For 1990-2009 cars

## Drive Belt Chirping, Squeal, and Whine Diagnosis Whine

### Diagnostic Aids

The drive belts will not cause the whine noise.

If the whine noise is intermittent, verify the accessory drive components by varying their loads making sure they are operated to their maximum capacity. Such items, but not limited to, may be an A/C system overcharged, the power steering system restricted or the wrong fluid, or the alternator failing.

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. This test is to verify that the noise is being caused by the drive belts or the accessory drive components. When removing the drive belt, the water pump will not be operating and the engine may overheat. Also DTCs may set when the engine is operating with the drive belts removed.

2. The inspection should include checking the drive belt tensioners and the drive belt idler pulley bearings. The drive belts may have to be installed and the accessory drive components operated separately by varying their loads. Refer to the suspected accessory drive component for the correct inspection and replacement procedure.

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
Notice: Refer to Belt Dressing Notice in the Preface section. DEFINITION: A high pitched continuous noise that may be caused by an accessory drive component failed bearing.
1 | Did you review the Symptoms - Engine Mechanical diagnostic information, and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical
2 | Verify that there is a whine noise. Does the engine make the whine noise? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids
3 |

Important: When removing the drive belt the water pump will not be operating and the engine may overheat.

1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement.
2. Operate the engine for no longer than 30 to 40 seconds.

Does the whine noise still exist?

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

Go to Step 4

4 | Inspect for a failed accessory drive component bearing. Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Diagnostic Aids
5 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | --