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Engine whistling/whining noise

Tiny
JGONZO2398
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,727 MILES
Hello all once again, back with another minor issue. About a month ago, I started noticing this whistling/whining noise coming from my engine. The noise enhances when I hit the gas pedal and there is also a whining type of noise when the engine is idle that I recently realized. I have attached two videos with the engine idle and another while I hit the gas.
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Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 AT 8:45 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

First, if the A/C or defroster are on, turn them off and see if it goes away. If it doesn't, next check the power steering fluid. If it's full, carefully listen close to the alternator to see if that is where the sound is coming from.

When checking the power steering fluid, make sure it's full first. Then check to see if there is air in it or foaming. Also, let me know if this goes away after the vehicle is driven for a while.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Thanks for the quick response! Well to start, I have checked the noise with the A/C off and it will sound the same. I will have to check for the power steering fluid but I know the sound remains even after driving for a while.
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Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Back with an update: I checked the fluid level for the power steering level and it was indeed lower than it should be, as you can see in the video attached. This is also the engine running with the A/C off, and these two videos are with the power steering fluid low and then after I filled it up. I realize the noise is coming from the timing belt and pulley area.
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Quick update:

Battery light just came on and when I looked up why it could be, it is saying that it could be due to a bad alternator?
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The alternator could be making that noise. Do me a favor. Here is a link that shows how to test an alternator to make sure it's charging. Try this and let me know the results. All you need is a multimeter or voltmeter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Are you able to tell if the sound seems to be coming from the alternator? It's hard for me to tell. It sounds loud near the PS pump, but I can't be sure that is where it is coming from.

If you can't tell, you can get an automotive stethoscope and play doctor. LOL Basically, you place the tool on the components you suspect are making the noise to confirm. See pic 1 below. You can get these for under $10.00.
They are really cheap.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Currently not in town to check the car, haha. But after I got home and parked it, it unsurprisingly did not turn on after I attempted to get it going. So, the issue is not the battery because I got a new one about a month ago, so I put my money on the alternator.
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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The noise was definitely coming from the alternator area, seems to be below the power steering pump.
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It could be the bearing in the alternator or other component. You may want to remove the drive belt and check each belt-driven accessory for play in a bearing or noise. Looking at the belt routing diagram (pic below) I see a belt tensioner, A/C compressor, and an idler pulley below and beside the alternator.

When you get back, let me know what you find. I would likely use a stethoscope.
Listening to your video, I have a feeling it's coming from the alternator, but listening to a recording could be throwing me off.

If you have a chance, let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, September 30th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Hello again. I will be getting the car checked Monday morning and all signs point to a bad alternator. However, I did get an update from home on another potential issue unfortunately. My dad jump started my car and explained that when he put it in reverse, the car seemed to slip then jerk into reverse, and only in reverse. Could this be a bad alternator symptom or is this more of a gearbox issue? I hope not.
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it has never done that before, it could be related to a voltage issue. Today's cars are extremely dependent on having the right voltage. If it was low, yes, it could have caused it.

If you haven't already, try the test I listed above for checking alternator output. See if it is producing what it should be.

Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Perfect, I really hope it is a voltage issue because it has never done that before until now. I will update you on the diagnosis on Monday.
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Sounds good. Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Back with good news, it was indeed a bad alternator. It was not producing any high voltage and it is being replaced as we speak. Thank you for everything.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Car is running great now, no need for battery jump cables and no more whining noise.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Great! I'm glad to hear you got it fixed. I had a feeling that is where the sound was coming from, but sometimes, a recording can throw me off. LOL

Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here,

Take good care of yourself.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Will do, thanks a lot!
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You are very welcome.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 7:54 PM

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