Has anyone else experienced this? I think it might have something to do with the near 0 degree temps we're having in Chicago this week...

Anyway, at start-up, there is a whining/whirring noise coming from what seems to be the passenger-side firewall or glovebox... I've turned off the HVAC system completely, turned off the radio, put my finger over the ANC mics, etc. I can't figure out what is causing the noise. It seems to disappear after the car is warmed up. It reminds me of the fuel pump noise that used to bother my dad in his 2000 Mercedes E430.

Anyone else have this issue and/or find a solution?

Randy
about to hit 9,000 miles on the RL
Chicago, IL

Photos of my Celestial Silver RL

 

I've never heard this noise but then again it rarely gets below 50 degrees here either.

 

I also live in the Chicago area and notice a similar noise when the vehicle is at idle. It's harder for me to tell where the noise is coming from. It does sound similar to a fuel pump type noise.

 

12 degrees today and I didn't hear it

 

Yes, at -26 to -6 below my RL whines until it warms up. The car starts fine even at -26 probably because I use mobil 1.

 

It has been really cold in Philly recently (around 10 degrees). I heard the same whining noise at start-up.

 

I would not call it a whining noise but closer to a humming noise. It is intermitent, can't realy determine any pattern. I know this sounds strange, but if I move forward in the drivers seat, it goes away. Almost like it is an electronic sensor in the seat.

Has anyone experienced this humming noise?

My Rl only has 2300 miles. I did not notice it until I started lowering the volume on the stereo system.

Other than that, I love the car.

 

I finally figured out what the noise is....on the dash, near the steering column, under the wood trim, is a small opening which I believe holds the sensor for monitoring the interior temp. There is a small fan of some sort, and that is what is causing the noise at startup, especially in cold exterior temps. I'll have Acura look into it or lube the fan at my next oil change.

Randy

 

I realize this is an old thread...

RandyChicago - did your sound occur when the car was parked and idling? I have a whine in my 2005RL that only occurs when it is very cold AND when I reach about 30MPH. It cuts out at 38MPH and goes away altogether after a few minutes of driving.

I'd like to know if it could be the same problem you found. Was the dealer able to address it?

 

I've heard this before in my RL when it had been in park for 30 minutes and when I had been going 40 mph while exiting. I don't know what causes the whine but I don't think it is a serious problem.