high pitch squeal from dashboard on windy days

andreadebiase · 04-03-2006, 08:39 PM

this is very odd,

sometimes i hear a high pitch squeal from behind the the dashboard, it happened 3 times in one year and happens usually when i go 0-70mph and it's VERY windy outside

to me seems more like an alarm/chime coming from the dashborad whereas my wife says it's just air being funneled around the windsheild and making noise. I don't think she is right the noise is from inside! Plus, when the squeal appears i also have a strong pull-to-the left sensation on the stearing wheel which could be dangerous i think....what the hell is it? is there some sort of sensor that is telling me i am going too fast on a very windy day????
i appreciate any feedback

oh, it's a 2004 toyota corolla

JohnO356 · 04-03-2006, 09:19 PM

Check your firewall to see if there is a rubber plug or grommet missing. Air could be whistling through a hole there.

Bill1426 · 04-03-2006, 10:18 PM

I have the same issue....
2005 S
I know when they put in the alarm system, they opened one of the rubber boots.
And that seems like the place I hear the whistle...

andreadebiase · 04-03-2006, 10:59 PM

sorry guys, what FIREWALL and what BOOTS? what are these two things?

Cyorke · 04-04-2006, 12:32 PM

sounds like you are describing wind noise. It could be from either the windshield not being sealed well or like someone else stated it could be from a rubber plug missing in the firewall. The firewall is the back wall of the engine bay. look around there for any holes that may not be lugged up. Has the window ever been replaced for any reason.

as for the pulling that ishard to say. It is most likely jsut the wind pushing the car across the road on windy days. If you think yours is bad you should drive a Sienna in the ind. We had 20 mph steady winds yesterday with gusts up to the 30's and it was loads of fun in my van.

andreadebiase · 04-04-2006, 01:43 PM

but the high pitch noise and the pulling to the left occur at the same time and as a sudden 3 sec long event, it's not a gradual thing growing with speed.
As i said, is as if someone had pressed an alarm button for a few sec and moved my stearing wheel to the left

then if i slow down things go back to normality.

I will look at the firewall anyway.

I do know that the underneath engine plastic cover is loose and some plastic snap-on lockers are missing, could that be it?

thank you for the hints

Cyorke · 04-04-2006, 01:52 PM

sorta grabbing at straws trying to diagnose over the internet. But maybe you ahve a problem with brakes dragging. or a wheel bearing going out and there is a certain spot that it grabs. I would be more inclined to think brakes than wheel bearing because normally with a wheel bearing you get more of a grinding/groaning sound, plus it should be a constant noise instead of intermittent like you are explaining. The cover wouldnt have anything to do with, or it shouldnt because it is not anything structural or driveability related. It is more to keep debris from entering the engine compartment.

gideon1331 · 04-04-2006, 06:05 PM

My 94 Corolla does the same thing. It's just high wind gusts blowing a light car....although mine does get blown more than a newer one would because it's lighter. I have also heard the whistling noise coincide with a strong pull when the wind hits just right.

aknqtpie84 · 04-07-2006, 01:59 AM

If you have had your windshield changed at all, or if its ever been changed, its possible wind noise could result from that. I work for a auto glass shop, and atleast my store if you come in with a problem like that we will take a look at it and see if we can find any gaps in the glue... Alot of times if there is an air bubble or anything in the urethane, even a pin prick, it can cause air leaks

Drifta89 · 04-07-2006, 01:48 PM

My girlfriend's 2005s does the same thing. I always thought it was just a small defect in the rolla due to cost cutting measures since its not a luxury vehicle or anything and the noise wasn't hurting the car.

I will now check for any gaps in the firewall and see if plugging it up solves the problem. But the thing is, it happens every now and then because in order for the problem to show up, I have to be traveling at a pretty high rate of speed as well as it being very windy outside.

Her windshield has never been changed so I guess I can rule that out but who knows there could be a crack in the seal. Can't hurt to look.

05XrsRolla · 04-07-2006, 02:22 PM

my 05 rolla Xrs does the same thing. I fisrt thought it was from my windshield not being sealed as it has taken quite a few rock chips; but now I am thinking it might be when I brought the power cable for my amp through the firewall... hmmm... I ran it beside the ac line as I didn't want to drill a new hole through my firewall.

shannab · 04-09-2006, 08:15 PM

I have a 2005 corolla CE and have experienced the same problem. Drving into a strong wind, or getting passed by a transport causes this piercing loud squeal coming from the dashboard. we're looking into your suggestions, and will let you know what works.We tried recirculating the air & it didn't work.This is an intermittent problem,it will be hard to find.S

andreadebiase · 04-12-2006, 04:04 PM

if this is the case it can be a hazard though, pulling left at 70mph it's not cool
is toyota saying anything about this or they don`t care?

rahul82 · 08-03-2006, 01:20 AM

I had the same problem..everytime I drove close to 75 MPH, heard a loud buzzing noise. After arguing with the servicing ppl, finally had them come on a test drive with me.

Apparently, this is a common problem and is due to the windshiled not being sealed right. My corolla is at the dealership as I write this post..they are sealing the windshiled..hopefully, that fixes the problem!

daniel2002p · 08-03-2006, 11:19 AM

Def a hole in the firewall probably between the brake pedal and the bundle of wires to the lft of it, I just used some strip caulk (didnt use silicone, cant stand the smell) and it all worked out just fine, it was a 05 corolla s for me....

d