I have a 2000 explorer with 19K miles on it. Recently when I start the car on really cold days it makes a loud humming noise, almost like a vacuum noise. I took it to the dealers, but they are unable to duplicate the noise because the car is warmed up by then. The car seems to mak a low pitch whining noise, when really cold, (the temp gauge needle is on cold) once the temp gauge reaches the mid point (warm) the noise stops. Any ideas? The dealer things it may be the IAC, but the car does not stall or appear to have any other issues at this time. The noise just drives me crazy and I'm afraid something major is happening. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

Most likely power steering pump, there are many posts on this board about it. Just seach for cold start noise/whining.

 

Instead of guessing about the source of the noise, open the hood and identify the region or point where the noise seems to be coming from. Point at that area when you talk to the service writer so that they have an idea of where to look.

If you can tell us where the noise is coming from, you will get an informed response.

It also helps to identify what engine you have.

Steve

 

I don't know how cold it is there but here it's been -30 Celsius for a few days and even plugged in my truck(and everyone else's) sounds pretty nasty when starting up cold.
By hearing it you would think something was gonna blow but you sorta get used to it!!
One of the hazards of living in the Great White North!!

 

hmm, when I'm driving late at night, just getting off work, sometimes I'll hear this sound, "brrrrrrrrrrrr" I cant describe it, but it goes away once I press the gas. Any clue?

 

I hear noises in my head when I sit alone in dark rooms, anyone wana help me ? Chances are its just a normal sound when you start up. No engine in the world likes to run under 180 degress and I think every car I have ever had made a little sound at cold start, clicking, whining, tapping. It could just be your fan clutch, mine makes a funny fan whine when its super cold when I first start it under 50 degrees. That and the car is idling around 1500 rpms and you are not used to hearing it idle that fast...... who knows.