high-pitched squeal on start

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by coyote2, Aug 8, 2025 at 1:37 PM.

  1. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    Sometimes when I start my 2021 Prius Limited, there's a quite loud quite high-pitched squeal. So jarring my first thought was some kind of anti-theft deterrence. But thinking it more likely it had something to do with the sound system, I tried turning off the audio system (which I've had set to an FM talk station) before turning off the power button, and in a half-dozen starts since I've been squeal-free.

    The squeal is so unpleasant I don't look forward to the next phase of testing where I'll go back to leaving the radio on when I turn off the power.

    One thing that puzzles me is that after purchasing the car used I'm pretty sure I left the audio on when powering down a good number of times before the squeal started.

    If I have to always turn off the sound system before turning off the car I will be annoyed.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    record it and post?
     
  3. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    Thanks bisco, I will.

    But no luck so far; I resumed leaving the sound system powered on on shutdown, and no squeals so far on about 4 startups. Unfortunately/fortunately.
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you'd love my bolt, even if you turn the radio off before powering down, it comes on when you power up.
     
  5. coyote2

    coyote2 Member

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    OMG that's utterly pathetic!