Hi, all,

I am hoping someone might know this answer. As soon as a start my 1998 Accord, it makes a fast whistling sound - for a second -coming from the engine area. I thought it might be a loose alternator belt, and a friend tightened all the belts, they looked good and were not loose. Did not help.

He suggested it may be old dry brushes in the alternator, but didn't really know. Or could it be a dying starter? I don't want to be caught with a dead starter or alternator. Rather fix it before. Car has 130k on it, I have had it since 60k and have not changed the alternator

I used to be a fan of the Honda Dealer, but finally realized how much they were stealing from me for about 10 years. Last straw was a visit was 2 years ago when they said I needed new battery cables or I wouldn't be able to drive the next day. Wanted $275.00 for new ones. Got 3 different opinions after that - all said they were just fine. Still driving with them today. So dare not go back there.

Hope someone has a thought on this!! Thank you.

 

Sounds are tough! Look for loose vacuum line; PCV, brake booster, power steering, etc.

Did you try removing accessory belts (one at a time) and starting to see if noise goes away? This would isolate noise to Alt, AC compressor, or Power Steering.

good luck

 

Thanks so much.! Will check it all out.

 

 

She hasn't posted since 2013, so I bet she isn't watching. Unfortunately, it's pretty common that we never find out the solution.

You should let us know what kind of car YOU have, and then check the things that Tex suggested & let us know. A whistling sound like that can be a lot of things, so there's no reason your car's noise is the same as Donna's.