It seems that I only hear it when its warm outside at any speeds. Does not do it unless the car is moving. It seems to be coming from either behind the dash, in the wheel well or in the engine comaprtment in front of the driver. Any ideas? I have a 97 max with 62k. I did have the front struts replaced about 6 months ago. I doubt its that. I do have squeeking brakes however. Could it be that brake pads are loose. I doubt this too because I have heard the chirp while braking. Any ideas?

 

lately, i hear this damn chirping noise coming from the engine compartment with my headlights/fogs all on, on cool nights (like 50 degrees or so). I pulled up next to parked cars, and push on the gas, and it makes this sick squeak/chirp type noise. So i got out, pulled the parking brake REALLY hard, and opened up the hood, and revved it from under there, and i could hear the noise coming from inside the plenum manifold (along with the normal air rush noise). Dunno what this could be, and if its related to my squeaky pulley (even though it didnt seem like the chirp was coming from the pulleys). Help! car goes in to dealer on tuesday

 

A chirping sound could be indicative of worn motor mounts. I'll ket DBM explain it better.

 

I was thinking of that too...i do have a rough idle, adn when i put my car in reverse, i hear a "thunk" sound coming from the front area. However, its weird since my car idles at 650 in drive MOST of the time, and sometimes it is very nice and smooth. Then i could turn the car off, run an errand, and come back, and the car woudl idle rough at stop lights (all while in drive or reverse of course).

 

Can you replicate the sound by hitting the throttle while parked?

 

Yes, while in park, if i hit the throttle up to say, 1500 rpms, and while its coming back down, i hit it again, it will make the chirp noise. i should also note that when I am in drive, and if i'm driving alongside a large brick wall or a whole bunch of parked cars, and i hit the gas from start, it makes the noise for a couple of seconds, which is quite long! However, if I am already at 1000rpms, and i'm holding it steady, I dont think it will make the noise when i hit the gas harder and rev to 2000.

 

Raise the front of the car and support it on sturdy jackstands. Spin each front wheel by hand and listen. If the sound can be heard, slide under and have an assistant spin the wheel(s). A length of rubber vacuum hose may be a helpful listening aid. Possible causes include ...
- a stone caught in the brake caliper area, rubbing on the rotor
- a splash guard bent so that it touches the rotor
- a brake shim which has escaped and is touching the rotor
- a dry wheel bearing seal
- Constant Velocity joint
- axle support bearing (passenger side only)