Hello All...how are you doing...

Firstly, I must say that this website and its contributors are a great source of info and therapy:-). Secondly, I have to say that the 3.2 TL is a beautiful car in terms of engineering and ride quality - I plan to buy another.

I own a 2001 3.2 TL and have noticed the following two sounds coming from the same area - the front passenger side air vent.

1) From day one, I've noticed a whistling noise which can get quite loud. This noise starts after the car has been driving for at least 10 mins AND I have stopped the car (e.g., at a stop light). This noise seems to disappear when I start driving again and then re-starts at the next stop. Also, this noise comes and goes and sometimes, I drive the car without hearing it at all - I figure that I hear this sound 7 out of 10 times that I drive the car.

2) When the weather is cold and the climate control is cranked up, I sometimes hear a high pitched shrill or whirring. This sounds only seems to start after the climate control has been cranked up and the engine has been running for at least ten minutes (i.e., when the car has warmed up). This sound also comes and goes and sometimes, I drive the car without hearing it at all. When the sound does start, it stops as soon as I turn off the climate control.

Sometimes I can hear both sounds at the same time. Since they both seem to come from the same area (front passenger side air vents), I hope that the sounds are either normal OR share the same cause. Basically, it sounds like there might be something stuck in the vent (like a leaf) that sometimes interrupts the air flow - but that's just a guess.

Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS

 

I have the same noises coming out of my TLS. It's normal!

 

well..i have the #2 sound. if its the same problem as mine, its definately not normal. stupid thing is i noticed it while i was in warranty but never brought it in

it definately sounds like there something stuck in there. i couldnt find anything when i changed the filters. i just hit the recirc button and it goes away for a while

 

I have a 99TL and have encountered the same problem. It has not happened for quite a while, but that may be because it has been cold the last few months. The noise would come and go just as you described.

 

Noise #1 is probably the A/C compressor kicking in and pressurizing the condenser coils. That's probably why you don't hear it all the time. Try switching the A/C on and off (and setting the climate control appropriately) and see if you can associate the sound with it. I had the same sound in my Accord.

Noise #2 could be a fan or the particular way the recirculation valve is located.

Noise #1 doesn't bother me in the least. Noise #2 is annoying only when I'm at a dead stop for long periods of time.

 

I have a 99 TL & I hear the same noises from the same place (passenger side) it happens sporadically, that's why it's hard to take to the dealership to be serviced. They'll most likely want to hear it so they know what there dealing w/

 

It is very normal... In fact, I notticed it the first week of my purchase! It did bother me... xtremely little tho... Now I tend to not hear it as much anymo.

 

Thanks very much to those who responded...your input is greatly appreciated.

Again, I must state how helpful this site is...and how much I enjoy driving the TL...it's addictive :-)