Whine when starting car

[kasey3333]

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!

[kmohr3]

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.

[kasey3333]

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!

[Ruley73]

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.

[illinoiswronski]

> 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.

[kasey3333]

Thanks - I will try that!

[Renegade2k]

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.