electric motor squeal

My 07 with 12k has developed a squeal upon start up. As the weather has cooled off, the electric motor has started to squeal when first started. The squeal initially lasted for only a few seconds but is lasting longer each day. The squeal is now lasting 30-45 seconds always ending before the ice kicks on. This only happens on first start up in the morning. Any advice or prior experience with this.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(logas @ Oct 8 2007, 12:51 PM) [snapback]522792[/snapback]</div>

Update to the above post. The squeal actually was identified as coming from the electric coolant pump in the vicinity of the MG. Come to find out, the 07 Prius actually has two 'water pumps'. One mechanical running off the ICE and one electric running off the MG. The electric pump is supposed to run prior to and when the mechanical pump is not running. The electric pump works in tandem with heating elements to 'preheat' the coolant up to operating temps for the ICE and circulate coolant to assist with cooling the MG. Since the mechanical pump only runs when the ICE is operating, if the electric pump were to fail, the results could catastrophic if not caught almost immediately.

The noise continued to get progressively louder and more frequent until I was able to convince the dealer that it needed to be replaced. After much gentle persistence, the dealer was convinced that the pump was beginning to fail and should be replaced under warranty. This is apparently a not uncommon problem in the dual pump models. Electric pump replaced ($250.00 repair) under warranty and the squeal has disappeared. Returned is the gentle electric hum reminding me that the MG and electric system components are up and running. Since it was described as a 'not uncommon' problem, keep your ears open if you have a dual pump model.