Whine when starting car

I have a 2001 Olds Intrigue and for the last 3 weeks I have been hearing a whine occassionally when I start my car (about every other day). It sounds like an electric drill motor and lasts less than a minute. The temp has been zero and below for about a week recently and I am wondering if this might be the problem. But this week the temperatures were up above freezing - and it is still doing it. I don't know!

Also - the car is still under warranty - is this something that would be covered? Can I ask the dealer to check everything out on my car before the warranty expires for no charge?

Thanks!

power steering pumps can whine a little when cold. Check the fluid, too.

Also, you may be hearing the electric air pump. I think it's on the passenger side front lower.

Thanks for the reply. The sound is coming from the driver side under the hood. If it is the pump will I need to have it replaced or is it just an annoying sound.

Thanks!

It's just an annoying sound. My girlfriends '99 Intrigue does the same thing when it's cold outside. Done this since she got the car in June 2003. I wouldn't worry about it because this is a common complaint. I don't know the science behind it but that's just the way it is.

> My girlfriends '99 Intrigue does the same thing when it's cold outside <

Try changing the PS fluid. I'm not sure why as I'm no expert on the finer details of power steering but this has worked in the past.

Thanks - I will try that!

If the noise changes tone when you turn the wheel it is the P/S pump.
Otherwise the alternator will also make noise when it is extremely cold and the battery is low.