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wired sound when engine off

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by AllenZ, Oct 12, 2018.

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  1. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

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    I have a Prius 2010 with 170K. It made weird sound repeatedly when I was sitting in the car, engine off. It came from the front side under the dashboard, which lasted about 15 seconds, then off for 30 seconds, and sound again... The sound is hard to describe, and somehow I can't even upload the video file.

    Does anyone have similar experience?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    since you have been a member for 8 years, i'm assuming you know all the sounds. however, if you are not generally around the car after you shut it off, they can be disconcerting
     
  3. ALS

    ALS Active Member

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    Yep that happens with the Prius. I actually found that when it begins to sound like an old 56K modem you need a new 12V.
     
  4. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

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    Sounds like possible. The battery is at least 4 years old, and needs replacement.

    But I am still curious, which device made the sound? Not the battery for sure. Maybe solenoid which makes sound when voltage is low?
    Thanks!

    Allen
     
  5. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

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    Thanks Bisco! Long time no see. I have not come to the board for 2+ years I guess, cause' my two 2010 Prius runs so good :)

    Allen
     
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  6. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    Search YouTube for "Prius Sounds" These cars makes several types of sounds after power down, some within a few minutes of power off, and others seemingly hours after shutdown. All normal, as best I can determine.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the brakes, engine coolant and pollution control can all make sounds after the car is off. not sure what you heard, or even if they are separately identifiable.
     
  8. ALS

    ALS Active Member

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    My Vote is for the inverter coolant pump. That by the way is only an educated guess.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    could be. does that run after the car is off?
     
  10. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    You mean car will go to ready mode without owner pressing power button? :eek:
     
  11. ALS

    ALS Active Member

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    It usually kicks on for about ten to fifteen seconds a little while maybe thirty seconds to a minute after turning off the car. What ever it is, it is a small pump, so I eliminated the water pump as a source. Also since the car is off it's pulling off the small 12V.