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Weird 2007 Prius intermittent whirring noise??

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Lilaznkid567, Jan 9, 2021.

  1. Lilaznkid567

    Lilaznkid567 New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Hi everyone, just got a used 2007 Prius with 130K miles on it, and noticed that it makes an odd whirring noise while idling (see video). Any idea what it is? Thanks!



    Couple of other notes:
    -catalytic converter needs replacement (Error code P420)
    -combo meter not working (dashlights off)
    -no known hybrid battery replacement
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    sounds normal, is this your first hybrid?
     
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  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    does the noise repeat? If so, how often?
    Is likely the brake pump turning on to pressurize the brake accumulator. If it cycles frequently while the brakes are not being used, it's indicative of the accumulator leaking.
     
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    So does this sound only occur while the engine is running? Idling means the engine running.

    By the way, post five times to wake up the board.
     
  5. Lilaznkid567

    Lilaznkid567 New Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Touring
    Yes, it does repeat! I'd say it repeats in intervals; maybe 3x consecutively over the course of a minute, and then perhaps a 5 min break before repeating the cycle? But I do mainly notice it when I am at a full stop at a stop light/in a drive-through. I am unsure of its repetition/occurrence while actively driving because it's not really easy to hear unless windows rolled down/quieter environment for me.

    Yes, only when the engine is running!

    Thank you for the welcome! Haha, it is my first electric/hybrid vehicle...so I really hope it is normal then!
     
    #5 Lilaznkid567, Jan 10, 2021
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 10, 2021
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The brake booster sound often occurs without the engine running. Test by carefully listening to the drivers side engine compartment when you first open the drivers door with a fob first thing in the morning. This will activate the brake booster for at least five seconds. That sound is normal and occurs even before you have a Ready state. Typically it will run occasionally when driving but is hard to hear over road noise or engine noise. Sometimes you can hear it at a stop light when the engine has cycled off.

    The point is, learn the normal brake booster sound. It will occur even with the engine off or cycled off by the hybrid system. If you hear something different and only with the engine running, I would have it diagnosed.
     
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  7. GrayRaceCat

    GrayRaceCat Junior Member

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    II
    The noise sounds like the normal operation of the AC compressor. Try turning the climate controls to OFF and see if it goes away.
    The code P0420 - catalyst efficiency, does not automatically mean a bad catalytic. Have your front A/F sensor and rear HO2S sensor checked for proper function when hot. It is more likely the front A/F sensor is wearing out and close to setting a fault on its own. Catalyst efficiency is determined by comparing the signals from the two sensors over time. I've replaced many Gen II catalytic converters due to theft, but not one due to the catalytic itself failing.
    The combo meter. When the headlights are off, if the dash dimmer is turned all the way down, the instruments do not show at all. Try turning the dimmer to high (the thumbwheel to the left of the steering column). If they are still dark, they can be repaired. There is a component on the PC board that fails. A good speedometer shop should do the job for much less than a replacement combo meter.
    The Traction (hybrid) Battery is probable fine. If you have doubts, have someone with the Toyota Techstream scan software check it out. Most generic scan tools can't access all the HV battery parameters. The 12v AUX battery is more likely to give you trouble. Have it checked. If it is marginal and/or over 3-4 years old, replace it.

    And most important, Enjoy your new purchase!