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rattling noise underneath Inverter

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by retro715, Sep 10, 2006.

  1. retro715

    retro715 New Member

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    Sep 7, 2006
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    Hello fellow Prius owners. My name is John and I'm the new proud owner of 2001 Prius Classic. I have a question regarding a rattiling noise that seems to come from underneath the inverter box. After initial ICE start as the engine revs up an intermittent ratttling noise can be heard. This rattling goes away after the shifter is selected to "R" or "D". Has anyone experienced this? Is this normal? Dealer here says it has to do with harmonic imbalances??? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! in advance. John
     
  2. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    the rattling noise isn't normal. Exactly where is it coming from? Have a mechanic put it on a hoist and run it to find out where it's coming from. Also how many miles on the car? lots or not much. Any service history went with the sale?
     
  3. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    Location:
    Bahstahn
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Definitely harmonic imbalance. Tape a few quartz crystals to the
    inverter cover, that'll fix it.
    .
    ... but seriously ... most likely it's a rattling heat-shield over
    one of the catalytics. They get that way all the time in older cars
    as the bolts rust out. Trouble with diagnosing it in a Prius is that
    it's harder to run the engine at a particular RPM where the thing
    will resonate, but a little creative prodding will probably ferret
    it out.
    .
    _H*