Warm Coolant Pump

ncorman · 10-03-2007, 04:13 PM

I have an 07 Prius with a little over 10k miles.

I've noticed in the past few weeks that when pressing the start button on the car after it hasn't been used for a few hours, a normally sounding steady whirring noise that goes on for a few seconds (which I *think* from reading some sites online is the "warm coolant pump") now sounds different and strange.

The noise has changed from a consistent, steady whirr which lasts a few seconds to something much more irregular sounding, as if it's "struggling."

I realize this is very vague, but does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this?

**efusco** · 10-03-2007, 05:55 PM

If it's gotten a LOT louder it might be worth having it looked at...the pumps have been known to fail. But it sounds like it behaves when the temps get cooler...it sounds like it really struggles in the cold winters.

If it's not a lot louder I think it's OK. How does it sound when you shut down and the coolant is nice and warm?

FL_Prius_Driver · 10-03-2007, 07:29 PM

Did you check your coolant level? I would assume so but I did not see it mentioned.

Mr.Vanvandenburg · 10-04-2007, 12:09 PM

I have 2007 also and live in your area. I get a steady whirr when stopping and when starting (but not 100% of the time for some reason once in a while there is no whirr.) I think I have heard the whirr unsteady a few times. It may be just other things kicking in at the same time during the start. In any case the pump has a 15yr/150k warranty in CA.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
'Squeak' in coolant pump?	Zaxxon	Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	1	07-03-2007 10:41 PM
Screaming coolant pump	ddd	Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	31	02-17-2007 07:24 AM
Noticing the warm temperature at the pump	eagle33199	Fuel Economy	1	05-09-2006 01:25 PM
Coolant Pump	BitShifter01	Prius Main Forum	1	12-13-2005 06:24 PM
Question about the Oil & Coolant Pump(s)	macreative	Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	3	10-22-2004 08:47 PM

10-03-2007, 04:13 PM	#1
ncorman Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I have an 07 Prius with a little over 10k miles. I've noticed in the past few weeks that when pressing the start button on the car after it hasn't been used for a few hours, a normally sounding steady whirring noise that goes on for a few seconds (which I think from reading some sites online is the "warm coolant pump") now sounds different and strange. The noise has changed from a consistent, steady whirr which lasts a few seconds to something much more irregular sounding, as if it's "struggling." I realize this is very vague, but does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this?

10-03-2007, 05:55 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,225 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	If it's gotten a LOT louder it might be worth having it looked at...the pumps have been known to fail. But it sounds like it behaves when the temps get cooler...it sounds like it really struggles in the cold winters. If it's not a lot louder I think it's OK. How does it sound when you shut down and the coolant is nice and warm?

10-03-2007, 07:29 PM	#3
FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,227 My Car: 2001 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Did you check your coolant level? I would assume so but I did not see it mentioned.

10-04-2007, 12:09 PM	#4
Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 130 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I have 2007 also and live in your area. I get a steady whirr when stopping and when starting (but not 100% of the time for some reason once in a while there is no whirr.) I think I have heard the whirr unsteady a few times. It may be just other things kicking in at the same time during the start. In any case the pump has a 15yr/150k warranty in CA.