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Battery pack thumping noise?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriusRoadWarrior, Jan 12, 2010.

  1. PriusRoadWarrior

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    I have noticed on my Gen III that when I go over a bump, I get a loud thump from the back of the car. At first I thought it might be the back deck shade that covers the trunk area when you pull it out. But I have noticed it is a HEAVY thump and the only thing I can think of is the Battery pack is loose and jumping when I go over a bump. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this. It is a heavy enough of a thump that you can feel it. Is the battery pack supposed to be clamped down or could it even be the plastic storage bin back there, but on second thought I don't thick that would be heavy enough to make the thump that I am feeling and hearing. HELP!!!!
     
  2. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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    Spare tire not secured? Something in the storage tray beneath the cargo area?
     
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  3. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Check under the rear hatch area for the spare as was mentioned and also be sure you "latches" to the cover are in the "Locked" position.

    If not that, check underneath to the spare area or storage compartment.
     
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  4. garglo

    garglo Member

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    Tires hitting snow packed in the wheel wells?
     
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Yeah sounds like something in the storage compartment under the 'floor' of the trunk area. Seriously doubt it's the battery itself bouncing around.
     
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  6. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    My car does this also. I was just thinking it was the strap that came with the car. It's just sitting in the plastic storage under the mat. Not you got me worried i'm going to have to check it out tomorrow.

    Up till now i just thought it was all the crap i have in the storage area. I may be wrong:(
     
  7. mlibanio

    mlibanio Member

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    It may very well be, but I doubt its the Traction Battery. If that thing bounced at all, given the weight, it would have to be a very large, sharp bump. If anything, its the 12V Battery, likely the tie-down bracket has worked up some slack. Please check that first, as I had that on my 2002 Prius after installed my 300W amplifier, and turns out that is all it was!

    NOTE: Just in case the OP does not know, the 12 Volt Battery is in fact in the trunk as well. Just an FYI in case you are a new Prius owner! : )
     
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  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Check the tools including the jack and make sure they are properly secured.
     
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  9. PriusRoadWarrior

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    I found one of the lockdown latches for the back storage area not quite fully locked in. Relocked them both. It seems to have taken care of it. THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS.