Any way to disable the "spaceship" noise present at <25mph?

[ianjay]

My 2012 Volt had a button on the steering wheel that you could push to provide an external sound to alert pedestrians. It was not automatic, but at least there was something there. I don't think it was mandatory on 2012 vehicles, but GM obviously thought it was a good idea.

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[jerrisn]

I get the impression you’ve never walked/biked alongside traffic or walked across an intersection.

You're right, I don't bike with traffic and never will. I stick to bike paths or sidewalks because biking on major streets is just asking for trouble, in my opinion. It's like riding a motorcycle—it's a risk, and if you want to take it, go ahead. I've navigated busy streets and sidewalks in major cities without any issues. The reality is I don't trust other drivers, no matter how much technology or noise the car makes. Technology like phones and self-driving features are part of the problem. At the end of the day, a spaceship sound isn't going to stop someone from getting hit by a driver too busy checking their Facebook status while behind the wheel.

I'm not trying to argue. Driving ultimately comes down to personal responsibility, and no amount of technology is going to fix that. The world is not a safe place, and no matter how many regulations and restrictions are added, they just reduce freedom without necessarily making anyone safer.

 

[jerrisn]

My 2012 Volt had a button on the steering wheel that you could push to provide an external sound to alert pedestrians. It was not automatic, but at least there was something there. I don't think it was mandatory on 2012 vehicles, but GM obviously thought it was a good idea.

Yes, it is called a Pedestrian horn and is pushbutton activated. It was on my 2015 and my 2013.

 

[nandesho]

The Maverick sounds are louder (and in my opinion much more goofy sounding) than any other electrified vehicle I've heard. I wish it made the E-Transit/Lightning sounds and volume levels.

There is some utility to the noise makers. I've had to honk at people in my 2007 Escape Hybrid because they stand in way and can't hear you approach.

 

[CurtisB]

I don't know why or how the noise is such a concern. Heck, both my neighbors across the street have it. One is a 2024 RAV4, the other a VW SUV. Both of them sound like something out of the Martian Chronicles. It doesn't bother me. And yes, anyone at anytime is likely to hit someone. The question is, is it possibly safer with this feature? Will you most likely get sued even if the other person is at fault if this feature has been disabled? Can you afford the risk of being sued because you disabled the feature? Yes, it is your right to disable it.

Remember when seatbelts were mandated? I can still hear all my friends and relatives complaining about that. And not a day goes by that I don't read about a person dying in a car accident and it was due to not wearing a seatbelt. Yes, people die in car accidents while wearing them. I get it. But there is a reason why astronauts wear them during take off. Why race car drivers wear them. Its safer.

I understand I will probably be criticized for my point of view. But, that is the risk I take in joining an online forum such as this. I accept the risk associated with it. Heck, I might even read some thoughtful responses and learn more.

When it comes to disabling this thing, living in a world of "sue now, blame later", I want to keep my side of the equation in line as much as possible.

 

[First Sergeant]

Here is the regulation on the sound devices. Be prepared to read several hundred pages and after awhile your eyes will glaze over so bad you will want to gouge them out!
https://www.regulations.gov/document/NHTSA-2016-0125-0001

I personally will just leave mine working. For those wishing to disconnect/disable, I would not worry about a FEDERAL MANDATE. Remember, there are also mandates and LAWS about our border security and we can see how the Fed's handle that one, eh? If I had just one penny for all the laws we have, I would be richer than Elon himself. I would be more concerned about a civil suit. Lawyers must stay actively employed, be able to support themselves and family and this kind of stuff gets them drooling for the cash!

 

[Serow]

You're right, I don't bike with traffic and never will. I stick to bike paths or sidewalks because biking on major streets is just asking for trouble, in my opinion. It's like riding a motorcycle—it's a risk, and if you want to take it, go ahead. I've navigated busy streets and sidewalks in major cities without any issues. The reality is I don't trust other drivers, no matter how much technology or noise the car makes. Technology like phones and self-driving features are part of the problem. At the end of the day, a spaceship sound isn't going to stop someone from getting hit by a driver too busy checking their Facebook status while behind the wheel.

I'm not trying to argue. Driving ultimately comes down to personal responsibility, and no amount of technology is going to fix that. The world is not a safe place, and no matter how many regulations and restrictions are added, they just reduce freedom without necessarily making anyone safer.

You are a very selfish person.

 

[surfstar]

You're right, I don't bike with traffic and never will. I stick to bike paths or sidewalks because biking on major streets is just asking for trouble, in my opinion. It's like riding a motorcycle—it's a risk, and if you want to take it, go ahead. I've navigated busy streets and sidewalks in major cities without any issues. The reality is I don't trust other drivers, no matter how much technology or noise the car makes. Technology like phones and self-driving features are part of the problem. At the end of the day, a spaceship sound isn't going to stop someone from getting hit by a driver too busy checking their Facebook status while behind the wheel.

I'm not trying to argue. Driving ultimately comes down to personal responsibility, and no amount of technology is going to fix that. The world is not a safe place, and no matter how many regulations and restrictions are added, they just reduce freedom without necessarily making anyone safer.

Yeah, you are sooo right. /sarcasm

Airbags. Crumple zones. Enhanced crash testing. Mandated rearview cameras. DRLs. And on and on. Those MANDATED REGULATIONS have saved tens of thousands of lives (and prevented many, many injuries).

Remember, driving is a PRIVILEGE, and not a right. Why not make it safer for everyone? Feel free to drive with all your safety features disabled, at whatever speed you like, as long as it is not on a public roadway.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Yet another example of a Ken/Karen outraged at the inconvenience of showing courtesy, empathy or consideration for others. Heaven forbid that a relatively silent vehicle should actually alert a blind or vision challenged human being that it is approaching and is a potential danger.

 

[crgator]

Which is why they include the following disclaimer:

***Disclaimers, Policies & Shipping***
Always drive with caution and always check your surroundings before operating your vehicle. This is an off-road only product. MegaOhm Motorsports accepts no liability for loss or damage to people or property or consequential damages. Purchasing this device means you are installing & using this device at your own risk and understand that you are 100% liable for anything thereafter.
All sales are final, returns and exchanges are not accepted. Any orders that are cancelled are subject to a 20% cancellation fee to cover material allocation efforts and payment processing services.

And yet, this is in the description:
"This is not favorable to those who live in quiet neighborhoods and depart in the early hours or come home late at night, if you need to creep into your hunting spot, or you just don't want the added attention/annoyance."

 

[tom_tucker]

Does anybody actually care about the person (or child) you're going to hit when you disable that sound? Most are just mentioning the liability.

So go ahead and come creep at me all silent. If you do that in my neighborhood I'll put a rock through your windshield. And don't worry, I'll be packin'...

 

[tom_tucker]

I get the impression you’ve never walked/biked alongside traffic or walked across an intersection.

Go to the original post, hit "report" and get this garbage thread off MTC.

 

[jerrisn]

Yet another example of a Ken/Karen outraged at the inconvenience of showing courtesy, empathy or consideration for others. Heaven forbid that a relatively silent vehicle should actually alert a blind or vision challenged human being that it is approaching and is a potential danger.

Never thought I’d be called a Karen on MTC, but here you are, proving me wrong, lol.

 

[24MavPuy]

Specifically for the hybrids, an interior sound is played when the vehicle is moving below about 25mph. Anybody have luck disabling it?

Change the sound loop to "It's a Small World..", put in a freezer, load it w assorted ice cream treats and wala instant side gig.

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