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Noisy Battery-Cooling Fan?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by mr88cet, May 4, 2017.

  1. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    This question is PRIMEarily (haha!) for those of you who live in warm climates, and already have your P.Primes in hand: Do you find, especially when you operate in EV mode, that the battery cooling fan kicks in a lot? If so, how loud is it from the drivers seat?
     
  2. crewdog

    crewdog Acting Ensign Prius Prime

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    I've heard it come on a few times when pulling up the driveway and into the garage when outside temp is over 75 f and I turn off audio prior to shutdown.

    Haven't really noticed it while driving due to traffic noise or music.
     
    HPrimeAdvanced and mr88cet like this.
  3. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    Good info, thanks.

    You partly answered "how loud" (thanks), but with the stereo off, would you describe it as ... "barely noticeable", "reasonably quiet," "a little annoying," or...?

    In terms of how often, you mentioned occasionally noticing it after you turn off the stereo. Is that driving in HV or EV?


    iPhone ? Pro
     
  4. Wonder

    Wonder Junior Member

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    No answers huh? Mine is a bit noisy. Not too loud but coming on often and I live in Las Vegas. I was wondering the same thing.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it might be dirty, or perhaps the battery is overheated
     
  6. m8547

    m8547 Senior Member

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    Mine is barely noticeable most of the time. I watch the battery temp on Hybrid Assistant, and below around 95F I almost never hear the fan. Around 95F I start to barely hear it. The fan speed seems proportional to driving speed to try to keep it quieter than the road noise. At higher temps I can hear it slightly when I'm stopped. I think the highest battery temp I've ever seen is 106F. I imagine it's easy to get hotter than that in hot places.

    You should try to keep the battery cool to keep it healthy. Always say yes to the traction battery cooler prompt when you see it (it's off by default unless you manually say yes every time). If you miss it, you can drive a foot and turn off the car and it will appear again. Try to park in the shade when you can. Blast the AC because cabin air is what cools the battery. Park with the windows open if it's going to be cooler outside than inside the car. Avoid leaving the battery fully charged in the heat of the day if you can (apparently heat does the most damage at high states of charge).