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Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) Reverse Chime is too loud

59897 Views 141 Replies 49 Participants Last post by Tom Shirley Sr, 9 d ago

jdaus

Discussion Starter · Jun 30, 2020

I don't mind the normal VESS noise, but the reverse chime (gong) is so much louder. I don't believe my system is abnormally loud (I think all Niro's are this loud, but haven't confirmed), but it disturbs my neighbors when I leave/arrive for my night shifts. I'd hate to disable the whole speaker. Any suggestions? The dealer said there is no volume adjustment.

121 - 140 of 142 Posts

no2gates

· #121 · 9 mo ago

pismonelsons said:
I'm new to the forum because my problem with the VESS backup beeper hasn't been resolved even though I have complained to my dealer and to Kia Customer Service. I absolutely HATE the volume of the backup beeper on my 2022 Kia Niro EV! It is SO LOUD that I have had to change the way I drive and severely limit my driving at night because I have to back up into my garage, the acoustics of which amplify the sound. Looking at the noise ordinance for my town, the beeper exceeds the allowable volume for nights and weekends... or would if it were on a construction vehicle. City planners never expected a construction backup beeper to be placed on a personal car! I live in California where we have lots of electric vehicles. Kia is the ONLY one with excessive backup noise!

So, I propose two things: first, a poll asking how many owners dislike the volume of the VESS backup beeper; and, second, if the poll shows that more than 50% of owners dislike the volume, we petition Kia to create a change (computer program?), available at request at our dealers, that would turn down the backup volume to that of the forward running volume. What do you think?

First, welcome to the forum.
If you're interested in installing a kill switch for the VESS, other members have created a PDF that I believe I found on this forum.
I've attached it here.

FredO

· #122 · 9 mo ago

pismonelsons said:
I absolutely HATE the volume of the backup beeper on my 2022 Kia Niro EV!

See
2020 Kia E-Niro VESS/Reverse Chime defeat solution and
2020 Kia E-Niro VESS/Reverse Chime defeat solution
for a procedure to install a button to turn off/on the VESS system, including the loud reverse alarm. You will need to join the Inside EVs Forum to download files.

KohanMike

· #123 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

pismonelsons said:
...So, I propose two things: first, a poll asking how many owners dislike the volume of the VESS backup beeper; and, second, if the poll shows that more than 50% of owners dislike the volume, we petition Kia to create a change (computer program?), available at request at our dealers, that would turn down the backup volume to that of the forward running volume. What do you think?

I'm down with this. I'm not going to modify my leased 2022 Niro EV, but I too would like to have the volume lowered. I looked at replacing the entrie switch panel with one that I would have to somehow get from Europe, but even that's something I don't want to deal with.

That's two of us, let's keep it going.

Duncan

· #124 · 9 mo ago

pismonelsons said:
I'm new to the forum because my problem with the VESS backup beeper hasn't been resolved even though I have complained to my dealer and to Kia Customer Service. I absolutely HATE the volume of the backup beeper on my 2022 Kia Niro EV! It is SO LOUD that I have had to change the way I drive and severely limit my driving at night because I have to back up into my garage, the acoustics of which amplify the sound. Looking at the noise ordinance for my town, the beeper exceeds the allowable volume for nights and weekends... or would if it were on a construction vehicle. City planners never expected a construction backup beeper to be placed on a personal car! I live in California where we have lots of electric vehicles. Kia is the ONLY one with excessive backup noise!

So, I propose two things: first, a poll asking how many owners dislike the volume of the VESS backup beeper; and, second, if the poll shows that more than 50% of owners dislike the volume, we petition Kia to create a change (computer program?), available at request at our dealers, that would turn down the backup volume to that of the forward running volume. What do you think?

It is too LOUD!

pismonelsons

· #125 · 9 mo ago

Thank you all for the info about a VESS kill switch. I may have to eventually resort to that. I am very disappointed that Kia hasn't resolved this issue after 2 years of complaints. We shouldn't have to disable a required safety feature because it violates the noise ordinances in our communities! The laws that regulate VESS need to be amended to include a maximum volume of 54 - 57 dB.

enirogus

· #126 · 9 mo ago

KohanMike said:
I'm down with this. I'm not going to modify my leased 2022 Niro EV, but I too would like to have the volume lowered. I looked at replacing the entrie switch panel with one that I would have to somehow get from Europe, but even that's something I don't want to deal with.

