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Humming just started under the hood

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by tango44, Apr 2, 2012.

  1. tango44

    tango44 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2012
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    Location:
    Cleveland, OH
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I loved my 2009 Prius until this weekend. I just turned over 31,000 miles and now a loud humming noise has developed under the hood while driving. It has not been cold here and this doesn't start until I reach around 24 mph. It remains while the gas engine is running or I'm coasting with the engine off. The humming is there in D or in N and there no sound while turning. When I am under 24 mph the noise is gone. I have set up an appointment with my Toyota dealer for this week, but wanted to know ahead of time if any other Prius owners have had this issue. I want to love my car again and not be out of a lot of $s. Ugh!
     
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    It should still be under warranty so you shouldn't be out any bucks.
     
  3. snead_c

    snead_c Jam Ma's Car

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2008
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    Location:
    Hendersonville
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Please let us know the outcome of your service visit.:confused:
     
  4. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Location:
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Is it the a/c compressor? That makes a heck of a noise when first turned on when it's a hot day. Maybe the a/c needs re-gassing and the compressor is working harder than normal? Is it 15% a year gas loss or something? That means you could be down to about 50% refridgerant.

    Worth a check if nothing else. I believe the Prius needs a special refrigerant gas because of the electric compressor.
     
  5. tango44

    tango44 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2012
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    Location:
    Cleveland, OH
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks to all! Turned out to be passenger side wheel bearing and thankfully covered under warranty. I am less than 6-weeks away from the warranty expiration and I just want to continue to love this car without a major expense so soon. Right now I do now that this is fixed & sounding good. But having driven for over 40+ years and almost every make of car I can't say I am not a little surprised by a wheel bearing going out at this mileage. Guess it's luck of the draw but still wondering if any other Prius owners had the same experience.
     
  6. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2009
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    Location:
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    A wheel bearing at 31,000 miles? Boy you've been unlucky. I'm at 65k hard miles and mine are ok. Have you driven through flood water in the past a lot?