenance you've done in the past. This gives us a clue about how many technical terms we can use. Also, perhaps a little history of this car.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Oct 23, 2015
  4. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    For sure, start with getting the 12v battery checked out.
    Remove the 12v battery and take it to a local parts store and have them check it.

    If it checks out ok, then we can go on to other troubleshooting steps.
     
    #4 ericbecky, Oct 23, 2015
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