Noise when starting 2003 Prius

Nobody Special · 11-21-2005, 08:42 AM

Has anyone else had this problem???

I have a 2003 Prius with 60,000 miles on it. Everytime I start the car, unless it's really warmed up, I get a squeek with the initial engine startup, then another smaller one about 45 seconds later... It doesn't happen each time the engine starts/stops, like while driving, but almost everytime the car is started. I had the water pump replaced already, as it was making some noise, and this squeek is coming from the electric motor side. An ideas???

tochatihu · 11-21-2005, 11:16 AM

A startup squeak is probably from the hydrocarbon absorption catalyst (HCAC) bypass valve. Some 2001-2002 Prius had problems with this, and it was replaced under TSB EG-015-02.

Your newer Prius should have the redesigned part, but it may as well need to have that valve lubricated. Perhaps a fine opportunity for your Toyota servicer to learn how to perform this maintenance step.

Of course if the noise is buzzing/whirring, it is the brake fluid pump and none of the above applies. But you said squeak...

Nobody Special · 11-22-2005, 04:55 PM

Thanks for the help!!!

I don't think it has anything to do with the brakes. The only times I hear it are:
1. Initial engine starting (i.e. "eerrrech" -like an old squeeky door opening)
2. 30 - 45 seconds after start (shorter "erch" sound)
3. Then ocasionally I'll hear it when I turn the car off (i.e. "eerrr")

I've tried driving with the windows down, and radio off to listen for it as the engine starts / stops, and I've had my friend start the car while I listen from out in front. It definately sounds like something coming from the electric motor side and I was getting really concerned it might be a Transmission issue. I don't know much about the transmissions used in these cars, so...

That brings me to another question:
Is there any source of schematics for the car? I looked for a Chiltons or Haynes repair manual, but couldn't find anything out there. I used to do all my own maintenence with my Subaru and still do with my Jeep, but the only thing I feel comfortable doing to the Prius is an oil change. Obviously, anything major would be taken into the shop, but it'd still be nice to get some more info on how it all goes together.
Any other advise would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks...

DanMan32 · 11-23-2005, 04:00 PM

John's website: http://john1701a.com/
and Grahm's site: http://home.earthlink.net/~graham1/MyToyot...PriusFrames.htm
are excellent free sources of information on how the car works.

http://www.wind.sannet.ne.jp/m_matsu/prius...e=en?Country=US can also help by demonstrating in real-time how it operates.

For detailed tech information, you can purchase a subscription to techinfo.toyota.com
Once you view a PDF from there, you can copy it to your local storage media.

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11-21-2005, 08:42 AM	#1
Nobody Special Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Has anyone else had this problem??? I have a 2003 Prius with 60,000 miles on it. Everytime I start the car, unless it's really warmed up, I get a squeek with the initial engine startup, then another smaller one about 45 seconds later... It doesn't happen each time the engine starts/stops, like while driving, but almost everytime the car is started. I had the water pump replaced already, as it was making some noise, and this squeek is coming from the electric motor side. An ideas???

11-21-2005, 11:16 AM	#2
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 1,797 My Car: 2001 Prius Package: Pioneer #1 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 6	A startup squeak is probably from the hydrocarbon absorption catalyst (HCAC) bypass valve. Some 2001-2002 Prius had problems with this, and it was replaced under TSB EG-015-02. Your newer Prius should have the redesigned part, but it may as well need to have that valve lubricated. Perhaps a fine opportunity for your Toyota servicer to learn how to perform this maintenance step. Of course if the noise is buzzing/whirring, it is the brake fluid pump and none of the above applies. But you said squeak...

11-22-2005, 04:55 PM	#3
Nobody Special Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Thanks for the help!!! I don't think it has anything to do with the brakes. The only times I hear it are: 1. Initial engine starting (i.e. "eerrrech" -like an old squeeky door opening) 2. 30 - 45 seconds after start (shorter "erch" sound) 3. Then ocasionally I'll hear it when I turn the car off (i.e. "eerrr") I've tried driving with the windows down, and radio off to listen for it as the engine starts / stops, and I've had my friend start the car while I listen from out in front. It definately sounds like something coming from the electric motor side and I was getting really concerned it might be a Transmission issue. I don't know much about the transmissions used in these cars, so... That brings me to another question: Is there any source of schematics for the car? I looked for a Chiltons or Haynes repair manual, but couldn't find anything out there. I used to do all my own maintenence with my Subaru and still do with my Jeep, but the only thing I feel comfortable doing to the Prius is an oil change. Obviously, anything major would be taken into the shop, but it'd still be nice to get some more info on how it all goes together. Any other advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks...

11-23-2005, 04:00 PM	#4
DanMan32 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 3,775 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	John's website: http://john1701a.com/ and Grahm's site: http://home.earthlink.net/~graham1/MyToyot...PriusFrames.htm are excellent free sources of information on how the car works. http://www.wind.sannet.ne.jp/m_matsu/prius...e=en?Country=US can also help by demonstrating in real-time how it operates. For detailed tech information, you can purchase a subscription to techinfo.toyota.com Once you view a PDF from there, you can copy it to your local storage media.