High pitched whine in the morning - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Gellenole · 08-04-2008, 11:55 AM

long time since i've posted -- been trollin around here and there -- but I've done a search, apparently I couldn't find anything related.

In the morning when my car turns over and it's sitting idle, there's a high pitched whine when it's cold. I'm not sure where that noise is coming from, but It sounds a bit serious and wanted to know where I should start looking.

I'm not exactly sure where this sound is originating, but I know it's somewhere in the engine bay. The sound stops when the car is warmer though and I don't hear it after driving around after 3-5 minutes.

I heard before a while ago in my gen 3 that it might be my alternator, i'm not sure though. If you guys have any thoughts, please let me know.

GT-R · 08-04-2008, 11:52 PM

Could be the fan belt. My old Corollas have those noise... Only when it's cold.

Asteroid · 08-05-2008, 06:39 AM

Is it like a squeal? That is a sure sign that the belts are loose or worn out.

musashi · 08-05-2008, 06:59 AM

I had the exact same problem with my 02 camry. It was the belt tensioner bearings that were going out. I had to replace it, and by the time I found out what it was it failed the exact day I was going to fix it. That was the only time the camry ever left me stranded, so be careful. It should sound like that for about 6 months and no one can help you locate it until it gets worse, once it is worse it goes quickly. Good Luck
P.S. I had to change the tensioner at about 104000 miles so if you are close, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the tensioner.

TRD VVTi · 08-05-2008, 09:56 AM

It could be a belt, tensioner, alternator, etc...

You really need to isolate where it's coming from. You should be able to pick up and automotive stethoscope or use a large screwdriver/prybar to narrow down the source of the noise.

***CharmCityES*** · 08-05-2008, 01:55 PM

sounds like it could be a belt or a belt tensionerthats all i can assume without hearing the noise myself

***netrickyaz*** · 08-05-2008, 07:04 PM

JUST careful where your sticking that screwdriver

71Corolla · 08-05-2008, 09:54 PM

Had the same noise on my '01. I pulled the belts, same noise. Timing belt tensioner bearings turned out to be failing.

Gellenole · 08-05-2008, 11:35 PM

thanks guys -- i'll go and have it taken a look at. I'm not good with pinpointing where it is under the hood. But at least now I have a direction of where to look at.

Thanks all for the support!