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New unidentified sound on 2008 Prius - need help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JimKl, Nov 18, 2013.

  1. JimKl

    JimKl Junior Member

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    My 2008 Prius, 105K mi, well maintained and serviced, just began making an intermittent faint motor hum from the front of the car. I only occurs at 20 mph - so when I am slowing to a stop I hear this hum for no more than a second. It won't make the noise parked in my driveway, and it doesn't make any difference whether I am turning or on a straightaway. I can't sustain the hum by driving at 20 mph consistently - it just lasts a second. I can heat it equally well from either driver or passenger side - appears to be coming from under the hood or behind the dash.

    My dealer can't figure it out. Any ideas on where I can look for a solution would really be appreciated?
     
    #1 JimKl, Nov 18, 2013
  2. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    There are many weird noises the Prius makes and they are hard to track down.

    I wouldn't focus on the speed too much. 20mph might just be the speed that the tire/wind noise is low enough that the problem can be heard while driving but high enough for the problem to manifest.

    You will have to be more specific than just "motor hum" though. Not enough info.

    You can try some easy things, like put the car into neutral before you brake and see if the sound still persists or not.
     
    #2 2k1Toaster, Nov 18, 2013
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    *Moved to Gen 2*
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Nov 26, 2013
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you were able to demonstrate the sound to your dealer's service writer, and the mechanic can't figure it out, then I wouldn't worry about it, just drive the car. If your drivetrain has a problem, the noise will get worse over time and eventually the issue will become obvious.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Nov 26, 2013
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