Odd Sound - Hissing
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Odd Sound - Hissing
I've been meaning to post this for a few days...
Usually right after you start the car; last for about 10 seconds.
It comes from what sounds like behind the driver's instrument cluster - almost like a pump equalizing or something.
I don't notice it at any other time, but its kinda quiet, and I've usually got the stereo goin and the Borlas rollin to drown all else out.
TIA
Usually right after you start the car; last for about 10 seconds.
It comes from what sounds like behind the driver's instrument cluster - almost like a pump equalizing or something.
I don't notice it at any other time, but its kinda quiet, and I've usually got the stereo goin and the Borlas rollin to drown all else out.
TIA
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
CHECK YOUR ENGINE BAY.
its your intake....
it happens to me to when start my car first thing in the morning.. or any other time of the day....
i dunno if its the same sound your talking about...... like a snake hissing sound...
love that intake
its your intake....
it happens to me to when start my car first thing in the morning.. or any other time of the day....
i dunno if its the same sound your talking about...... like a snake hissing sound...
love that intake
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 899
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From: Dallas, Texas
there are many servos and motors that activate when your first crank your car, it probably is the fresh air button is on and the valve opens to draw in air, even though the fan is not turned on, it still stays open. You can hear a low sound like an electric motor if you listen closely
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Yeah, maybe - kinda reminds me of a faint electric motor /small pump.
Another Bit of info I left out: this sound is present even if you just turn the key to the 'ON' position, without cranking the engine.
You guys do me a favor when you get off work and turn your key to that position and listen for about 5 seconds and see (hear) if you hear it.
Another Bit of info I left out: this sound is present even if you just turn the key to the 'ON' position, without cranking the engine.
You guys do me a favor when you get off work and turn your key to that position and listen for about 5 seconds and see (hear) if you hear it.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Redwood Ci
Dexter,
It could be the starter motor, but I don't think so. I'm thinking it's the electric pump for your power brakes/ABS. I think it's normal sound. Check your brake fluid level for the heck of it. If you're still concerned, check with your dealer.
Also, you might post this in maintenance and ask DevilDogIS300.
It could be the starter motor, but I don't think so. I'm thinking it's the electric pump for your power brakes/ABS. I think it's normal sound. Check your brake fluid level for the heck of it. If you're still concerned, check with your dealer.
Also, you might post this in maintenance and ask DevilDogIS300.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Originally posted by QBranchCars
I'm thinking it's the electric pump for your power brakes/ABS. I think it's normal sound.
I'm thinking it's the electric pump for your power brakes/ABS. I think it's normal sound.
That's the exact same problem i'm having now. I thought it sounded like windnoise but now it sounds more like a hissing sound. Yes coming from the center dash, like behind the instrument cluster.
So check coolant?
The sound is there but usually I have my music up louder so I can't hear it. Today I was driving musicless and can totally hear it.
So check coolant?
The sound is there but usually I have my music up louder so I can't hear it. Today I was driving musicless and can totally hear it.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Just checked Coolant Level and Brake Fluid Level - both are just a hair under FULL, so its not that.
My money is on the electric pump for my power brakes like QB stated. I'll add that to teh list of quick questions I ask at my 50k service in couple weeks.
My money is on the electric pump for my power brakes like QB stated. I'll add that to teh list of quick questions I ask at my 50k service in couple weeks.
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NONE OF YOU GUESSED RIGHT!!!
That noise is the electric pump for the VSC, right below the brake fluid reservoir. The system needs to be pressurized because it applies brake pressure to any wheel or combination of wheels without you touching the brake.
Watch the brake fluid reservoir when you turn the ingition to "on". The system swallows a lot of fluid, then stops when the set pressure is reached. As pressure drops, the system keeps turning momentarily on every once in a while. You can faintly feel it (and hear it) as well if you're pressing the brake (like on a stoplight).
Watch the brake fluid reservoir when you turn the ingition to "on". The system swallows a lot of fluid, then stops when the set pressure is reached. As pressure drops, the system keeps turning momentarily on every once in a while. You can faintly feel it (and hear it) as well if you're pressing the brake (like on a stoplight).
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 884
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From: North Carolina
Originally posted by Erfan
cool, Juan you just showed all of us up and made us look bad
cool, Juan you just showed all of us up and made us look bad
You know if you pump the brakes 8-10 times whether you are parked with ignition on or moving the VSC pump pressurizes.