That's two of us, let's keep it going.

Mines a lease, not a problem
Remember you are using the wires as intended.
If you turn it in [probably a bad financial idea these days] snip the wires and tape them and tuck them, gone.
If you add disconnects between the switch and the connector, you can easily remove the switch if the car needs to go in for service, although I doubt a tech would notice or care

KohanMike

· #127 · 9 mo ago

enirogus said:
Mines a lease, not a problem. Remember you are using the wires as intended. If you turn it in [probably a bad financial idea these days] snip the wires and tape them and tuck them, gone. If you add disconnects between the switch and the connector, you can easily remove the switch if the car needs to go in for service, although I doubt a tech would notice or care.

As I mentioned, I have no intention on tampering with anything on the car, but I am very much in favor of doing a petition, or even more, to get Kia to make a change.

SDeemer

· #128 · 3 mo ago

Perhaps things changed with the 2023 Niro, but I cannot hear the backup warning sound while inside the car. Today I had the opportunity to watch my wife back the Niro out of our garage, and from the outside it was quite obvious. I also heard what I assume is the VESS sound, which is more subdued. All told, I would not change the volume of either sound.

rraisley

· #129 · 3 mo ago

SDeemer said:
Perhaps things changed with the 2023 Niro, but I cannot hear the backup warning sound while inside the car. Today I had the opportunity to watch my wife back the Niro out of our garage, and from the outside it was quite obvious. I also heard what I assume is the VESS sound, which is more subdued. All told, I would not change the volume of either sound.

My son just got a 2023 Niro a couple weeks ago, and he's mentioned nothing about the sound. And hears pretty well, so at least it's not obvious (or obnoxious).

Reactions: 1

Tom Shirley Sr

· #130 · 3 mo ago

Mine is a 2020 and it sounds like a UPS truck backing up.

Reactions: 1

GizmoEV

· #131 · 3 mo ago

SDeemer said:
Perhaps things changed with the 2023 Niro, but I cannot hear the backup warning sound while inside the car. Today I had the opportunity to watch my wife back the Niro out of our garage, and from the outside it was quite obvious. I also heard what I assume is the VESS sound, which is more subdued. All told, I would not change the volume of either sound.

Yes, there is a definite difference. I traded in one of my 2020s on a 2023 and that is one of the first things I noticed. I don't have this overwhelming urge to unplug the VESS speaker like I do on the 2020.

Reactions: 1

vangone

· #132 · 3 mo ago

Tom Shirley Sr said:
Mine is a 2020 and it sounds like a UPS truck backing up.

I think my 2022 is louder than a UPS truck!

Reactions: 2

edy_redy

· #133 · 22 d ago

I have this switch. Service guy bought 2 of them and this one is useless for me. If any of you need it, I can sell it.

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sighttomtom

· #134 · 22 d ago

jdaus said:
I don't mind the normal VESS noise, but the reverse chime (gong) is so much louder. I don't believe my system is abnormally loud (I think all Niro's are this loud, but haven't confirmed), but it disturbs my neighbors when I leave/arrive for my night shifts. I'd hate to disable the whole speaker. Any suggestions? The dealer said there is no volume adjustment.

it's federally mandated "sound" and most noticeable in a very quiet area like inside a garage, enclosed parking deck, and etc.

jmurphEV

· #135 · 22 d ago

sighttomtom said:
it's federally mandated "sound" and most noticeable in a very quiet area like inside a garage, enclosed parking deck, and etc.

While this is correct, it's also true that the VESS chime on the newer Niros is far louder than previous versions and is likely far louder than the federally mandated minimums. I've heard both and the late model is truly on the level of a trash truck backing up.

atc98092

· #136 · 22 d ago

sighttomtom said:
it's federally mandated "sound" and most noticeable in a very quiet area like inside a garage, enclosed parking deck, and etc.

