Does anyone know what the mechanical noise is after unlocking and opening the driver door? It is definitely noticeable and lasts for about 10sec. Is it some sort of initializing the electric motor?
no, it is the brake accumulator. it happens when driving also, when it needs to be replenished. but it's harder to hear over other noise.
Prius has Power Braking even when the car is OFF, it activates when you open the driver door. What you hear is the compressor for brakes working till it reaches proper pressure. It's great, you got power brakes with the car off but it's bad if you want to work on your brakes cause if you forget to unplug the 12V you might have a bad time ;-)
