Whine/howl - tranny?

[06AutoPilot]

I've been lurking here for a couple of years, and have learned a lot from this fine group of individuals. Now, I've a problem to discuss - '06 EXL 45K - I hear a whine that changes pitch when the trans shifts to a higher/lower gear. Not the radio - happens when radio is off.

I'll check the trans fluid this evening and report back, but does anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking either low Trans fluid or needs service . . . I'd appreciate any help . . . Thanks!

[rocky]

1: tranny fluid
2: Rear diff:VTM fluid not used when last changed.
3: Front diff. Can't recall any giving people trouble

When considering causes, shut off radio, Heater, ac etc etc etc

[3rdrow]

is the whine coming from inside the car? i know you mentioned the radio was off but if there is a funny electrical problem, it could be coming through the speakers. not likely but possible. if its coming from the outside, could also be a bad pulley(pitch of whine would change as the transmission shifts, dropping engine rpm's). does it do it when you rev the motor while in park or neutral?

[mclairmo]

Check (or change, if needed) all fluids and check under hood for anything loose like the intake tract, airbox, etc or any leaks like from power steering hoses.

[06AutoPilot]

Thanks everyone . . .

Okay . . . trans fluid is fine - the whine seems to be coming from the area of the pulley at the top of the serpentine belt, but without a steth, I can't isolate it. Also, it seems to arise after the engine reaches op temp, or so I thought until this morning, when it appeared immediately upon start.

I'll keep an eye (ear) on things, but if anyone has experienced this, please give a shout.

Greg

[aenergy]

I hope u r not talking abt this....

strange sound

[3rdrow]

Take off the serpentine belt and start the motor. See if the whine is still there.

[mclairmo]

Is the serpentine belt dry or cracked? You don't need a steth, just use a dowel, pole, tube, ratchet extension or other long metal or wooden device to pinpoint.

[06AutoPilot]

aenergy - nope, not the same sound (thank goodness)
3rdrow, mclairmo - don't think I need to check the surpentine belt . . .

. . . tonight, battery and VTM-4 idiot lights came on and the instrument lights started to flicker. Luckily, I was pulling into my garage! Opened the hood and smelled burnt electrical smell. Battery is totally dead - I'm suspecting a fried alternator. Will trickle charge overnight, and take to dealership in the am. Don't think I want to try alt change in that tiny compartment. I value my knuckles!

What a pain!

I'll report back tomorrow . . .

[06AutoPilot]

Alternator is fried, so that's what was causing the howl noise. The good news is that it's covered under the Certified Pre-Owned program so I'm saving five bills.

All is better . . . for now . . .

Greg

[06AutoPilot]

Originally Posted by 06AutoPilot

Alternator is fried, so that's what was causing the howl noise. The good news is that it's covered under the Certified Pre-Owned program so I'm saving five bills.

All is better . . . for now . . .

Greg

. . . except when you lose battery, you can find electrical gremlins when you restore power. For me it was loss of "one-touch" driver window.

Reset is simple: start engine; roll window all the way down, then back up- and HOLD the switch in the up position for at least two seconds.

It worked for me . . .

Thanks again for the help and I hope this info is helpful to someone else!

Greg

[samc]

"
Reset is simple: start engine; roll window all the way down, then back up- and HOLD the switch in the up position for at least two seconds.
"

THanks! I noticed mine stop working last week.