Whining noise, now car is dead
I noticed a loud whining noise when I started up my 2006 Honda Civic the other day. The whining got progressively worse and then the lights began to flicker, so I turned the car off. Now it won’t even start! The sound was like a belt or something at the front of the engine. What part could have broken to cause all of these problems? How can I get this serviced without it costing me an arm and a leg?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
From the way you describe your concern, it leads me to believe that you do have something going on with the belt drive or possibly the charging system. For your safety, the belt drive, which is driven by the crankshaft and is under a great deal of tension, should be looked by a technician so the root cause of the noise can be found. There are multiple items on the belt drive that can make noise such as the A/C compressor, alternator, idler, and belt tensioner. The technician may remove the belt during inspection, check all the pulleys, and manually rotate the engine to see what parts have failed. If a seized component is found, it would need to be replaced. Then the belt(s) can be reinstalled and tested to ensure everything is working properly. If the belt drive system in working order, then the charging system will need to be looked at, testing both the battery and alternator. If the battery or alternator have failed, they would need to be replaced. To have your vehicle inspected, please contact YourMechanic and one of our technicians will be happy to assist.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The battery light is an indication that something in your charging system is not working properly such as a weak battery (usually noticeable with a weak start), a failing alternator or a bad voltage regulator. The whining sound may be the alternator failing which is common when this happens.
Battery Problems
There are a number of signs that your car battery is dead. Firstly, listen out for odd noises. Low pitched whining noises and the noise of a cranking engine without it starting are both signs of a dead battery.
Freewheeling. Freewheeling occurs when you crank the engine and simply hear a whining noise without the engine cranking. When this occurs, it means the starter is not engaging with the flywheel. This is a worrying situation which could result in having to replace the whole component.
Power Steering System: A screeching or whining noise while turning at normal speeds could mean an issue resides within the power steering system itself. This complex system consists of hoses, belts, and more that can all fail over time.
Failing alternator bearings:
The alternator has several bearings which allow the alternator`s rotor to spin freely. If these bearings begin to fail, you will notice a loud whining noise, which will increase when you accelerate or the car is under heavier load.
If you ever hear growling or whining noises coming from under the hood, you could have alternator problems, which should be checked out by a professional ASAP. This growling or whining sound happens when the belt that turns the alternator`s pulley becomes misaligned or rubs against the side of the pulley.
If your car won`t start and you hear a `clicking` sound from the engine, it is likely to be a dead battery. If your car won`t start but the headlights work, it is possible that there may be some issues with the starter or engine itself.
If you hear a whining noise from your car`s engine, it may mean much the same thing: there`s a component that`s worn out. If these parts break or wear down entirely, they could cause damage, so hearing a whining sound means that it`s time to schedule a service appointment.
Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on the belt and the pulleys, which often results in that high-pitched chirping sounds when you start the car and accelerate. The most common serpentine belt problems include: Worn/Cracked Serpentine Belt – Serpentine belts have grooves which fit into grooves in the pulleys.
Low Transmission Fluid: For both manual and automatic transmissions, the primary cause for whining when in gear is low transmission fluid. If the fluid is too low, then the internal components of the transmission are not lubricated properly.
The engine of the car makes a whirring sound when accelerating. The more you accelerate, the more the whirring increases. It`s time to get your car in for a checkup! There might be a number of reasons for this, including a bad water pump, low levels of power steering fluid, and a bad air conditioner compressor.
Car Makes Whining Noise When Accelerating
While the transmission is the most likely cause, whining while accelerating can also be caused by low power steering fluid or more serious damage like faulty alternator bearings, a malfunctioning water pump, a broken piston or a bad AC compressor.
Your car can also make a whining sound when the voltage regulator is sending signals to the alternator to charge more than is necessary. If you hear any type of whining or grinding sound that`s a good indication that your alternator needs to be checked.
Using WD-40 to repel water from spark plugs, distributors, alternators, and batteries is a good way to prevent corrosion and keep moisture away. You can also use it to ease the removal of spark plugs, especially if there is any rust or corrosion.
If a faulty alternator fails to keep your battery consistently charged, the fuel injectors may not fire, causing your engine to stall. A dying alternator can lead to a wide range of other electrical issues. Generally speaking, such issues manifest as an inability to perform at normal power.
What happens when alternator stops working while driving? The car tends to slowly lose power if the alternator has gone bad while the car is being driven. You`ll notice the headlights start to dim shortly before the car loses power and dies.
The faster you recognize the signs that your alternator might be going bad, the better off you`ll be, so it pays to know these signs of a faulty alternator: Your car won`t start.
Bad Sensors
One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft. The computer uses the information from this sensor to know when to fire the spark plugs. If the sensor isn`t working, the spark plugs won`t fire, keeping the engine from starting.
The Car Produces a Clicking Sound Whenever You Turn the Ignition. When you turn the ignition key, and you notice that it makes a ticking noise, that`s a sure sign that the car`s battery is dying. Turning the ignition many times or leaving the car for an hour or so before trying again won`t help.
