Q: High pitch squeal

asked by on March 11, 2017

High pitch squeal when accelerating from the vents. When I turn on the heat or cold it faints out. But only does this rarely.

My car has 160000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hello, thank you for writing in. If the issue is related to the drive belts (which are commonly known for excess squealing sounds when needed maintenance), then you would likely be able to hear it better from outside of the vehicle. If this is not the case and you are hearing in primarily inside, there may be an issue with the HVAC blower motor. That being said, there are bearing inside of that fan that can develop noises when they are dry or failing. These are not uncommon to replace, specially if you use the climate control system constantly or often. For more help locating and correcting the squeal, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Belt or tensioner squeaking.
This issue could be either part or the need to replace both. The belt if worn could cause the noise. The tensioner may not provide enough tension and could be the problem/. If the tensioner is bad then it is...
Power steering fluid leaking
Hello there! This sounds like a malfunctioning power steering pump, which is common for your vehicle. If this is the case, the location of the leak makes sense because the power steering pump is located on the passenger front side...
Car/ steering wheel shakes/ rattles only when breaking.
It sounds like you have warped brake rotors which should probably be replaced. Sometimes you can have them machined, but once they get warped it makes much more sense to replace them. If the brakes are less than 50% wear,...
Milky residue at the oil cap
That depends on a lot of things. If you don't drive much, especially if you are one of those people like my wife who drives 3 miles to work and 3 miles back, you can get an oily residue. This...
The battery keeps getting drained and dying out
Hello. It is possible that the your 2003 Lexus SC430's computer is draining the battery during the time that it is not being driven. It is never a good idea to let a car sit for extended periods of time...
Can a bad muffler cause a smog test to fail?
Hello. You need to see why the last smog failure was for. If the failure was excessive O2 in the exhaust test, then it could be the muffler. If it is for high HC or CO then it may be...
Rhythmic moaning noise that starts at ~30mph and grows in intensity as speed increases - what could it be?
Hey there. This is a common sign of failing wheel bearing(s) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement). A wheel bearing will usually fail due to pitting or small damage on the surface of the rollers or the bearing race. Both the surface of the rollers...
My car starts, runs, and goes into gear but it won't move.
Hi there. Check the torque converter bolts and make sure that they are installed into the flex plate. The sound is the torque converter hitting the sides of the bell housing. It also could be the flex plate being broke...
sway bar bushing replacement and motor mounts
Hi there. In order to supply you with an accurate estimate for theses services, we need you to request a price quote for the engine mount replacement; as we need to collect additional information about your car and location. Simply...

Related articles

2012 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2012 Dodge Ram: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a way to get a load of mulch or gravel, or need to haul a large trailer or boat behind your vehicle, chances are you are looking for a truck. Trucks are not meant to...
2012 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Ford Fusion: Which One Should I Buy?
When you want a midsize sedan, you’re looking for something that will offer you the best fuel economy for the size as well as additional safety features that will keep your family safe while you’re driving across town or around...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...