My '98 SE has started making a whining noise when it is started in the frigid cold we've been enjoying in Chicago this winter. It isn't too loud...some music on the radio covers it up...but its definitely not normal. The whining speeds up when I rev the engine. The sound completely goes away once the engine is totally warm.

I'm guessing this might be a belt, but if its not...what do I check out next?

 

Alternator might be going bad, pop your hood and check when you hear the noise, that usually makes a whining noise when they are about to crap out.

 

Same with the water pump as well.

 

Check your alternator and make sure your belts are tight. I had the same problem and it was my alternator too, but by then it was too late and my car left me stranded

 

Would an alternator only make the whining noise when the car is cold?

 

i know water pumps make that screeching noise (my car and my moms car both do it) but only in winter and i talked to a few people and they said its not really a cause for concern

 

check/tighten the belt as well. always go with the cheap/easy stuff first LOL