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Clicking sound when car is running

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by sjr14221, Sep 28, 2017.

  1. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Hello,

    Quick background:
    2016 prius 4 touring with 27000 miles on it. Someone backed into the front end about 6000 miles ago. Everything in front replaced with genuine Toyota parts. Mileage has been good (first summer driving was after accident so no baseline to compare).

    Problem:
    Today a ticking noise from under the hood on the passenger side started as i was driving home. Continuous as long as car is running, even when parked and gasoline engine off.
    If i turn the car off, the noise dies down as if it were a loose fan.
    When i turn the car back on the noise ramps up high then settles to a softer but continuous ticking.
    When i open the hood, the noise is softer like it's under something. Definitely louder from inside the vehicle.

    Anything i should look for or ask dealer and/or collision shop when i take it in? Does this sound like it could be dangerous to drive? Repair shops are about 20 miles away.

    Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
     
    #1 sjr14221, Sep 28, 2017
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is the sound present with the engine on or off?
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 28, 2017
  3. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    He said gas engine off, so I reckon it has to be an electromechanical noise.
     
    #3 RCO, Sep 29, 2017
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  4. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    The sound is present when the vehicle is on - both with and without the gasoline engine running.
     
    #4 sjr14221, Sep 29, 2017
  5. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Thanks. The sound is present when the vehicle is on - both with and without the gasoline engine running.
     
    #5 sjr14221, Sep 29, 2017
  6. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Maybe something is caught in the heater fan.
     
    #6 kithmo, Sep 29, 2017
  7. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    Does the ticking stop when you turn off the heat/ac? Does the fan speed affect the ticking?
     
    #7 DonDNH, Sep 29, 2017
  8. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    Does the ticking stop when you turn off the heat/ac? Does the fan speed affect the ticking?
     
    #7 DonDNH, Sep 29, 2017
  9. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Thanks. I did not try turning off the climate control. The fan is set low (2 bars on display). The sound continues for a couple seconds after I turn the car off.
     
    #8 sjr14221, Sep 29, 2017
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try turning the fan off.
     
    #9 bisco, Sep 29, 2017
  11. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    I will have to wait until i get home from work to try it. Used alternate transportation today.
     
    #10 sjr14221, Sep 29, 2017
  12. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Hey folks, you nailed it! Turned the ac fan off - noise stopped. Diagnosis - leaves in the fan. Still had to let them fix it, but really glad it wasn't a mechanical problem.

    I like to think that i will only have to replace wear and tear items like tires and brakes over the life of the vehicle (at least 200k, for me) and I've been extra worried since the accident.
     
    #11 sjr14221, Sep 30, 2017
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  13. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Update: it was a mouse!
     
    #12 sjr14221, Sep 30, 2017
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  14. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Look out Tom, Jerry's comin' for ya!!

    That's all Folks!

    Da dada da da da dah.....
     
    #13 RCO, Sep 30, 2017
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  15. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    #14 sjr14221, Sep 30, 2017
  16. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Sorry, I can't remember if Tom & Jerry cartoon was on Looney Tunes or Merry Melodies.

    Either produced or directed by the legendary Fred Quimby FWIW.
     
    #15 RCO, Sep 30, 2017
  17. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    Apparently, the emoticons don't work here?
     
    #16 sjr14221, Sep 30, 2017
  18. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Only use the ones offered at the top of your reply denied by a smiley. They're the only one that work on the forum for me as my Android ones don't.
     
    #17 RCO, Sep 30, 2017
  19. sjr14221

    sjr14221 Member

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    #18 sjr14221, Oct 7, 2017
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