Regen Braking sounds like helicopter

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Mark_M, Feb 2, 2026 at 7:29 PM.

  1. Mark_M

    Mark_M New Member

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    Hello all!

    I have a 2008 Prius, and lately I've been noticing that when I go down hills, or when I start braking from above 60kph, the car sounds like a helicopter. When going downhill at speeds above 60kph, the sound stays until you start accelerating, but when braking, it is only there for a second or two and then is gone. I'm thus assuming that it has something to do with regen braking.

    I tried hard braking, and it helped for a couple minutes, but then it came back again. I've searched all over trying to find answers, but with no luck. Any ideas on what it could be?
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Weird sounds and how people describe them on here are near impossible to diagnose. Even worse when they try to make a recording of it.

    Let's focus on way easier stuff:

    Is anything wrong with your Prius other than the noise?

    How many miles?

    How is the MPG?

    Is regen data on your screen different than usual?

    Are you using original battery?

    Are you using original brakes?
     
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  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Hard braking uses your hydraulic brakes; normal braking uses regen to turn the transaxle's motor generator to slow you. Hydraulic braking takes over from regen when moving slower than ~6 mph.

    If your hybrid battery has low capacity it is conceivable that it maxs out quickly and the hybrid system goes to engine braking which is much louder.

    Watching the state of charge and amps into the hv battery would help diagnose.
     
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  4. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    Is all this available to the average driver on a 2008's interface?

    I wonder, and please excuse me for not having a 2008, but does it have a "B" setting like my Gen5? I think of "B for engine brake". If so, does it sound or act like that?
     
    #4 VelvetFoot, Feb 3, 2026 at 7:35 AM
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2026 at 8:06 AM
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    He needs a scanner like Car Scanner, Dr Prius, Techstream or similar.

    An 08 has a B mode.
     
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Anyone breaking 160K on Gen 5 yet?
     
  7. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    40k/yr? Possible.
     
  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I've looked around a bit . 8 think everyone's trying to keep miles off he he .I'm fixing to be on Piaggio MP3 almost full time. If a 5 could fit a lot better than a gen2 . I might consider a unit without park assist and lane holding etc 17 instead of 19 wheels etc
     
  9. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    I had to look up Piaggio, lol. LE rules, lol.
     
  10. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Italian big bore adult scooter like BMW touring bike
     
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