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Small whirring motor sound from the rear of the car?

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by pdp, May 4, 2012.

  1. pdp

    pdp New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2011
    162
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    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    While parked in our garage tonight, I heard a whirring motor sound coming from our Prius v. It seemed to be coming from under the car toward the rear about halfway between the two rear wheels. I think I've heard this sound before, but tonight it went on for many minutes (5ish). I finally couldn't stand it anymore so I turned the car on by pushing the start button twice without holding down the brake pedel. This stopped the whirring sound, and when I turned the car off, the sound stayed off. Any idea what this is and if it should be going on for 5+ minutes while the car is off?
     
    #1 pdp, May 4, 2012
  2. PRPrius

    PRPrius Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2004
    327
    198
    2
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    This is a normal sound. The car is running a test of the evaporative emissions systems. In the owners manuals it talks about this particular noise. It also mentions that it takes place several hours after shutting down the car.
     
    #2 PRPrius, May 4, 2012
  3. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    It might also be the HV battery cooling fan, which in under the right rear seat.
     
    #3 Mike500, May 4, 2012
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