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How to disable the Prius "Artificial Engine" sound?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by chinito77, Nov 11, 2012.

  1. chinito77

    chinito77 Member

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    I know this may sound rather selfish or careless but I really dislike the "Artificial Engine" sound that my 2012 Prius makes. I'm a very cautious driver and don't plan on running over people but that fake engine sound attracts more attention from pedestrians...in a bad way, than I like. Does anyone know how to disable it? Is it a DYI thing or should I take it to the dealer?
     
  2. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Dealer won't do it.

    There are 2 ways to disconnect it. It's ion the driver side frame rail.

    1) if u have small hands, reach behind the driver headlight till u get to the VPNS (Vehicle Proximity Notification System) & the wire harness is on the bottom of the speaker.

    2) put the front end on ramps. From under the driver side, there is a plastic cover that has a small round hole in it. Remove the 10mm bolt that is attached to the bumper, pull the cover down & u will see the speaker.
     
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  3. car compulsive

    car compulsive Active Member

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    Has anyone figured out how to play a different sound file? Maybe an idling big block V8 with a lumpy cam? Then again, maybe that little speaker isn't the best for reproducing bass.
     
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  4. chinito77

    chinito77 Member

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    Thank you sfv41901, I will try it this weekend!
     
  5. Adam Leibovitch

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    Like the smoke moster from Lost
     
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  6. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    1970s F1 Cosworth DFV V8, Matra V12, or Can-Am Traco Chevy V8 doing a burnout while leaving the pits.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what sound?
     
  8. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    The space ship sound.
     
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I like the sound. :p

     
  10. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    The theme from Jaws.
     
  11. dhendriksen

    dhendriksen Junior Member

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    I don't think my 2010 does this...is it supposed to?

    Droid RAZR HD MAXX
     
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Nope. It is new for 2012.
     
  13. Aquos

    Aquos Junior Member

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    real easy to do. just use a stubby phillips and flat head screwdrivers. remove the little plastic panel under the front of car, in front of drivers side front tire. Then you will see a speaker looking thing . the white plug is hard to unplug.

    good luck
     
  14. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Nope. This only started in 2012 +
     
  15. Adam Leibovitch

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    I love it. It freaked out this skin head in an alley-way the other day. WIN
     
  16. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    If it was a true skinhead then you should have defeated the noisemaker...... *looksevil*
     
  17. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    FWIW....I don't consider it to be selfish or careless to disable the VPNS. However (comma!!) if you squash somebody's little crumb-snatcher and the sniveling, bed wetting attorneys find out that your (*) ah.... safety feature has been (*gasp!*) disabled??!!
    :eek:

    What I would do is remove the speaker, and very carefully (or UN-carefully) overload it, and then try and put everything back together as if nothing ever happened. Take it in and document a complaint against the system.
    Then repeat.
    That way...you're DOCUMENTED to have tried to fix this chronic problem.
    A snipped wire?
    You did that. (Sorry Mr. President, but it does happen sometimes)
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    now etc, that sounds perfectly devious.:D
     
  19. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Haha...I like this
     
  20. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    The Matra....


    Sure to scramble skinheads everywhere.