2001 Buick Century Logo
Scott Cauley Posted on Apr 13, 2014
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Loud whine coming from engine

When I start my Buick it makes a very loud whine but will become more quite when I shift into reverse or drive. Its still there but less apparent. The whine will become loud again when I push on the accelerator enough to keep my speed up. Not sure if it is related but the car will also stutter for a couple of seconds when trying to start. I had the battery replaced thinking it might be that. What could be the problem? Ive replaced the serpentine belt and water pump which I was told could be the problem but still stuck with this annoying noise.

  • Scott Cauley
    Scott Cauley Apr 15, 2014

    No my check engine light has never come on. Since you mention power steering fluid I do remember a few years ago when I got my oil changed I was advised to get the power steering flushed because the fluid had become black. However, I listened to a family member who said that I should never change it and never got it done.

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2 Answers

Larry Blais

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  • Posted on Apr 13, 2014
Larry Blais
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The whining sound that you here could be coming from a number of places. It may be a coincidence but I think you may be talking about the transmission's pump. You may want to buy a stethoscope. This tool, if properly and carefully used, will help pin point a mechanical noise. Other possibilities are the power steering pump, tensioner and idler bearing, A/C compressor or A/C clutch, or Alternator. I hope this helps, write back if you have any other questions, good luck.

Testimonial: "I believe someone in my family has a stethoscope lying around. What exactly would I need to do to pinpoint whether or not its the transmission?"

  • Larry Blais
    Larry Blais Apr 14, 2014

    Sound will travel around an engine compartment and will confuse you. A stethoscope will remove the echoing and help you pin point the source.With the engine running and making the noise, touch the end of the wand to different parts of the engine and listen for that same noise. As you get closer to the source, the sound will get louder through your stethoscope. Start at the front of the engine, test each componant one by one. If the pullies all pass, including the alternator, water-pump, and A/C unit. Then slowly probe the engine and work back to the transmission. It will take some time but you will see what I'm talking about as soon as you start probing around the engine. I hope that helps, let me know and good luck.

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Cody

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  • Buick Expert 172 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 15, 2014
Cody
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Does your SES light come on? Have you checked your power steering fluid?

  • Scott Cauley
    Scott Cauley Apr 15, 2014

    My check engine light has never come on but since you mention power steering fluid about a year ago when I got my oil changed I was advised to flush the power steering system because the fluid had turned black. However, listening to a family member I didnt get it done. Perhaps I should get that checked again.

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5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 11 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 30, 2008

SOURCE: The problem I posted earlier is on a 1996 Buick LeSabre.

two things it would be 1 your battery could be bad even if it is not
dead and will start your car it could have a bad cell
the other thing could be the belt is loose and not letting the alternator
spin fast to charge the battery so it slips on the belt but thats what the noise is the belt check the battery at autozone for free
and if thats not it its the belt

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Anonymous

  • 32 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 24, 2008

SOURCE: loud tapping noise in engine

It sounds like you have a rod problem. If that is the case the engine will need to be taken apart to be fixed. Price varys from shop to shop but they can do a bunch of tests on it and tell you exactly what is wrong with it for about 80 to 100 dollars

Ronnie Wilson

  • 1596 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 06, 2009

SOURCE: 1993 Buick LeSabre idles too fast

I would Look For A Vacuum Leak, Given the Fact that ALL that Work was Done in a SHORT Amount of Time, And The Brakes ARE VACUUM ASSISTED, that when Brakes are applied the ENG. Light Comes on, Seems to Me It all May be related. It does not take Much to Pop A Vacuum line OFF Accidentally

Anonymous

  • 607 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 30, 2009

SOURCE: 1991 park ave 190k miles, loud bearing noise from

The serpentine belt area is large. Remove belt and spin the IDLER PULLY of the belt TENSIONER. and listen for a bearing noise. A common failure. Hope this helps

Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 04, 2009

SOURCE: My 2000 Buick LeSabre whines and will not shift

it does sound like the transmission has packed it in. you might be able to find a decent used one via a wrecking yard and get a local mechanic to install it.
try to find one out of a car with under 100K miles on it.

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Thanks for using FixYa!

I understand that you are having transmission problems. Sadly there is only one solution with the problems that you have mentioned. You need to have your automatic transmission overhauled.

I hope you get this problem sorted out right away. Have a nice day.
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