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buzzing noise when test driving 2004 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by robl45, Oct 26, 2016.

  1. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    I test drove a 2004 prius that I'm considering buying and I noticed while driving that every little bit I heard a buzzing sound like a relay faintly clicking or something like that. It lasted maybe 3-4 seconds each time. I've heard the sound in other cars, but this was quite often and I wonder if its normal. The car is low mileage and seems well maintained and I just need it for commuting so it doesn't need to be perfect, but I don't want to be buying a headachae.
     
    #1 robl45, Oct 26, 2016
  2. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Don't buy a 2004 Prius if you don't want a headache. Buy a 2006 Corolla or a 2008 Yaris for the same money. A 12 year old car, buzzing or not, Prius or not will likely be a headache.
     
    #2 mmmodem, Oct 26, 2016
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    That noise you heard is the actuator pump working when you press the brakes. They are electronic brakes.

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #3 JC91006, Oct 26, 2016
    fotomoto and valde3 like this.
  4. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    it should do it every 30 seconds or so? It may have been when doing the brakes, I honestly can't remember, but I believe I read something last night that said if it does it all the time there is a leak or something and that appears to be one of the more costly projects on the car.
     
    #4 robl45, Oct 27, 2016
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! if you're bothered by this one little thing now, won't all the other problems you're going to encounter with an old car be a concern?
     
    #5 bisco, Oct 27, 2016
  6. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    I asked a question to find out if the car has a major problem before I buy. I'm not sure where all the hostility is coming from
     
    #6 robl45, Oct 27, 2016
  7. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    Enter the VIN of the car on the Toyota owners site to determine what maintenance and services a dealer provided: https://ssl.toyota.com/owners/parts-service/history

    What is the mileage of the car?
    Has the HV battery been replaced or rebuilt?
    How old is the 12V battery?
    What maintenance has been done? e.g., oil, brakes, coolants (ICE and Inverter), tires, struts, transaxle fluid, spark plugs, exhaust system (catalyst also)
    Does the AC work?
    Do you have alternate transportation for commuting when breakdowns occur?

    These are some things you should consider. It could turn out to be a great commuter car; but at 12 years old, expect the unexpected issues.

    Best of luck with your decision.
     
    #7 DonDNH, Oct 27, 2016
  8. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    It sounds like it is the brake accumulator, which creates the vacuum for the power assist for the brakes. It can cycle with more frequency for quite a while before it fails. But no, it shouldn't cycle every 30 secs.
    That is most likely, and yes to buy new it is reasonably expensive repair. You can do it more cheaply by buying a salvaged accumulator pump.
     
    #8 dolj, Oct 27, 2016
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There is an extended warranty that covers that part from Toyota.

    My cars will make that buzzing sound every second time I press the brakes.

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #9 JC91006, Oct 27, 2016
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Opinions, gentle cautions, that's all I'm seeing. @bisco for one: he could bring the United Nations to an agreement, lol.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Oct 27, 2016
    bisco likes this.
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    apologize, no offense intended. all the best with your purchase!(y)
     
    #11 bisco, Oct 27, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2016
  12. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    12yr old, how many miles? Seems like a headache.

    What is your definition of well maintained?
    Service repair receipts that look genuine?
    Service interval on the Gen2 is every 6mo/5K miles.
    Compare what was done against the factory service schedule; download from Toyota.com​
     
    #12 exstudent, Oct 27, 2016
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