Whining noise from engine bay?

MEAGAN MALADY

MEMBER
2001 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
4.6L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
87,000 MILES

My car will make a loud whining noise especially when it's cold or rainy outside. I thought it was the belt but there is no sign of wear on the belt.
The noise will stop if I press on the accelerator usually. It will make the noise even when in idle.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

It could be a loose belt, a power steering pump issue, a failing bearing in one of the belt-driven accessories, and so on.

Is the noise loud enough for you to record and upload so I can hear it? If so, please do that.

Next, try this. Open the hood and when it is making a noise, pour a small amount of water on the drive belt. See if the sound changes and let me know.

Make sure to protect your eyes and clothes from the flinging water.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, December 1st, 2022 AT 9:01 PM

MEAGAN MALADY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

When it makes the noise it seems to come from near where the air filter is.

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Friday, December 2nd, 2022 AT 12:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

Do me a favor. Remove the lid from the air filter box and see if the sound stops or changes. I have a feeling the cause is a failing idle air control valve (IAC). There is a spring in them that gets weak, and the IAC resonates and makes that hooting noise. It will stop when you press the throttle or remove the air box lid.

So, you have a reference, I attached a pic below that shows the airflow from the air box, past the IAC, and then to the intake.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, December 2nd, 2022 AT 9:52 PM

MEAGAN MALADY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The check engine light just came on, so I had the code checked and the idle air control valve came up. I bought the part and will see if that helps. Thank you for your help.

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Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 AT 3:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

I had a feeling that was the cause. Let me know if that takes care of the problem. That noise has to be driving you crazy. LOL

I don't know if you need them, but I attached the directions for the removal and replacement below.

Take care and let me know if that takes care of the noise.

Joe

See pics below.

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