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2012 high pitch noise different than 2010-2011

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by kalome, May 22, 2012.

  1. kalome

    kalome Member

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    Is it me or does the 2012 inverter, electric motor or whatever it is gives off a high or higher pitched sound than a 2011?

    I had a 2011 Prius for close to a year and I currently have had my 2012 for a couple months.

    When I am at a complete stop at a light or wherever, I hear a very high pitched sound, sounding similar to tinnitus.
    I let off the brake just a little (still at a stop) and it goes away for like 7-8 seconds then the sound comes back.
    When driving electric I notice it does the same thing at times.
    I don't' remember my 2011 making such a loud high pitch sound. It was very quiet.

    Anyone else notice a difference?

    PS - it is not the VPNS. I disconnected it a while ago.
     
    #1 kalome, May 22, 2012
  2. jaymac

    jaymac membore

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    I noticed this too. I can't hear it inside the car but a a few days ago I was standing in the drive way as my wife pulled in using electric power only and the sound was very noticeable.

    John
     
    #2 jaymac, May 22, 2012
  3. kalome

    kalome Member

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    Interesting.
    I can notice it a lot from inside the car with the windows rolled up as well, if I am at a complete stop waiting at a light.
    I posted this question to see if this was normal or not since I don't remember hearing this high pitched sound at a stop with my 2011.

    Maybe I'll make mention when I go for my 5000 mile maintenance, just to make sure it's normal for the 2012 Prius.
     
    #3 kalome, May 22, 2012
  4. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I have a 2012 Five, mfg date of 01/2012...

    I notice the high pitched whine- in old cars we used to refer to a similar sound called "alternator whine".
     
    #4 ny_rob, May 22, 2012
  5. GSW

    GSW PRIUS POWER

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    I've noticed something similar in my 2010. Usually with the A/C on and the brake pedal pushed in (at a stop). It appears to set up some kind of harmonic or high pitched sound. Very minor though.
     
    #5 GSW, May 22, 2012
  6. kalome

    kalome Member

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    Did you have a 2010 or 2011 Prius before your 12?
    If so, do you notice a difference?
     
    #6 kalome, May 22, 2012
  7. kalome

    kalome Member

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    Oh okay...Living in Arizona I have my AC on a lot this time a year.
    Maybe it did occur with my 2011 and don't remember since I bought my 2012 in March and probably the last time I used AC in my 2011 would of been October.
     
    #7 kalome, May 22, 2012
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