is this normal?

There are a few noises it makes when powering up/down:

-Coolant storage pump working
-HV relay engaging / disengaging
-Inverter assembly (clicking/buzzing sound)
-Brake system pressurizing

I wouldn't worry about it - the Prius is absolutely loaded with diagnostic sensors. If it's doing something it shouldn't, the display with light up with error/warnings.

Dave

 

Correct. It's a pump. No worries.

You may also hear a "whirring" sound. Also normal. It's sometimes unnerving getting used to different sounds made by different cars. The Prius is no different, and in fact offers (at no extra charge!) sounds you won't hear on most other cars.

 

I haven't timed it but I think it takes about a minute after shut down and then you hear a swoosh followed by the pump ticking (sounds like a small air compressor). I once caught a woman talking to my car once it started making the noises. Only in Hollywierd.

 

Howdy brokenheart

...and WELCOME to the "Wonderful World of Prius Ownership..!!"

The sound you hear is most likely the coolant pump pumping hot coolant into and out of your ICE (Internal Combusion Engine). It is perfectly normal for the Prius.

Take a look at your Owner's Manual - Section 3 - "Information Before Driving Your Toyota" Page 208 (2004 Manual) - "Coolant heat storage system" paragraph reads in part: "The coolant heat storage tank system stores hot coolant and feeds it via the electric water pump automatically to warm the engine as required."

Although the Owner's Manual is not an "easy read," there is a great deal of useful, informative information therein. I made it a practice of highlighting interesting information and writing in my own "Index" on the back cover for reference. The Index provided seems a bit strange sometimes.

 

To all,

I just installed the factoryinteractive sirius and now i hear the same clicking coming from the bakc of the car (interior) when i start up and shut down. Relay sounds like a good answer. I need some reassurance from someone that I didn't ruin something...help.

There are no warning lights.

Jon



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brokenheart @ Nov 7 2005, 03:49 AM) [snapback]151853[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brokenheart @ Nov 7 2005, 03:49 AM) [snapback]151853[/snapback]</div>

Yes, quite normal. Your Prius will make lots of funny sounds. It has a personality that "speaks" out to you from time to time. Enjoy your new car. It's a fun vehicle to own.

 

relays.