Hey guys, well my GF just got a used 8 - 2004 corporate leased with about 42K on it and it has a very strange habit, sometimes when you start it cold (only when it's cold) there is a loud, but high pitched wistle for about 10 seconds.. that just kind of dies off - the first time I heard it I was almost 50 feet away and I heard it clear as day. It sounds almos like a dog whistle that we can actually hear, very high pitched.

I've done some searching around the forum for whistling sounds, but couldn't find my exact problem. A lot of people say it's an alt bearing or maybe a vacuum leak.. I would probably have to agree with the vacuum leak first, but I was wondering if anyone knew of something that might be causing that before I take it to the stealership. Thanks for your help guys

 

If it's a whistle and not a screech(loose belt), then it's likely the air pump(not an issue).
Need help with searching skills as they are a bunch of threads on this.

 

ok cool - at least it's not a problem.. I appreciate the help..

 

There is a DIY on this but he hasn't finished it. But possible air pump taking a dive. Won't hurt the car, just make it harder to get warm. Track cars don't have them usually, what I'm jabbing at is, not an issue.

 

I have an '04 also, and some of the guys in the local club commented when they heard my car start about how this "whistle or whine" is on my car.

I've had the car for just under a year now and its made this noise every time i've started it.

I assume, like everyone else, that its normal for '04s and nothing to worry about.

 

yeah airpump running is normal sound!