Hi,

I recently purchased a 2009 Camry Hybrid, and I am noticing a high-pitched whine when decelerating. I have read elsewhere that this is normal as part of the regenerative braking process, but I have also read that the 2009 Camry Hybrids were not supposed to have this "whine." Do others with the 09 Hybrid also hear this whine? Does it go away over time?

Thanks for the input.

Dave

 

Are you referring to the "B" braking, where the engine sounds like it's in pain?
If not, speak to the dealer, since normal regen braking should be a slight, barely perceptible (IMHO) metallic whine. Now, if you have very sensitive hearing, that's another story. As long as the car is under warranty and these cars are not standard, you should alert the dealer to any abnormalities you detect.

 

This occurs during normal braking. I notice the high-pitched whine only if the windows are open and the radio is off. Otherwise the whine is barely perceptible.

 

Then keep the windows closed and turn on WFAN.

 

The "whine" on an '09 is identical to that on earlier models. Indeed, the 07/08/09s are essentially the same car. (We own both an '07 and an '09.)

 

I've always quite liked the sound, others maybe not.

No it won't go away in time but you'll get so used to it that you'll not even notice it after a while.

 

My whines... is that my kids?

 

The whine is more apparent when the car is new. I have over 20K on my '07 TCH. It also had that whine that faded after the first six months or was it a year. I still hear it when I go down a slight hill and lightly ride the brakes. That slight whine is what helps boost your gas mileage.

 

I rarely listen to my radio or discs and hear the whining whenever decelerating in my 2007 TCH. It's actually a comforting sound to me as it indicates that the regenerative braking is at work charging the traction batteries..

 

Related, but slightly off-topic...I read in the August 2009 Motor Trend, that the new 2010 BMW 5 series "Gran Turismo" (not a hybrid) will have regenerative braking.

From page 16 "...Other high-tech features include regenerative braking to recharge the battery..."

I wonder if this means there will be no alternator...and exactly how would this work?