So my '02 has had a whining engine noise since I've bought it. I've always thought it was just the character of the car, but I've been thinking about it and I don't think it's right. Could my alternator be bad? The engine just doesn't sound pleasant when I accelerate. The exhaust note is fine, but there is some terrible whining coming from the engine bay. Thanks!

 

could be the alternator. you can use a mechanics stethoscope and see if you can pinpoint the sound when its idling. other thing you can do is remove the drivebelts and let it idle, if the noise stays then still you know its not an accessory like the alternator, PS pump, etc. if it goes away, you know its an accessory making the noise

 

Thanks man!

 

take the belt off and start the car. If the noise goes away it's a driven component.