Kia changed the volume level drastically in 2020. My '19 was not obnoxious at all. Kia says they are meeting the federal requirement, but I disagree. My Bolt was a '22 model, so meeting the same federal standard. And it wasn't loud at all, just the same Sci-Fi sound that my Niro had. The fact the Kia has reduced the volume for 2023 shows they know they messed it up.

vangone

· #137 · 22 d ago

@edy_redy What year/trim level is your Niro? It appears that the 1st generation Niros have 2 different "crash pad" sizes, one like yours, and the other slightly larger one has an additional button for the blind spot warning system.

BluPhenix

· #138 · 20 d ago

I think something like this is the best solution. I don't mind the low speed sound. It's just the loud backup beep I want to kill. And then ONLY when backing in/out of the garage. No taking panels off, no wire taps, bumper removal, etc. The inline fuse allows the system to function as normal when sound is wanted. I believe this will also avoid voiding any warrantees. Note that this fuse is for the Active Air Flaps as well, so you don't want to disable this by just leaving the fuse out or risk electrical issues by wire taping. Go back to normal by simply removing the switch and putting the fuse back in. Easy to purchase parts and build your own.

Note: This is just my opinion. Of course everyone is free to choose their own path.

Link to switch

Reactions: 1

enirogus

· #139 · 18 d ago

BluPhenix said:
I think something like this is the best solution. I don't mind the low speed sound. It's just the loud backup beep I want to kill. And then ONLY when backing in/out of the garage. No taking panels off, no wire taps, bumper removal, etc. The inline fuse allows the system to function as normal when sound is wanted. I believe this will also avoid voiding any warrantees. Note that this fuse is for the Active Air Flaps as well, so you don't want to disable this by just leaving the fuse out or risk electrical issues by wire taping. Go back to normal by simply removing the switch and putting the fuse back in. Easy to purchase parts and build your own.

Note: This is just my opinion. Of course everyone is free to choose their own path.

Link to switch

With all due respect, removing the fuse is about the worst way to do this, and the one most likely to cause an actual problem, or warranty issue

Reactions: 1

HybridAtLast

· #140 · 12 d ago

2

(2020 PHEV) I have hated the reverse alarm since day 2 of owning this car. I was totally ambushed by the trash truck the first time I backed out of my driveway. Yes, I had used Reverse in my test driving, but in the nearly empty dealer lot near a busy road, and I must have had the windows closed. Was absolutely horrified when I heard the alarm bouncing off the houses and cars. Would not have bought the car had I caught this before signing. I do not often do early morning or late night trips that would wake or annoy my nearest 37 neighbors in a fairly dense suburban 'hood. But some recent trips have broken that streak and poked the wound, bringing me back to the forum.

Regarding the various discussions of how the beeper came to be so loud, I am firmly convinced that it is ENTIRELY Kia's fault for taking the cheapest and easiest possible route to implement the 2020 regulations, without any regard for real-world consequences. How so? They already had a VESS speaker in front for the forward-motion sound. Instead of adding a speaker in the rear, they just cranked up the beeper volume in the front loud enough to ensure meeting the regulation for going in reverse!

So, how loud does that need to be? Some technical stuff is below. The basic answer is a pedestrian needs to get sound at about the level of a low conversation 10 meters (40 feet) behind the car. Imagine talking with someone 40' away. Now, turn around and walk 15' further away (the length of a car) and, still facing away, resume your conversation. How loud do you have to SHOUT to be heard by the other person? This is what Kia did to avoid putting another lousy speaker on the car.

The proper (and legal) fix for this would be a factory rear-speaker retrofit kit, to direct the required minimum sound out the back instead of screaming out the front.

Technical references:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/tp-141-01_minimum_sound_requirements_for_hybrid_and_electric_vehicles.pdf

www.law.cornell.edu

49 CFR § 571.141 - Standard No. 141; Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

www.law.cornell.edu

www.law.cornell.edu

Common Noise Levels - Noise Awareness Day

While noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, it is completely preventable by taking simple steps to avoid noise exposure and protect your hearing.

noiseawareness.org

PSU Noisequest

www.noisequest.psu.edu

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