06 Package 6 buzzing sound from dash light acceleration

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Primetime Paul, Mar 16, 2026 at 8:19 PM.

  1. Primetime Paul

    Primetime Paul Junior Member

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    2006 Prius
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    Hey all,
    My 06 has a buzzing sound from the dash, center/right side, somewhere behind the mfd. When the engine is running at light throttle it buzzes constantly, if I back off the throttle or go half throttle it goes away. It definitely caused by vibration at a certain frequency.

    It's not the ABS pump I'm familiar with that sound.
    Not Engine ping
    Not HVAC related that I know of, it buzzes when the HVAC is offor on, Cold or hot weather doesn't matter.
    It's a high frequency metallic buzzing, think of a BB in a metal bowl that is vibrating.

    Any thoughts? Or recommendations on what it could be?
    I'm thinking I need to partially tear out the dash to find it, at least the upper part. It sounds like a a loose screw that is slowly working its way out.

    It's a package 6 with JBL sound system and no Nav.
    Thanks in advance
     
    #1 Primetime Paul, Mar 16, 2026 at 8:19 PM
  2. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    I would take out both glove boxes and the cabin air filter first. If the car has the half slot near the radio empty, be sure there isn't a screw or something bouncing around at the back. Get a vacuum with a crevice tool and carefully vacuum along the line where the windshield meets the dash - there could be a coin or screw or something like that there. Operate the HVAC actuators while the sound is present to see if it changes, there is one over there, but I don't recall which. Read the codes. An HVAC problem might have set a code without lighting the CEL.

    If it is still there, then you need somebody to listen and poke around (put pressure on various parts of the dash and dash components) while the sound is present. This could take a long time. It can be absolutely miserable trying to find sounds like that.
     
    #2 pasadena_commut, Mar 17, 2026 at 1:59 AM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    In an '07 I have with a center channel and JBL 6 disc changer when I drive similar I took a piece of memory foam may be 1/4 thick put this piece rt wer the dash top comes in contact to right of the two white plugs for the c monitor display . They're a few wires that like to vibe on dash top underside this quenched all that vibration . . But do. Make sure any cubbies or channels in dash wer a screw could reside make sure not .
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Mar 17, 2026 at 12:56 PM
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Got any warning lights? If so, maybe it's the ABS alarm? You said you were familiar with the pump, but didn't mention familiarity with the alarm?
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Mar 17, 2026 at 5:46 PM
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