1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Buzzing sound when using defrost

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by MommysPrius, Feb 5, 2020.

  1. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I'm quite late to post this but my Prime has always made a buzzing noise when I use the defrost. (I often have to use this option because I notice when I use just the regular heat my windows starts to slowly steam up)
    When I turn it off, my car is silent again.

    Is this buzzing noise normal or should I get it checked out? I'm pretty sure my car has always made a buzzing noise in defrost mode since the day I bought the car. Thought it was a normal thing, but I'm finding it annoying these days lol.

    Thank you in advance! Oh, and no I don't have the auto climate control on.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2005
    1,731
    1,154
    0
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    The Heat Pump makes a buzzing sound. Could that be it?
     
  3. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I don't have a clue. Does the heat pump normally make a constant buzzing noise?
     
  4. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2005
    1,731
    1,154
    0
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Buzzing? Mine sounds like the compressor on my home HVAC condenser which could be interpreted as a buzzing.
    Yes it makes the sound as long as the Heat Pump is running and I "think" using defrost is one thing that will cause it to run.
    Having said that, in my case the sound is more noticeable outside than in the cabin.
     
    #4 schja01, Feb 5, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2020
    MommysPrius likes this.
  5. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2006
    21,590
    11,212
    0
    Location:
    eastern Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    With just turning on the fan, with temp turned down so heat isn't called for, is the same noise made with the air flow to the windshield, or at all?
     
  6. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    1,263
    858
    0
    Location:
    Monument, CO
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    You'd probably avoid steaming up the windows if you leave AUTO ON, which includes A/C ON. This dehumidifies the air, causing the inside of the windows to stay clear.

    I would only use DEFROST when there is ice on the outside of the windshield...
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    baseball card in the spokes
     
  8. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Sounds like my car.
     
  9. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I'm used to not running Auto on because it uses air conditioning in my other full gasoline cars in the past. Thus, taking more fuel lol.
     
  10. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    1,263
    858
    0
    Location:
    Monument, CO
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    A/C in the Prius is electric, not engine driven, so no drag on the engine. I'd also imagine that the front defroster in the Prime uses more energy than the A/C, so I suggest you rethink your bias.
     
  11. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I didn't know it was different for our cars. I just knew it would take more gas in gasoline cars using A/C. Good to know, thank you. I'll try that on my next drive