1999 Chevy Cavalier Whining Noise

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LHTRANSAM
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I HAVE A 1999 CHEVY CAVALIER LS 2.2L AUTOMATIC, ABOUT 59000 MILES ON IT BASICLY IT JUST RECENTLY STARTED MAKEING THIS WHIRRING/ WHINNING NOISE, IT SEEMS TO MATCH THE IDLE SPEED, IF YOU PRESS ON ACCEL. IT GETS FASTER AND LOUDER, ETC, I MAY HAVE NOTICED A POWER DECREASE ALSO, BUT NOT SURE IF THAT IS RELATED, ALSO AS YOU DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT WILL FLICKER ON OCCASION, I HAVE CHECKED COOLANT AND IT SEEMS FINE, DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUES?

THANKS A MILLION
Jul 20, 2006 at 5:20 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
Without hearing the noise, it is really hard to tell.
If it matches the engine, then maybe it is your altenator bearing starting to make some noise. Have you tried to open your hood and see if you can tell if it is the altenator making the noise?
Jul 21, 2006 at 7:43 AM
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Suggested Repair

With the hood open, listen to see whether the noise is coming from the alternator. A failing alternator bearing can cause a whirring or whining sound that rises with engine speed.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Chevy Cavalier LS 2.2L automatic reports a recent whirring or whining noise that matches idle speed and gets faster and louder with acceleration, along with a possible power decrease. The low-coolant light also flickers occasionally, though the coolant level appears fine. The expert says the noise is hard to identify without hearing it and suggests checking whether an alternator bearing is the source.

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