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Barking noise on 2008 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by r619, Oct 22, 2014.

  1. r619

    r619 Junior Member

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    Location:
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I hear a low barking like sound from my 2008 Prius when I have my AC on. I do not think it is related to to brake actuator noise since I hear this noise while parked. If I have AC off with Fan on, I do not hear the noise. I took it to a dealer and was unable to produce the sound at that time. So I recorded it the next time I heard it. What do you guys think causing the noise? I also think the fan runs a little louder that it should. TIA


     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i couldn't hear much, might be the vent door actuator?
     
  3. r619

    r619 Junior Member

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    I know it is not very loud. I took the video with a cellphone and the fan noise was really loud. But you can hear the noise at 0:02, 0:29, and 0:52. Maybe you also need to turn the volume all the way up. Thanks
     
  4. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    I don't hear anything other than a constant soft whirring maybe? Is that what we are listening for?
    Is there a specific timepoint in the video where the sound can be heard?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, i can just barely hear it at those times. tough to make anything out of it though, sorry.
     
  6. garglo

    garglo Member

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    My 08 makes the same sound. I have no clue about the cause.
     
  7. koolingit

    koolingit Member

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    I hear it on mine too. It has been making that noise since I got the car new! All I know is it makes that noise when the compressor is starting. I've heard it on other Priii too.
     
  8. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Mine makes same noise also. Sound comes when compressor starts (to use current). It maybe blend door or compressor itself.
     
  9. Data Daedalus

    Data Daedalus Senior Member

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    My 2008 T Spirit makes that same noise too, when the A/C is operational. It's been doing this since I purchased it back at the end of June 2013. Sometimes you can hear it, and sometimes you don't. I do believe it's harmless, particularly as the A/C has continued to operate flawlessly and quite effectively ever since I took ownership of the car. The other morning, I fired up the front window demisters and the A/C compressor kicked in, clearing the windscreen in seconds - very impressive! Curiously, when I deactivated the front demister, the A/C continued operation. I was alerted to this some distance into my journey when I heard the "Bark" sound, and realised the A/C was still online. So at the very least, it serves as an alert signal. Also, it is worth noting that we often do hear it at all only because the Gen II Prii can be incredibly quiet while running :)