[Bolty]

Not sure if this is normal or not. When Regen engages in my brand new 2018 Bolt (especially in L) I get a moderately loud whooshing sound for a few seconds. Not the “regular” electronic whirring sound, but more of a sound of air or static that abruptly starts and then stops. (I’m pretty sure this is not the pedestrian alert since it happens at speeds over 20/30 mph as well.)

I just brought it back from a service check, but of course it wasn’t making the sound as loudly as it usually does when driving the tech (who said his hearing wasn’t the best anyway) around...and at 100 degrees plus outside could only keep the AC off for a few a few seconds at a time.

Is this just normal? Anyone else with better-than-average hearing experience this before, or regularly or should I take it to a different service shop?

Thanks!

 

[Bolty]

Edit: It’s more of a hissing sound, and occurs through both acceleration and deceleration. Notably, if I tap the brakes, it goes away.

Descriptions re the normal sounds everyone else hears during acceleration/deceleration (especially in L) much appreciated!

 

[quirkySquirt]

It's a long shot, but perhaps record it on your smart phone? If possible, ask your dealer if you can take a test drive in one of their Bolts and record that one using your smart phone as well then compare the recordings, see if you can hear the difference or not.

 

[Bolty]

Thanks for the response...I did record the sound, and you can barely make it out. No smoking gun, however, since it’s hard to distinguish.

I think I may indeed have to test drive another Bolt; I’ll definitely know if the hissing is there or not in a different car. Then I can be a bit more certain with the next tech.

But from scrolling through these forums it doesn’t seem like anyone else hears any sort of hissing sounds at all when accelerating/decelerating, ever.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I can hear a faint electronic whine on acceleration or deceleration, but nothing that I'd describe as a "whoosh"...

 

[MDBolt]

Not sure what qualifies as a "whoosh," but there is a sound that's produced while decelerating at higher G's. To me it sounds normal, and I don't pay much attention to it anymore. My take on it is that the very quiet Bolt cabin needs some getting used to (i.e., you become way more sensitive to ambient vehicle sounds now that you don't have a roaring ICE engine to contend with your hearing).

 

[Bolty]

The sound I’m hearing is more of a hissing/ brushing / white noise sound, and happens during both accelerating and decelerating (right before or after regen engages) while in L. It’s loud enough to be heard over the AC but not necessarily the radio.

I do have a heavy foot so that may be part of it.

 

[AG5BPilot]

The sound I’m hearing is more of a hissing/ brushing / white noise sound, and happens during both accelerating and decelerating (right before or after regen engages) while in L. It’s loud enough to be heard over the AC but not necessarily the radio.

I do have a heavy foot so that may be part of it.

Is it possible you're hearing the pedestrian warning sound? Easy way to check is to turn that off and see if the sound goes away.

 

[Bolty]

No, as it happens at all speeds (even 30-40 mph plus). I’ve heard the pedestrian sound at lower speeds and it’s much different.

 

[eltee]

Louder with the Driver side window open or closed?

 

[Bolty]

Same either way.

 

[ohmas]

I am also noticing this light "hissing" sound at around 20-35mph, both accelerating and decelerating. At first I thought it was the AC because that's what it sounds like, but the sound is still there when AC is off.

I don't think it is anything mechanical causing the sound because the noise goes away if I am just cruising without applying any power. However, once I accelerate or decelerate then the sound is there.

Sound goes away when speed is greater than 35 or less than 15-20, then I can hear the pedestrian alert sounds come in when less than 15mph.

Hope someone has some thoughts. My car is new, less than 700 miles.

 

[SodePop]

Sorry to revive an old post, but I hear the same noise in my 2019 Bolt. Anybody have an update regarding this?? I hear the same "hissing" noise and especially when I'm accelerating/decelerating. I'm thinking of taking it into the dealer, but maybe somebody had some insight.

 

[sevendayconstant]

I just assumed this noise was part of the regen system. Never paid any attention to it.

 

[RichCapeCod]

Next time I'm out in the Bolt I'll listen for the sound. Not sure what's being discussed here.


Rich

 

[SodePop]

To be clear, there is a sound that is part of the regen system. That's normal. It's like a propulsion sound. Very noticeable when you're slowing down. This other "hiss" like sound is something else. Sounds like it comes from the speakers, but I can contest that it's not. I disconnected them all and still hear it. You'll also notice this sound if it's quiet and the radio is off.

I'm interested to hear anyone's feedback. Thanks!!!

 

[XJ12]

To be clear, there is a sound that is part of the regen system. That's normal. It's like a propulsion sound. Very noticeable when you're slowing down. This other "hiss" like sound is something else. Sounds like it comes from the speakers, but I can contest that it's not. I disconnected them all and still hear it. You'll also notice this sound if it's quiet and the radio is off.

I'm interested to hear anyone's feedback. Thanks!!!

If the sound stops when you put it in park, then it's the pedestrian warning system. Which is transmitted by a speaker located in the bumper of the car.

 

[SodePop]

If the sound stops when you put it in park, then it's the pedestrian warning system. Which is transmitted by a speaker located in the bumper of the car.

It's definitely not that. And I also disabled mine weeks ago.

 

[XJ12]

It's definitely not that. And I also disabled mine weeks ago.

At one time you thought it was from the audio upgrade. I know on an ICE you can get radio noise from the ignition system. Maybe there's some electromagnetic interference going on with an unshielded cable. Would think the DC to AC switching at 400 volts could couple with a wire acting as an antenna.

 

[SodePop]

At one time you thought it was from the audio upgrade. I know on an ICE you can get radio noise from the ignition system. Maybe there's some electromagnetic interference going on with an unshielded cable. Would think the DC to AC switching at 400 volts could couple with a wire acting as an antenna.

I know. And you make a good point. However, we disconnected everything. Even the amp behind the glove box. But yeah, it could be some wire causing interference. I wonder what happened to the original poster and if their issue is still present.