63124

Just got my 2013 450h with EVERY option available. A nice ride. Replaces my 400h. One thing I've noticed is that it emits an artificial sounding noise when moving at low speeds, say-- 5mph. In reverse too. I guess this is to warn pedestrians in crosswalks. Is this correct? Annoying. Does my 450 have a flaw? Or do they all have this now? My 400h was as quiet as a mouse.

RXSF

started with the 2013 model. It will be a requirement soon for all hybrids and EVs. Ive never heard it before, what does it sound like?

VVRX

This would be the Vehicle Proximity Notification System which is covered on this forum.

kitlz

Adding the above mentioned thread.

63124

Thanks so much. Tried looking up "noise" and several other combinations. Should of tried "annoying". Must be some way to disable. If I find, will post. Love this site. Always learning.

63124

Found this at another site. Can't wait to remove.

'if you want to remove it and enable "ninja mode"

The speaker is located on the driver's side front of the vehicle, connector is behind the driver's side headlamp assembly.

You can remove it easily by unbolting and peeling back the driver's front wheel liner"

Cruiter

My 2010 doesn't have it. But I've heard it from inside and outside the car. It only works at very low speeds for pedestrian traffic to hear. You 'could' hear it if your windows were down, or maybe while pulling into your garage but in normal operation with the windows up, and radio on you'd actually have to 'try' to hear it. My take is from inside the cabin in normal operation it won't ever bother me if it turns up on my next car. The amount of time I'm going slow enough it would operate is too insignificant enough to worry about. Squeaks and rattles (that I don't have) would bother me more.

63124

No, it's not loud. Would be nice to have an on/off option. Or the ability to play my IPod or talk through it.
I stay at a place in the summer that has deer, porcupines and other wildlife along a road that has a 20mph speed limit. This flying saucer sound will spook them for sure. My favorite VPNS is an old fashioned thing called a horn. My 2013 450h has that too.

uicandrew

There was actually a contest for another model or manufacturer where people could vote for what the sound would be. They posted clips on YouTube and let the people design. They ranged from futuristic (jetsons like) to a regular car like sound.

RXSF

It will be mandatory very soon which is why there is no off button

kitlz

It'll just turn into another annoying sound a car makes that most people ignore, LOL!

User 41924

They should give you options for the sound. Switch between the sound of a really nicely built V8 idle and a sweet V12, depending on your mood. It would never grow annoying!

Or ...... You could make them customizable, like ringtones! The options are endless.

MT5643

I'm with you, I find it annoying. See my thread under Vehicle Proximity Notification System. I've tried to get my dealer to disable it but they can't for liability reasons. Hate to say it, but my 2013 RX may be my last hybrid.

I posted a video on YouTube that demonstrates the noise. If you search "Lexus RX VPNS" on YouTube, you'll find it. It's a short clip of me driving my RX slowly into my garage.

MT5643

Has anyone had any luck either figuring out how to disconnect the VPNS yourself or finding a mechanic that will do it for you?

63124

'if you want to remove it and enable "ninja mode"
The speaker is located on the driver's side front of the vehicle, connector is behind the driver's side headlamp assembly.
You can remove it easily by unbolting and peeling back the driver's front wheel liner"

I had thought it was coming out of the car horns. It's not. It's tuck in tight, amongst a ton of other stuff,
near the front driver side wheel. Looks like might have to put on a lift to get to it.
Still trying.