Noise On Hybrid
#16
Driver School Candidate
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Hi Jim....that is definitely a sound that you (and others) will hear when your car is in reverse and in drive at low speeds. It is now (implemented last year) required by law on all hybrids. And yes, it is designed to let people know that the car is in their proximity. I can relate to your experience because I bought my 2019 ES 300H without being aware of the sound. When I first heard it, I was sure there was something wrong with the car. But upon doing my research found out what it was. For a short time I was embarrassed to back out of my driveway when neighbors were around but I quickly go used to it. In time, you won't be bothered by it. You will love the car. Guaranteed.
#18
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DDGNX (04-15-22)
#20
Lexus Test Driver
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I think it's only the North American market that has this hybrid sound at low speeds. I've driven 6ES and 7ES hybrids and Camry hybrids in East Asia and they're completely silent at low speeds, except for a slight motor whine.
Sometimes I wish we had the spaceship sound to warn pedestrians. As a hybrid driver, I've learned to be aware of tire noise and motor whine from hybrids and EVs when I'm walking around, but most people simply don't notice.
Sometimes I wish we had the spaceship sound to warn pedestrians. As a hybrid driver, I've learned to be aware of tire noise and motor whine from hybrids and EVs when I'm walking around, but most people simply don't notice.
#21
Driver School Candidate
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I just got my ES 300h on Wednesday. While dropping my dad off at home he noticed a noise when I took my foot off the brake. It's like a whining sound in both drive and reverse. It sounds like it might go away at higher speeds above maybe 10 MPH but it's hard to tell. I have read that the hybrid does make a noise at low speeds to alert people near by since the ICE isn't running. I don't know what that is supposed to sound like so I don't know for sure.
I uploaded a sound file that I recorded with my phone. If someone with an ES 300h can listen and tell me if you are having it too it would be very helpful.
I uploaded a sound file that I recorded with my phone. If someone with an ES 300h can listen and tell me if you are having it too it would be very helpful.
#23
Driver School Candidate
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I've done enough research, spoken to enough people, and looked carefully at what I believe to be the offending speaker, that I think I know what's going on. My intent is to disconnect. It seems to have one plug going into it and I assume that's a two wire plug. I will unplug it and see what happens. I'm told by the local Lexus service foreman that the fix is easy if unplugging the beast leads to other problems. I gather if that happens all I have to do is plug it back in and disconnect the car's batters momentarily - allowing all systems to reset. I'll post the results in a day or so if this goes according to plan. Thanks
#24
Pole Position
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Please post a picture or good description of the speaker location as well. This sounds like something I may wish to explore once my new hybrid arrives.
#25
Driver School Candidate
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Dear Techie, please see attachment. It's situated immediately in front of the radiator and just far enough into the hand well (for opening the hood) that it can't be reached. And, by the way, I may have decided to live with the noise...a bit longer if not indefinitely. I'll decide for sure later today when my scheduled appointment with the auto shop arrives. Regards, HD
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TechNut (06-21-19)
#26
Driver School Candidate
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The situation has been resolved! I was able to pull the offending speaker after removing the plastic cowling that covers the front area under the hood. It was readily accessible at that point. It is about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It has two "ears" that are used to bolt it to the firewall. It also has a female plug into which the one cable is inserted. After unhooking the device it was easy to enshroud it in duct tape. Mummified. A quick fix! And, it's still in the circuit in case removal would have set off alarms. It's hard for me to believe that Lexus stuck us with this awful noisemaker. I suspect they'll modify it in coming years if they get enough feedback. Thanks guys. HD
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DDGNX (04-15-22)
#27
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The situation has been resolved! I was able to pull the offending speaker after removing the plastic cowling that covers the front area under the hood. It was readily accessible at that point. It is about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It has two "ears" that are used to bolt it to the firewall. It also has a female plug into which the one cable is inserted. After unhooking the device it was easy to enshroud it in duct tape. Mummified. A quick fix! And, it's still in the circuit in case removal would have set off alarms. It's hard for me to believe that Lexus stuck us with this awful noisemaker. I suspect they'll modify it in coming years if they get enough feedback. Thanks guys. HD
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
#28
Driver School Candidate
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Yessir. Survival of the fittest. Lexus had a whole smorgasbord of sounds they could have opted for. Acura uses a nice doorbell chime that would've worked. Instead, they opted for a noise that sounds like the power steering unit is failing. Suffice to say, they made a poor choice. My noise generator can still be heard, just not a hundred yards away like it was when it left the factory. I'm certain it's still in compliance with NTSB guidelines.
#29
Pole Position
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Thanks for the update. I will certainly listen to it and try it for a while before I make any decision, but good to know there is a simple fix if it is too annoying for my taste.
#30
Lexus Test Driver
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It's a good idea to muffle the blasted thing instead of removing it completely. I think Lexus could have chosen a nicer sound but any sound is nice.
Outside of Europe and North America, hybrids aren't required to have a low speed warning sound. My 2014 ES300h doesn't and the new models I've tested also don't. It's creepy to have a hybrid of BEV drive slowly next to me and the only thing I can hear is crunching gravel.
Outside of Europe and North America, hybrids aren't required to have a low speed warning sound. My 2014 ES300h doesn't and the new models I've tested also don't. It's creepy to have a hybrid of BEV drive slowly next to me and the only thing I can hear is crunching gravel.
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GS350Miami (06-24-19)