1998 Mercury Mystique Cold Moaning Noise

1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE
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BASTRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique with a 2.5L engine. When I start it up when it is cold for the first bit and grab the steering wheel and turn it a little with vehicle in gear, I get a moaning noise coming from the air box. It only happens when it is at first warmup time. Then it disappears when the engine is completely warm. Any ideas of what that would be.
Jan 9, 2006 at 3:01 AM
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SHAUN_GA
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  • 2 POSTS
try the power steering pump
Jan 10, 2006 at 12:24 AM
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BASTRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The power steering pump is on the opposit side (Pass. side) of the the air box (where the air filter is placed) and that is on the drivers side. Any oter suggestions?
Jan 10, 2006 at 2:51 AM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
it is most likely the IAC motor...these will make a howling noise when cold, or if they get bad enough...you can make it do it by short quick accelerator jabs
Jan 10, 2006 at 3:42 AM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect and, if faulty, replace the idle air control (IAC) motor. These commonly howl or moan when cold, and the noise can often be reproduced with short, quick accelerator inputs.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Mercury Mystique 2.5L reports a moaning noise from the air box during cold warmup when the steering wheel is turned slightly with the vehicle in gear; the noise stops once the engine is fully warm. One user suggested the power steering pump, but the owner noted that the pump is on the opposite side of the vehicle from the air box. An expert said the IAC motor is the most likely cause, as these can howl when cold and the noise can be reproduced with short accelerator jabs.

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