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Abnormal Coolant Pump noise

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by HTMLSpinnr, Sep 16, 2004.

  1. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    I've noticed over the past few days that the coolant pump that pushes warm coolant from the vacum tank to the cylinder head intake ports (our engine pre-heater) has been making abormal "scraping" or lower pitched "squealing" sounds under operation. The sounds are akin to an old motorized toy, RC car motor, or cheap CPU fan with sleeve bearings that are on it's way out. This sound happens usually when the engine has been sitting for a few hours, but seems consistent for the last few days since I returned from AZ.

    I'm at about 17.8k miles, and I've had the car for nearly 11 months now.

    I have a few thoughts:
    • Am I the only one? If not - are we looking at another potential service campaign?
    • Should I be worried about the quality of the pump? Is it an item that can't handle extreme ambient temp changes?

      • Anyone else with a similar experience? I'm going to bring it up when I have my fuel TSB done and my center console lid replaced (the fabric is peeling away from the front of the "arm rest" a.k.a. center console lid sub-assembly). It's reproducable, and I imagine covered by the 8/100 hybrid/emissions warranty since it is part of what makes the car AT-PZEV.
     
    #1 HTMLSpinnr, Sep 16, 2004
  2. MarinJohn

    MarinJohn Senior Member

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    Rick, earlier this summer I went from San Francisco to Albuquerque via the Mojave desert, temps were in the hundreds, and I really pushed the car at 85-100 MPH through the desert. I did have to have a water valve replaced in Albuquerque, but my water pump has been fine since factory install so perhaps you are just "lucky" . It does concern me, however, that we are hearing of so many (minor) breakdowns on this chat board. I hope your dealer is close and convenient!
     
    #2 MarinJohn, Sep 16, 2004
  3. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    I don't think 1-10 failures in 45,000 total production would warrant a TSB or a recall, as I'm sure that is probably the normal failure rate for such items. I'd be amased if Toyota would consider it a warranteed item under the HSD system. But it'll be covered under 3-36 warranty.
     
    #3 Frank Hudon, Sep 16, 2004
  4. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Frank,

    The coolant assembly is part of the system which helps the car qualify for the CA AT-PZEV rating. Therefore, it must be warranted for the longer period of time.

    -Rick
     
    #4 HTMLSpinnr, Sep 16, 2004
  5. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    Possibly the states that uses the Cal Emission warranty might, but I dont' think anywhere else. Just checked the warranty manual and under both the emmision and the Hybrid related components it isn't listed. The ICE water pump is for 5 years or 60,000 miles but no mention of the thermos pump. When you take it in for repair please ask the dealer what the warranty is on the pump. It as I understand has to have the ScanTool to purge the system after replacement so that'll take it out of the relm of DIY work.
     
    #5 Frank Hudon, Sep 16, 2004
  6. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    So far so good just a gentle hum, but I am only at 2500. Do you have the extended warranty. I really am thinking of getting that. There is a lot new in this car and maybe this is a situation that warrants a bit of precaution. I am leaning that way.
     
    #6 hdrygas, Sep 16, 2004
  7. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Nope - no extended warranty - but I'm still covered under the 3/36, etc at almost 18k miles.

    I'll ask which warranty covers it when I take it in next week for the various work done.
     
    #7 HTMLSpinnr, Sep 17, 2004
  8. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    thanks Rick
     
    #8 Frank Hudon, Sep 17, 2004
  9. Jonathan

    Jonathan New Member

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    FWIW I'm on my 2nd '04 (about 12,000 miles between the two). The first car I got had a MUCH more quiet coolant pump than the one I have now. Mine doesn't squeal, and if I hadn't had the first car, I wouldn't know that this one was louder. Good luck, let us know!
     
    #9 Jonathan, Sep 17, 2004
  10. naterprius

    naterprius Senior Member

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    My Brand New #9 does this! Now I know it's not normal.. I'll bring it in on Monday.

    Nate
     
    #10 naterprius, Sep 18, 2004
  11. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    well it's realativly cheap. $137.55 but looks like the front bumper has to come off as well to change it. The book quotes .8 to change it, I assume that includes the time to bleed the system, with the bumper cover off. Lets hope this isn't a reoccuring repair issue.
     
    #11 Frank Hudon, Sep 18, 2004
  12. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    OK I have not noticed this before but 3-5 (I am not sure) I went back out to the garage and heard the pump running I had time to go in the house put away something in the refrigerator and get something to drink and go out to throw away trash and I heard this. Is this normal?
     
    #12 hdrygas, Sep 19, 2004
  13. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    A whirring noise is normal. After hearing it for about 11 months, I know what to expect. Now, a scraping noise (like that of a motorized toy with a bad motor) has been added - and only when cold, hence my new concern. The noise is generally a precursor for motor failure.

    On a different note - I noted that colder air in Big Bear, CA also brought out a squeak in the brake actuator. I could tell it was the actuator because at higher speeds, braking didn't introduce it until I got to a slower speed where friction braking was required. Again it seemed only when it was cooler outside (48-50°F).
     
    #13 HTMLSpinnr, Sep 19, 2004
  14. MarinJohn

    MarinJohn Senior Member

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    I also noticed a brake squeak at Lake Tahoe last winter which went away when I returned to lower elevation and warmer temps. Forgot all about it till I read your post. What about others in cold climates?
     
    #14 MarinJohn, Sep 20, 2004
  15. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    ya the brakes squeak occasionally. both of them seems to happen right about 45F--8-9C and down to about 2C and mostly when the humidity is relatively high. 70%and above.
     
    #15 Frank Hudon, Sep 20, 2004
  16. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Just a reminder, the squeak I'm referring to is more of a squeaking of the actuator, not a friction squeak of pads on cold metal. Mine will occur at a stand still as well as when coming to a stop, and tends to originate from the upper right of the firewall (from the driver's perspective)
     
    #16 HTMLSpinnr, Sep 20, 2004
  17. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Well Rick, is your coolant pump still making noise? Have you had it checked? What's the update there?
     
    #17 efusco, Sep 20, 2004
  18. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Yes still making noise, no haven't had it checked, I'm driving to AZ and back. Will probably bring it in Wed or Thurs for the TSB and center console fix, and I'll have the coolant pump checked as well.
     
    #18 HTMLSpinnr, Sep 20, 2004
  19. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    ok I've never heard anything originating in the RH side of the firewall or under hood area. I'll keep the ears open. I'm not sure where the accumulator is for the brakes but assume it's there. Will have to put an eyeball on it and see.
     
    #19 Frank Hudon, Sep 20, 2004
  20. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    yup accumulator is on the RH side of the engine compartment. Have you checked the brake fluid reservoir to make sure it’s at the proper level. I’m not sure on the Prius system if it uses the brake fluid on the charge side or not. If low or the rear brakes need adjusting, yes I know they are self adjusting, but might be out of range of the accumulator or near it’s maximum range the piston might just be making noise as it moves down in the cylinder. Just a thought.
     
    #20 Frank Hudon, Sep 20, 2004
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