[bigcanoe]

So we didnt notice this at first. Its almost like it just started last night (day 2). When we put the car in reverse you get a beeping like you are driving a big truck. Its louder in the front. Is this a feature or issue? I cant tell from the owner's manual. 2019 LX PHEV

 

[jmurphEV]

So we didnt notice this at first. Its almost like it just started last night (day 2). When we put the car in reverse you get a beeping like you are driving a big truck. Its louder in the front. Is this a feature or issue? I cant tell from the owner's manual. 2019 LX PHEV

It's a feature. Mine (2018 PHEV) does it as well. The manual mentions it briefly in the section on the Virtual Engine Sound System.

 

[Orac]

I wish there was a way, other than cutting some wires, to disable the front and rear external speakers! I mean, pedestrians don't demand speakers on bicycles. Some ICE cars are almost silent as well but are not forced into having sound effects added.
I think it's a good thing really, but I hate not having a choice.

 

[bigcanoe]

Thank you, that is great to know! It makes sense as it much louder outside than inside with the windows up. It seems louder in the front than the back, but whatever

 

[lafe005]

So we didnt notice this at first. Its almost like it just started last night (day 2). When we put the car in reverse you get a beeping like you are driving a big truck. Its louder in the front. Is this a feature or issue? I cant tell from the owner's manual. 2019 LX PHEV

# A = Sonar speaker on reserve mode. it's on mine and all Niros.

 

[bigcanoe]

# A = Sonar speaker on reserve mode. it's on mine and all Niros.

Perfect, thank you

 

[Roadkill401]

Actually, I believe it has been mandated by the governement that all electric cars now have to have speakers on them to warn pedestrians around you that you are driving. There was a bit of a stink raised by FORD that they wanted a waver from the requirement for thier electric police crusers saying they need to be able to run silent when aprehending criminals. https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/28/17774430/ford-electric-hybrid-noise-rule-law-enforcement

 

[Zack Allen]

Be glad it doesn't beep on the inside of the cabin like the Prius... what a mess that was.

 

[Amyga]

This is has to be on all hybrid and electric, without exception, starting 2019. It was signed into law by Obama back in 2010, and car manufacturers had until 2019 to oblige. The system needs to be active below 19 mph (30 kph), and the sound needs to be 47-67 dB.

 

[jdaus]

# A = Sonar speaker on reserve mode. it's on mine and all Niros.

Thanks for putting this up. Is this the VESS speaker for all functions or just the reverse beep? The reverse beep is obnoxiously loud. Any idea how easy it would be to get to this part and disconnect it? I wake up the neighbors when backing in or out of the garage on my late/early work shifts.

 

[Mikek7]

The VESS Speaker is used for Reverse and when driving at low speed on electric. It generates like whirring noise to let pedestrian know vehicle is approaching. If disconnecting the cable, you will get a VESS dash error light. I believe you can get rid of the error light by placing a resistor in place that tricks the car that the speaker is still connected.

 

[Roadkill401]

I would love to be able to put on a bypass switch that would allow you to turn on and off the sound. A stealth mode for my car.

 

[jmurphEV]

I would love to be able to select the noise it makes at low speeds, I can think of several that would be hilarious:

1. George Jetson's car
2. KITT's scanner from Knight Rider
3. Top fuel dragster idling

Those are just a few that would be fun. Hmmm, might have to take the VESS speaker apart and see what makes it tick. Maybe build a box to feed it custom sounds. That could be a fun project.