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Electric Motor Noise?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by enviroprius, May 11, 2014.

  1. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    We've owned our 07 since purchased new in 06. It's always made this noise, but it used to be for a short period of time (1-2 min). Now it goes on and on for 5-10 min. It sounds like it's getting "stuck" and starting the cycle over. Anyone else experience this?


     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I can't say I've ever heard that noise before. How many miles on your car?
     
  3. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    95K miles. I have a 100K mile bumper to bumper warranty, so hoping if anything is wrong it happens soon!
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would bring it to the dealer and have them look into it. It should be covered under warranty

    Hybrid-Related Component Coverage

    Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under the Emissions Coverage. Refer to your Owner’s Warranty Information booklet for details.
     
  5. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    weird noise. is this from the electric coolant pump going bad?
     
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I suggest that you need to decide whether the noise is coming from:

    - the inverter coolant pump (located behind the driver's headlight assembly);
    - the coolant heat recovery pump (which is located in the driver's side front fender well, in front of the tire);
    - the brake actuator pump (located on the firewall, hidden under the cowl tray that houses the windshield wiper motor);
    - or some other area.
     
  7. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    It sounds like it's coming from under the silver cover - what's under there?
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The inverter water pump is under there, which is a recall item from Toyota.

    If you take the cap off the inverter reservoir, you should be able to see turbulence in the coolant when the car is on. If you don't see turbulence, the pump is not working.
     
  9. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    Thanks. I'll take a look.
     
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    "It sounds like it's coming from under the silver cover - what's under there?"
    There are no mechanical moving parts under the silver inverter cover, only electronics.

    I think it is likely that the brake actuator motor (mounted on the firewall) is the source of the noise. What warning lights are on?
     
  11. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    No warning lights have ever come on in the 95K miles I've driven the car. It makes this noise when the ICE is running and when in full electric mode. It also doesn't matter if the car is moving or stopped. It does not continue when the ignition is turned off.
     
  12. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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  13. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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  14. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

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    100% certain:
    Coolant Control Valve, toyota part number 16670-21010 about $60
    If it fully fails it will throw a p1121 code. Mine did the same thing, it would throw a code for a day then clear then do it again. Relatively easy repair, definitely buy cable operated hose clamp pliers. I used this thread when I swapped mine out:
    P1121 - Coolant Control Valve Replacement (with pics) | PriusChat
     
  15. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    So, I took it to the dealer yesterday (I know I should be looking to do more DIY, but I just don't have time) and I showed them the video. They were able to replicate the noise, but had never heard it before nor were they able to locate the exact problem. I mentioned the Coolant Control Valve, but they confirmed that was in good operating order (not sure how?). They said that they had no idea what the noise was, but they were sure it was harmless. What?? How is it possible that they don't know what it is, but they know it is fine? Then on the way home, my SOC went to 100% (full green) in a place on a road I drive often where it had never done that before and when I came to a full stop the engine revved for at least a minute before going into full electric mode. I've never had that happen before - has anyone else? Also, the car feels like it doesn't have the same amount of power it had just a few days ago. It feels labored when accelerating. Could my hybrid battery possibly be going south? Any insight you all have would be great. Thanks, in advance.
     
  16. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

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    That noise is the coolant control valve. Without a doubt. The reason they say it's not is because it hasn't thrown a code yet. P1121 when it finally fails. The battery issue is (if real) unrelated. They were correct about the noise being harmless as a failure of the valve isn't a critical failure. Typically it'll mean no or reduced cabin heat. But that noise is 100% the valve cycling back and forth as it tries to determine what position it's in. And FYI that is one of the best recordings of it I've heard.
     
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  17. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

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    Here is another user that had it and recorded the same noise (a different cadence but still the same). When mine failed it was more like yours (I bought it and it was making that noise, I didn't know it wasn't supposed to do that). Strange Reciprocating Noise Sound under hood EV mode Gen 2 prius | PriusChat. Edit: I drove with mine for around six months before it finally threw the p1121 code. Then it would clear.. Then come back on.. I had no drivability issues but had to fix it as a car cannot pass inspection in texas if the MIL is on regardless of reason.
     
  18. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

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    Thanks, KhaPhoRa. I'm sure you are right. I'll keep an eye on this problem and post any updates here. No time for a DIY right now and I really don't want to spend $4-500 to have the dealer replace it. It's a waiting game now...
     
  19. KhaPhoRa

    KhaPhoRa Member

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    No problem. This is one of things that can definitely wait. If you want to tackle it someday I'll be happy to help walk you through it, just pm me.
     
  20. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Did you document the abnormal noise in writing? This will come in handy when the code will show up after your warranty expires.