My '10 is just over 2 years old now and virtually trouble-free. But since new, I have a noticeable turbine/whining sound slowing to a stop esp while braking from 20mph to a stop. I wrote it off to the motor generator and brake regeneration - hybrid sounds. All fine and well. But I have ridden in two other '10s in the last year and they both seem to make less sounds while decelerating and braking than mine. Is it my imagination or is there something to it? I'd rather not blindly bring it to the Dealer as I'm sure it would get a "normal operation" finding. 1. Is there a TSB out on this by chance? 2. My 3/36 warranty will be up in 10 months. Is there a master TSB listing available on PChat or elsewhere (for free) to check on open G3 Prius TSBs?
Sounds like normal hybrid noise and it's a placebo effect on your part for the grass is greener on the other side. Car Maintenance Schedules, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins ALLDATAdiy.com :: Access Automotive Technical Service Bulletin and Recall Information
I like the whine, also think it's just the generator doing it's thing during deceleration. Heard very similar noise in our previous '06 Civic Hybrid.
I'm with Roy here - I'm sure mine is making a louder whine when braking than it used to (mileage 55k). All been checked out as OK.
I'm assuming that the whine is from inductor "singing" (though that's just a random guess), in which case loud whining means very little. Different inductors will make different amounts of noise, depending on how well they're mounted, and how they're designed internally (in general, a stiffer, more secure mount and internal design will result in louder operation). Many computers even make noise due to this, though not quite so loudly due to the significantly lower power. So personally, I wouldn't worry about the whine, or any change in pitch or volume, unless there's some other symptom as well.
Took a drive with a neighbor's '10. They bought theirs a month after mine - I have a V they have a III. Once again, little doubt theirs has less whine when decelerating/normal braking to a stop. Of course mine has 17" and theirs 15" tires, but the whine is mechanical. Doesn't seem to be a huge db difference but for sure a bit louder in mine. Wonder if Toyota made a running change (not TechBulletin worthy) in the design of the motor generator, sound insulation, etc. Or it's just one of those things. Again not worthy to mention to the dealer other than to get it documented in my repair record in case something happens down the road. Concur?
I believe Macman is correct, some electrical componants will be noisier than others and some will become noisier with use. I think my car is a bit noisier now (2 years and 47K miles) than when it was new. Not a problem for me, I like the inverter whine. It reminds me what I'm driving, now if it would just get loud enough to cover up some of the rattles.
