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Loose grounding sound...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by sguerra923, Mar 12, 2010.

  1. sguerra923

    sguerra923 Junior Member

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    Hi guys/gals,

    I did some search but really couldn't find anything but I'm having a very annoying buzzing noise that sounds like something you have when you have a loose grounding wire.

    It happens when I brake, even driving at times, and when I turn on the fan I hear it from the front driver side vent (it would stop when I close the vent).

    Anyone else experience this problem?

    Plus, now my brakes squeek sometimes and the center console creeks and vibrates when driving. I'm not trying to be too picky about it but it really gets annoying even when the stereo is blasting.. bleh :confused:

    I like the Prius but dang did I get a dud?
     
    #1 sguerra923, Mar 12, 2010
  2. yam

    yam Junior Member

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    Re: Lose grounding sound...

    I get an intermittent sound from the front passenger side. It shows up for a few seconds, maybe once every couple of weeks. I've only noticed when the vehicle is stationary.
     
    #2 yam, Mar 12, 2010
  3. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    I've had it on occasion too. Mine is from the driver's side, almost under my seat. It has always occurred at a full stop, at a red light for eg. It is a grinding sound lasting for 1 sec. It's unlike all the other electronic buzzes that happens after the car is shut off. Those sound normal and deliberate. This grinding is a concern.
     
    #3 Much More Better, Mar 13, 2010
  4. sguerra923

    sguerra923 Junior Member

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    So basically, if I take it to the dealership will they be like ummmm we don't hear anything LOL! Great!
     
    #4 sguerra923, Mar 14, 2010
  5. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    Pretty much. Unless they happened to have another client who brought in the same problem and they know how to fix it. But what are the chances.......?
     
    #5 Much More Better, Mar 14, 2010
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The grinding or buzzing sound on the driver's side is the brake accumulator pump. The Prius uses electrically assisted power brakes, and the assist comes from an electric pump that runs every once in awhile. Try repeatedly pressing the brake. You will get the buzzing sound maybe every third press or so.

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Mar 14, 2010
  7. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    Actually, it is near the pedals. But I can go for days without hearing it. I got the ABS update on SAT, but I heard it buzz once today, so that is unrelated.
     
    #7 Much More Better, Mar 14, 2010
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The brake accumulator buzzing sound comes from the driver's footwell, down at the level of the pedals. It happens frequently, but mostly it isn't noticeable due to other noise and sound.

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, Mar 14, 2010
  9. poetrythyme

    poetrythyme New Member

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    My prius has a loud grinding sound in drive at any speed but never in reverse or at complete stop. This started yesterday and there is no warning signal displayed.
     
    #9 poetrythyme, Oct 23, 2010
  10. docsnavely

    docsnavely Insert Custom Title Here

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    You should check out the DVD that came with the manual. It details many of sounds the car makes and amplifies them so you can hear them unmuffled by other sounds.

    Check it out, you might be surprised to find some of the sounds you are experiencing...

    Good luck and hope its nothing serious.
     
    #10 docsnavely, Oct 24, 2010
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