clicking noise from under the driver's dash during hard cornering and braking. traction light on

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by tekstyle, May 22, 2015.

  1. tekstyle

    tekstyle Junior Member

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    I just noticed that when I am taking a hard right turn such as getting on the freeway or exiting, I hear random clicking noises in rapid successions in random intervals. the traction control alarm also lights up when this happens. is this normal? it sounds like relays are going crazy. I have not tried left turn yet since there isn't many opportunities around.

    editted:
    clicking happens under hard cornering which in turn causes TC light to come on and when still under acceleration.
     
    #1 tekstyle, May 22, 2015
    Last edited: May 22, 2015
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    It's probably the ABS system pulsing the brakes that you are hearing. Taking turns at speed causes the wheels to turn at different speeds, which the traction control/ABS may interpret as wheelslip or loss of traction.
     
    #2 xliderider, May 22, 2015
  3. tekstyle

    tekstyle Junior Member

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    in all other cars I have driven, there is no relay inside the cabin that pulses the brakes when ABS is on. it only turns on when traction control light comes on. I have a feeling it might be a way the car cuts throttle input so the engine doesn't receive fuel. i forgot to mention, this only happens when the TC light comes on and i am still accelerating.
     
    #3 tekstyle, May 22, 2015
  4. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    Except that in a Prius, unlike in conventional cars, the throttle on the engine doesn't have anything to do with how fast you are moving.
     
    #4 CharlesH, May 22, 2015
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's not clicking, it's the car, tsking your driving style. tsk tsk!:p
     
    #5 bisco, May 22, 2015
  6. tekstyle

    tekstyle Junior Member

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    what do you mean by the throttle on the engine has nothing to do with my speed? i understand that traction control on some cars cut throttle while others such as VSA will apply brakes to the inner wheel. The issue only occurs when the TC light is on and under acceleration.

    I just want to know if the clicking is normal. because if it isnt, ill need to take it in to the dealer to have it checked.

    To bisco: i am not asking to have my driving judged. Thank you. just trying to trouble shoot the clicking noise. And if i had another prius to test on, i would to see if the same issue is reproduceable. i am here asking because i dont.
     
    #6 tekstyle, May 23, 2015
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i was kidding, hence the smiley face. sorry to have spoiled your day.
     
    #7 bisco, May 23, 2015
    Godzuki likes this.
  8. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    In a Prius, the gasoline engine is coupled to the wheels via the Power Split Device. There is no transmission in a Prius. Power from the gasoline engine can be directed either to a motor-generator or to the wheels. The wheels can be powered either by the gasoline engine or a motor-generator (or both at the same time). Thus, there is very little correlation between how fast the gasoline engine is turning (if it is even turning), and power being applied to the wheels. Pressing the throttle pedal is only a computer input to the hybrid control system requesting a certain amount of power, but where that power comes from is up to the hybrid control system, and the answer may or may not involve the gasoline engine. The system really tries to keep the gasoline engine turning at its optimum RPM, if it is turning at all, unrelated to how fast the car is moving.

    The Prius (PiP or standard) is really a distinctive beast.
     
    #8 CharlesH, May 23, 2015
  9. lensovet

    lensovet former BP Brigade 207

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    Yes, this is normal.

    It feels to me like it's the brakes, though I can't be sure. It's annoying as hell but with practice you should be able to find the threshold for the speed and corner radius at which it happens.
     
    #9 lensovet, May 24, 2015
  10. -Rozi-

    -Rozi- Member

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    Yes, it's normal. This car has a bit too sensitive TC for my taste.
    And it goes off more frequently when you overinflate your tires.
     
    #10 -Rozi-, May 25, 2015
  11. tekstyle

    tekstyle Junior Member

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    Cool, thanks for clearing up that it is normal. I do feel the TC is overly sensitive. Is there anyways to turn it off completely?
     
    #11 tekstyle, May 25, 2015
  12. lensovet

    lensovet former BP Brigade 207

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    No
     
    #12 lensovet, May 27, 2015
  13. Chazz8

    Chazz8 Gadget Lover

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    Yes, see thread below;
    Disabling traction control? | PriusChat

    Enjoy.
     
    #13 Chazz8, May 27, 2015
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