Strang whine coming from the engine on cold starts

[Pilot09]

Hi Guys,
Has anyone experience this issue? It's a 2009 Honda pilot. Here's the video

2009 Honda Pilot Strange whining sound on cold start up - YouTube

Thanks,
Jake

[rocky]

Love the R2D2 like sounds. My guess is that the accessory belt is not under sufficient tension, so as the engine starts the pulley moves before the belt.
If accurate (there are lots of other reasons) replace tensioner and belt.

[landar]

I would start by just removing the serpentine accessory belt and then starting. If the noise persists, then the noise is other than accessory related. If it goes away, replace the belt first or try a little bit of belt dressing just as a temporary test. If the noise still exists with a new belt then you may have a power steering pump, alternator, ac clutch, tensioner or idler pulley going bad. Look for simple things as well, like the PS fluid level.

[pilotman7]

I also have this sound. I think it is the PS fluid.

[MavePilot]

I have the same noise on mine and have for two years or so. I've always just thought it was a cold start noise.

[robere]

check PS fluid level is between the 2 lines on the reservoir

[pilotman7]

mine is between the min and max lines

[Arizonaadam]

Does it happen under any other circumstances? It's not making a classic belt squeal. If it only happens on cold start probably not the belt. But, easy test fix.

[robere]

I would try a PS fluid flush (i.e. drain and refill the reservoir twice, fluids cheap~$20 max) - If the problems still there, check with the dealer

[twistedmuscle]

I'm having the same noise.


Sent from my Autoguide iPad app

[chas22]

Change the o-ring on the inlet line side of the power steering pump if you have foam in the fluid reservoir. Your sucking air, the new O ring will be red.

[ant-ny]

agree with the others that it may be the PS fluid. i had it much more pronounced on a previous vehicle. the fluid was old and dirty, causing the pump to work harder to force it through. only happened when it was cold and the fluid "thickened" up some. had it replaced and never heard the noise again.

[2010exl]

Originally Posted by chas22

Change the o-ring on the inlet line side of the power steering pump if you have foam in the fluid reservoir. Your sucking air, the new O ring will be red.

The p/s inlet o ring is a very common problem on the Honda's. It shrinks too much in the cold, allowing air to be drawn into the pump. The noise is from the air being purged from the power steering pump.

Even if you cannot do this yourself, it takes no more than 30 minutes to drain the fluid, replace the o-ring, and refill the system. If the dealer charges more than $75, they are overcharging you.

[Pilot09]

Thanks for all the feedback. I still have 1500 miles left in my powertrain warranty, so I will take it in for a visit at the dealership and see what they find.

Jake