Strange Sound Coming From Under Dash?

Is your cat missing? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

It's the chipmunks living in the air box.
.
... but seriously ...
Is it squealing, like metal on metal or rubber, or an electronic
beep? Does it start before or after the engine's running? Can you
hop out of the car right after powering up and try to locate it
more closely?
.
Someone in another thread recently described the brake-pressure-fail
alarm as a "squeal", so it's become too broad a word to really nail
down what you're hearing...
.
_H*

 

I have noticed a similar problem - a "whirling" sound just as I press the start button when the engine is cold. It lasts for 5 to 10 seconds, then either stops on its own, or when I put the car into reverse or drive. It has been going on for a few weeks, and I finally decided to bring it in to the dealership today. They weren't able to duplicate the sound, so they are keeping it overnight to see what happens in the morning. I'll let you know if they figure it out.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(warcat @ May 15 2007, 03:06 PM) [snapback]442777[/snapback]</div>

 

Is it possibly the hot coolant transfer pump? Some people have found that it squeals like a banshee when it's about to give up the ghost. Plus, it's certainly worse when the engine is cold. Or, do you hear this sound independent of the coolant transfer pump?

 

Yes, it was the COOLANT TRANSFER PUMP. Thanks to the person who mentioned it here, after reading the various posts on the topic, I called the service guy this morning, and mentioned to him that this might be the problem. When they turned it on this morning, it did make the sound, and he thanked me for pointing them in the right direction. They are ordering the part (covered under warranty), and I will get it repaired when I get a chance in the next few weeks (will take 3 to 4 hours). He said it was not an urgent issue to repair this week.

Karen

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(warcat @ May 15 2007, 03:06 PM) [snapback]442777[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Betelgeuse @ May 23 2007, 10:43 PM) [snapback]448745[/snapback]</div>

I have the same noise is a 2005 Prius and my dealer keeps telling me that this is normal. Looks like it is not normal at all. Mine makes the noise when first turning the car on and then makes it again when the car is turned off - lasting 5 to 20 seconds. If the dealer I bought the car from says its normal - what next - another dealers?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayhawker @ Jun 18 2007, 08:40 PM) [snapback]464468[/snapback]</div>

jayhawker, welcome to Priuschat.

STEPS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM:

1) Open up the hood.
2) Start the car.
4) Quickly go the the engine area and stick your head in near the driver side.
5) That "whirring" sound which lasts for around ten seconds is the pump moving hot "coolant" liquid from the storage container to the engine before it starts.
6) Close hood, turn car off.

[If the "whirring" sound wasn't so loud that you felt the need to plug your ears, proceed to step #7]

7) Call your dealer and apologize for not believing them.

Relax, it's a Toyota.