Hi, Everyone.

I have a strange new sound whenever my car starts cold.

As soon as the ignition key goes to the ON - 3 (Normal operating) position, this weird whirling 'wee' sound lasts for about two seconds.

I also heard it the other day after coming back from a drive and stopped the engine.

Here's a YouTube link to a video a took where you can hear the issue within the first three seconds:
I had my alternator replaced back in November 2009 with a remanufactured one. Could this thing be acting up?

Thanks to any and all who can help me to identify what's going on.

 

Isn't that the exact time when the fuel pump makes the soft hum noise?

Right before I cold-start my max, and put the key in ON but don't start the engine, I hear the fuel pump. I'd say that is the same moment you are getting the noise...

**edit**

Thinking about it... I remember when I had a bad ABS sensor, the ABS light came up and (i think) the ABS actuator made a noise when putting the key in ON, but not as loud as the one in your video. Are you getting an ABS lignt?

 

I'm not sure what a bad IACV stepper motor sounds like, but you could always unplug it and turn the key to "on" position. You could try the same test with fuel pump.

 

Do you have an auto or manual tranny? It may be your electronic motor mounts if you are an auto tranny. Those are easy to diagnose as you can see them above the motor and put your ear relatively close.

Also, check your cooling fan motors. It may one of those where the bearing is going out.

 

That noise is definitely the electric motor mounts. Just unplug them, and run around without the mounts adjusting for idle/above idle conditions. I did, and I am very happy. There is a post on this forum that has pictures for the exact location of the motor mount harnesses. There are two mounts that need to be unplugged.