Strange noise when starting

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by TSFlyer

...I've just recently started experiencing the same ticking noises described in this thread and like the original poster's experience, they only appear at cold startup in the morning. Morse code sounding ticking is a good description...

That is the sound of the engine coolant heat recovery pump working to move hot coolant from the thermos container into the engine, which is a pollution-control activity. The sound is normal.

[TSFlyer]

Thanks for the reply Patrick.

I'm curious why the sound would only show up around 9,500 miles. Like I mentioned before, I'm keenly aware of the different sounds of the Prius, but the heat recovery pump ticking is a new one for me, even if it is normal.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by TSFlyer

...I'm curious why the sound would only show up around 9,500 miles...

Hi TS,

Well - either you are now more aware of the various sounds that are being made; or the pump may be noisier now, than when new. Others have complained about a noisy pump.

Some owners have been able to get the pump replaced under warranty, while other dealer service depts say this is normal, don't worry about it. If the noise bugs you, then I suggest you consult with your dealer's service writer.

[ny biker]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

Well - either you are now more aware of the various sounds that are being made; or the pump may be noisier now, than when new.

In my case, I was always aware of a noise when starting the car, but one day I noticed the sound was different. Instead of a steady hum/whine it's intermittent/stuttering.

However since it only happens on a cold start I won't be able to demonstrate it for the dealer. So I'm waiting to see if it gets worse. Maybe next winter when temps drop it will happen more often and I can show the dealer. I've still got almost 2 years on my warranty.

[Jared]

The Prius makes all sorts of strange noises, but it has worked perfectly for 65k so I don't worry about it.

[TSFlyer]

Originally Posted by ny biker

In my case, I was always aware of a noise when starting the car, but one day I noticed the sound was different. Instead of a steady hum/whine it's intermittent/stuttering.

Yes, exactly my experience. This is why I recorded the sound/video (posted a couple posts up). I'll show that to the service tech.

Originally Posted by Jared

The Prius makes all sorts of strange noises, but it has worked perfectly for 65k so I don't worry about it.

Jared, I'll give you that the Prius makes strange noises, but I can't be totally complacent about this new noise until my dealer's service tech confirms/clears it for me as well.

Thanks again.

TS