Strange humming soung while cruising at highway speed

[Jasont94]

I just took my new (to me) 2021 limited powerboost on a 450 mile road trip. It drove great! But I noticed an odd and humming sound from time to time while cruising on the highway that would only last for maybe 1/2 a second. It didn't seem to make a difference if I was driving with or without the cruise control on. And it might just be in my head, but I think the tach jumped up ever so slightly every time it did it. But it starts and stops so quickly that by the time I focus on the gauges, its not doing it anymore.

It was a deep humming sound. Almost like running over a texture in the road way. No vibrations or warning lights. Nothing to indicate that it was a problem. But in my head I imagine it was the sound of the EV motor surging to maintain speed. (the humming or buzzing sound you associate with some kind of high voltage equipment)

Has anyone else heard of this? And should I be concerned? This truck is days old to me and I'm still learning what to expect from it.

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[Lead Foot PowerBoost]

Did it only happen with a good headwind? I have something similar - half second hum/buzz only a handful of times on a long drive, but I'm sure it's the seal between the driver and rear doors getting buffeted by the wind. It's loose and I need to figure out how to replace it.

 

[Jasont94]

Did it only happen with a good headwind? I have something similar - half second hum/buzz only a handful of times on a long drive, but I'm sure it's the seal between the driver and rear doors getting buffeted by the wind. It's loose and I need to figure out how to replace it.

No, I don't think the wind wind any roll in it. It happened over the course of a few days in different terrain and weather. Flat, steep grades, city highway, rural FM roads, clear sky, rain, cross winds....

 

[Lefty665]

Motor switching to charging to top off HV battery?

 

[Jasont94]

Motor switching to charging to top off HV battery?

Maybe so.. I'm just concerned if its a normal thing or if it's a sign is a problem showing up. But that's what it sounds like it could be. Its like when the wind picks up and the power lines whip around and touch for a split second.

 

[Bandit259]

Now this might sound silly, but I had a humming/buzzing sound at speed on my 25 KRPB driving at highway speeds. What I found were some leaves had gotten in the windshield panel between the windshield and the hood. I cleaned those out and no more noise.

 

[Jasont94]

Now this might sound silly, but I had a humming/buzzing sound at speed on my 25 KRPB driving at highway speeds. What I found were some leaves had gotten in the windshield panel between the windshield and the hood. I cleaned those out and no more noise.

You know what? I've seen stranger things happen. That might be just silly enough to be the case. Ill have to look around and see if I can find any debris in the cowl area.

Thanks

 

[Lefty665]

Maybe so.. I'm just concerned if its a normal thing or if it's a sign is a problem showing up. But that's what it sounds like it could be. Its like when the wind picks up and the power lines whip around and touch for a split second.

The hybrid system isn't loud, but it's not silent. You can expect to hear some indications it is operating normally. I'd encourage you to be aware of what you're hearing but not distressed about minor and transient sounds. FWIW I often get what may be similar sounds when braking gently and it's in regen mode.

 

[Jasont94]

The hybrid system isn't loud, but it's not silent. You can expect to hear some indications it is operating normally. I'd encourage you to be aware of what you're hearing but not distressed about minor and transient sounds. FWIW I often get what may be similar sounds when braking gently and it's in regen mode.

That's along the lines I was thinking.... Also, exactly what I was hoping to hear from others!

Thank you

 

[jafo]

Does it happen in certain gears? I had a vibration happen in 8-10th gear. The hybrid drive unit had to be replaced.

 

[Covfefe Mofo]

In comparison to my 2010 XLT, this truck is very quiet. I don't hear any sound that I can distinguish as being a humming when driving on the highway.

 

[Jasont94]

Does it happen in certain gears? I had a vibration happen in 8-10th gear. The hybrid drive unit had to be replaced.

I've only noticed it on the highway. I'll have to manually pull it down a few gears and see if it still does it.

 

[Jasont94]

In comparison to my 2010 XLT, this truck is very quiet. I don't hear any sound that I can distinguish as being a humming when driving on the highway.

Oh in any other truck I doubt I'd be able to notice it. Like you said, These trucks are quiet! This is far and way the highest quality vehicle I've ever owned.

 

[S14suspense]

Hey man, I've got the same sound happening too. I think my Torque converter is on the way out but haven't had the time to take it in for replacement. Currently around 107K miles.

 

[CedarEden]

My truck has a brief hum that I notice when climbing a hill - a brief pulse that happens a few times in a row. Sounds like what you are describing, though I have never noticed it on flat ground. I am guessing it is the electric motors assisting but I do not know for sure. Noticed the sound since day one since I live in a hilly area.

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