Ok, I tried searching and didn't find anything, and I know there have been a lot of transmission questions, but here goes. I can hear this whining noise coming from my car at idle. When the RPMs get up high, the whining gets louder. It sounds exactly like a turbo whine.I suspected my transmission, so I let the car idle and put it in neutral, but the whining was still there....think its a loose belt or something??

 

Check belt tension and tighten if necessary, check for cracks on your belts you may want to think about replacing them.

 

Do you have an aftermarket stereo?

 

yes, I do, just speakers though, no sub...thinking maybe the speakers are picking up that alternator whine???

 

Does it do it when the car is stopped and in park (or neutral)? If so, it isn't your tranny. Check the belt tension on the belts, all pulleys to make sure they aren't going bad, and the alternator first if that is your situation.

 

check the belt out...

 

Do you have an aftermarket intake?

 

nope I have a completely stock car mechanically..and it makes the whine when the car is in neutral, and/or with stereo off. I can really hear it loudly when the RPMs get higher.

 

how many miles is on your car?

 

well to eliminate the stereo completely, can you hear this sound outside the vehicle with the doors closed? depending on how the stereo is setup you may still here alternator whine through the speakers even though the stereo is off. If you can go outside the vehicle and hear the whine coming from the engine bay, then it definately is not from your stereo.

 

Do you have an external amp hooked up? If so, how is your ground connection? You may need to add a capaiter to get rid of the whine.

 

not coming from stereo, and ya I can hear the whine outside...

 

I had this same problem except i could not really hear it when my car was at idle. Has it been like this for awhile or just recently started happening?

 

Has been like this at least since christmas..I got the new speakers at christmas, and don't notice it as much now cuz I normally have music turned up..

 

Fuel pump?

 

Take your car to autozone they can pull your codes if it has any.

If not look for wear, cracks on your belts and replace if necessary.

put fuel injector cleaner in your tank Before your next tank fill.

I always use Lucas

Do not fill up gas until your EMPTY light comes on.

after 2 more normal tank fill ups (do not add any more fuel treatments)

change your fuel filter.

it may just be a clogged fuel filter or trash in the bottom of your tank.

 

ok sounds good guys, thanks...also, does anyone have an oil preferrence?? and would that make a difference?? I have heard that pennzoil is bad, and that is what they use at the dealership when I get an oil change...am I better to do it myself and put synthetic or something better in?? I'm also looking at putting a K & N drop in filter in, any good/bad things about that?? its not a CAI, just a filter to replace my current paper one..I shouldn't have to worry about MAF, my car was made in february of 2002..thanks again!

 

There's an oil and lube forum here on the .org that may help more than this particular one may for the first questions. Also, www.bobistheoilguy.com (BITOG) has a ton of good info, literally hours of reading on the subject of which oil is better or worse. I suggest doing some reading there if you really want a lot of info or "more informed" decisions. Take it with a grain of salt, however. Not everyone drives a Nissan on there as opposed to 99% of those that post on this forum so they may not know the little things that those on this forum do.

You're going to get a lot of "Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30" replies if you start asking about oil preferences. It isn't a bad choice, not at all. I'm currently on 3,100 miles or so with it in my crankcase and it still looks like new. With you being in ND, I'd suggest something a little more suited to the cold, maybe 0W-30. That being the case, a lot of people will suggest on BITOG German Castrol (Castrol Syntec 0W-30 manufactured in Germany). I've been told it is only available at AutoZone here in the US. I am going to that myself on my next oil change.

If you want to stay with non-synthetic (dino oil), I would suggest Castrol GTX, again thinking about the weight vs. the temp factor. Don't get me wrong, 5W-30 will probably be just fine, even in the coldest of temps, but it isn't a bad thing to have a little piece of mind.

And, don't forget to get a quality filter. I would highly suggest trying a Purolator PureONE filter. They are much cheaper than the Mobil 1 filter and the K&N filter (at least they are cheaper in my neck of the woods) and do just as well. However, Mobil 1 and K&N filters are also top notch. And, don't forget about the Wix filters; another good choice. The OEM Nissan filters aren't bad either, just a pain to get where I am so I haven't used one in a while.

A K&N air filter is a good investment. They can be cleaned and if you maintain them they will last for the life of the car. There is a write-up, also on BITOG, that suggests they aren't a lot better than paper filters when it comes to flow-rates but I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing one. I've not heard of too many folks hurting their MAFs by using one, mostly it happens when someone over oils it after cleaning so just remember that when you clean.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

Have you tried the alternator? Mine recently started to whine. The mechanic at the Nissan dealership put a long screwdriver on it at idle and you can hear the wine transmitted through the screwdriver. It changes with engine pitch... Rev up, it gets louder. Good luck!