Circuit/System Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax and 2015 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Start the engine. Verify the noise can be heard. Compare the concern to a similar vehicle.
Perform a charging system test. Verify that the generator is charging properly.
Inspect the generator, generator mounting, wiring harness, heater hoses, A/C lines, or other accessory equipment that may be incorrectly routed or be the cause of noise being transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Ignition OFF, remove the engine drive belt.
Verify the generator, A/C compressor, water pump pulley, power steering pump, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley spin freely.
- If any of the pulleys do not spin freely
  Replace the affected component.
- If all belt driven components spin freely
Start the engine. Operate the engine for no longer than 30-40 seconds.
Verify that the noise goes away.
- If the noise is still present
  The generator is not the cause of the noise. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
- If noise is no longer present
Inspect for worn accessory drive components or abnormalities such as severe cracking, bumps, or missing areas in the accessory drive belt and/or misalignment of system components