hey, guys, i'm new here and i need some help. first of all, i have a 1997 maxima gxe (i think) and when i turn the car on, there's this whrrrr noise for like 2 seconds. what do you think could be wrong? after 2 seconds, the noise goes away. and instead of starting another post, i left my maxima sitting in the driveway for like 9 months. after starting it up again, i got a check engine light. btw, the wrrr noise has been going on for months before the check engine light came on. what do you guys think about the noise and check engine light? any help is appreciated.

 

Check out the ECU diagnosis sticky and start from there....

 

is the whrr like a grinding noise or what? need better description lol

 

from your description, my first guess would be that noise you're hearing is your starter sticking. it seems many people here on the or, myself included, have that issue. it can be easily fixed by removing the starter, cleaning out the old dry grease, and regreasing it. that should rid the start up noise.

also, as said above, please read the stickies, especially the one that says "help my cel is on what should i do?!" those should clear things up for you. goodluck

 

Thought I read somewhere it was the fuel pump that makes the noise when you turn the key to ACC

 

it's not the fuel pump noise because it doesn't happen when i turn the key to the ACC. the whrrrr noise occurs only after i start the car. do you think it could be an alternator belt that is too tight/ not tight enough? what would that noise sound like? and also is the starter located on top of the tranny? sorry if i'm asking stupid questions, just tryin to get this mug fixed.

 

I'd get the car looked at because you shouldn't leave the car off for 9 months straight. It's not good for all the fluids to be sitting there dormant for that amount of time.

 

just had the cel light checked and it threw a 0505 which is "no error detected"? why would it do that? and one more question, guys, my steering is very very off. i had an alignment done and the mechanic said that my alignment is good, but my steering pulls to the right when driving straight. he told me the cause is that my steering is messed up. i haven't been into any major accidents or anything. what do you think is wrong? i don't want to bring it to the dealership unless i have to because i have no money. i just changed the rotors, brake master cylinder, brake pads, spark plugs, an ignition coil, 2 axles, tires, alignment, alternator, battery, an oil change and got a new paint job. my friend said i need to flush the radiator, too

 

it is most likely your starter. like jepht20 said, the grease in your starter could be dry and that's what's making the winding noise. you could easily do that. http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516 here's the link on how to do it. there's a slight possibility it could be your timing belt. just loosen or tighten it a little and find out.

 

I have the same problem. It happens immediately after the car has started and it sounds like a chokin motor spinning out of control.

 

flushing the radiator is an easy 10 minute job; you don't even need a Hayne's manual to do it.

as for your steering problem, have you checked your tire pressures? if they are off, it can give you problems.

 

^^^or your tires could have a radial pull, if tire pressure is good rotate like this

1 2 4 1
3 4 <2,4 front of car 2 3 <1,3 front of car and see if it changes the pull

 

thanks for all of the help guys. i just want to say that this forum is great! there is just one problem, though. i can't seem to go to the search page does anyone know when it will be back up? and also our cars don't need premium gasoline, right? asking dumb questions because i'm new to maximas, sorry.

 

only way you can search is to donate to the org

 

if you haev any more question look in the stickes it answers alot of your questions. and yes you are suppose to only use premium gas. if you use a lower grade you have a chance to lose horsepower and car will not run as good.

 

does anybody understand what he said?