Short trips drain your car battery, and if you never drive long enough for your alternator to recharge it, your car battery will grow weaker and weaker every time you start the engine. A full recharge protects your car battery. Leaving a car battery drained can damage it and make it more vulnerable to extreme cold.
a. : a prolonged high-pitched cry usually expressive of distress or pain. b. : a sound resembling such a cry. 2.
Should the whining noise of your transmission continue whenever your vehicle is in gear, this can mean there is a problem occurring in your torque converter. Check to see if the noise desists when you shift the vehicle to park or neutral. A constant whining noise when your car is in gear needs professional attention.
A bad battery won`t usually harm your starter or alternator, however, since both of those components get their voltage directly from the battery, if the battery is underperforming, both the alternator`s and starter`s performance will be affected as well.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Oil leaking from under car and "remote control car" sound when car is first started for a few minutes until it warm up.
ANSWER : Hello,
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.
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I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you
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have a Honda accord 2005. While I was turning my car mad a loud whining noise like an electric noise when I put it on park or dri
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, this type of noise is an indication of low power steering fluid or a belt that is loose or about to break.It could also be caused by something inside the transmission, or an electric shift solenoid that allows the car to shift into gear. If you are indicating that the engine was running today, but when you had the car in drive it wouldn’t move forward, it is likely due to a transmission problem somewhere. Before you decide to take your car to a repair shop, you might want to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location, so they can pinpoint the source of this noise and determine what is wrong with your Honda by completing a car is making a noise inspection. This can save you a lot of time, trouble and money by ensuring the right repairs are completed.
Read Full Q/A … : Whining noise, now car is dead
Whining noise coming from engine.
ANSWER : Hi There,
I think you are on the right track in thinking of things like the alternator or the water pump as those are two things that immediately will correspond to RPM change when accelerating. If it is the alternator, try to notice if you voltage gauge fluctuates as this will indicate an alternator that is no longer maintaining a consistent charge and may be close to failing. You may also want to check for leaks around your water pump, particularly around the shaft area, as this is a common place for them to leak and will usually be the center point for the whining noise. This will also of course be accompanied by a change in engine temperature as well if there is coolant leaking. If you need any further help with this, please reach out to us here at YourMechanic as we are always hereto help.
I think you are on the right track in thinking of things like the alternator or the water pump as those are two things that immediately will correspond to RPM change when accelerating. If it is the alternator, try to notice if you voltage gauge fluctuates as this will indicate an alternator that is no longer maintaining a consistent charge and may be close to failing. You may also want to check for leaks around your water pump, particularly around the shaft area, as this is a common place for them to leak and will usually be the center point for the whining noise. This will also of course be accompanied by a change in engine temperature as well if there is coolant leaking. If you need any further help with this, please reach out to us here at YourMechanic as we are always hereto help.
Read Full Q/A … : Whining noise, now car is dead
Car makes grinding noise – 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in. I would have a professional mechanic check out the constant velocity joints on your vehicle. One or more of them may be worn enough to cause the noises you describe. S/he can diagnose and replace any failed CV joints.
Read Full Q/A … : Whining noise, now car is dead
A whining noise starting at 20 m/ph as well as oscillating noise which speeds up and slows down – coming from drivers side.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Due to having the tires replaced recently, you may have a balance issue. Tires are "balanced" in a process where they spin the wheel on a machine and make sure they turn evenly. Any issues are corrected by adding weights to certain parts of the tire. The tires may have been improperly balanced, or may not have been balanced at all. You should start there, and see if the issues is resolved. When they have the wheels off, have a technician check the brakes. Make sure the pads were properly installed and are in place. Between the two inspections and any possible corrections, the issue would go away. If the noises continue, you will want to have the wheel assemblies inspected.
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Car makes whining noise when I start in the morning
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle will make noise when cold for several reasons. If you belts are loose at all, it may take them a while to warm up and grip the pulleys the way they are designed. This may or may not be resolved by replacing the drive belt tensioner. Cold fluids will also cause noises. The power steering pump, engine oil, and transmission fluid all needs to warm up before they work properly. If the noise is new and you think there is an issue beyond normal cold weather effects, you will want to service all of the fluids. This is in addition to checking the drive belt tensioner. For more help diagnosing and resolving the noise, contact our service department.
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Car makes noise only in the morning
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. When the vehicle sits for an extended period of time, the oil collects at the bottom of the engine due to gravity. This causes the engine and components in which the oil lubricates to run dry. There is no problem with this while the engine is off, and every car does this. Now when the vehicle turns on, the engine will need a moment to circulate that oil throughout the engine. Once the oil becomes warm enough to be the viscosity in which the engine desires, and everything has had a moment to become lubricated again, there should not be any more noises coming from the valves. If this is a new noise or it is irritating to you, you can attempt to change your oil or maybe even change the type of oil that you were using. The noise is simply the engine not having oil when it first starts up. But this is normal.
Read Full Q/A … : Whining noise, now car is dead
