Circuit/System Testing
- 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. Refer to Charging System Test .
- If the battery is discharged, charge the battery.
- If the generator fails the charging system test, replace the generator.
- Verify that the power steering fluid level is not low, if equipped. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
or Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
.
- Inspect the generator, generator mounting, wiring harness, heater hoses, A/C lines, or other accessory equipment that may be misrouted or be the cause of noise being transmitted into the passenger compartment.
- Ignition OFF, remove the engine drive belts. Refer to one of the following:
- Verify the generator, A./C compressor (if equipped), water pump pulley, power steering pump, idler pulleys, and tensioner pulleys spin freely, and that the pully bearings are not loose.
- If any of the pulleys do not spin freely, or has a loose bearing, replace the affected component.
- Start the engine, with the drive belts removed. Verify that the noise goes away. Operate the engine for no longer than 30 seconds.
- If the noise is still present, the generator is not the cause of the noise.
- Loosen all generator mounting bolts and ensure the generator is properly aligned. Tighten the mounting bolts to specification, refer to Generator Replacement .
- If the noise is still present, replace the generator.