Electrical "whine"
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Electrical "whine"
Hello all. When I start up my '98, I notice a higher pitch "whine" in the speakers. If I turn on the signals, the noise goes up and down (which makes me think it's some sort of ground problem.) The noise is there regardless if the radio is on or off. Anyone else had this problem? Is there something that can be done to get rid of it? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
I don't think it's the alternator (can they go bad at 17,500 miles?) The noise is at a constant pitch, and does not get higher with increased RPM's (which I would think would be alternator induced.) The noise does get lower/higher when using turn signals, hitting the brakes, etc...
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Sterling Virginia
Originally Posted by Chicago
Hello all. When I start up my '98, I notice a higher pitch "whine" in the speakers. If I turn on the signals, the noise goes up and down (which makes me think it's some sort of ground problem.) The noise is there regardless if the radio is on or off. Anyone else had this problem? Is there something that can be done to get rid of it? Thanks!
-Rich
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Sounds like a ground problem when you mention the turn signals. Need to find out which ground pack is used for the stereo system. Proably same ground pack for your turn signals. I would start there. The ground packs in these cars have been known to go bad. I have removed every one I have had to touch. I cut all the wires out, solder them together, then solder on a ring terminal and reattach it to ground location. I also clean the ground location free of all paint. Once it is all clean and remounted I put a little silicone on the connection. This seals the area the paint is missing from and keeps the grounding nut/screw from loosing.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
You know, the second I read the post about the fuel pumps, I remember reading about it a long time ago. The noise is right behind the drivers seat. Survey sez: DINGDINGDING! By the way, I'm sure I'll have a million more questions along the way. I would also like to check the grounding points and clean them, just because.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Meadows Place Texas
I don't know what year your vette is. However, there was a recall on the 98 C5's. The recall was to replace fuel pumps that had a loud whine. The 1988 Coupe in the picture below had that recall done. Good thing it was a GM recall, they had to drain the tanks, remove them, disassemble them, replace the pumps, then put it all back together again. It took a couple of days. However, it did cure the problem.
The service pro told me when the fuel pumps stay completely submerged until the fuel level goes below 1/2 full. Keeping the pumps completely submerged helps them run cooler, keeps the noise down, and extends the life of the fuel pumps.
best of luck,
dave
The service pro told me when the fuel pumps stay completely submerged until the fuel level goes below 1/2 full. Keeping the pumps completely submerged helps them run cooler, keeps the noise down, and extends the life of the fuel pumps.
best of luck,
dave
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Originally Posted by vizette
What you're hearing is the fuel pumps. Mine whine as well, and it fluxuates when you hit the brakes or turn signals or anything that draws significant current (rear defrost).
-Rich
-Rich
My '98 does the same thing. A little louder when the tanks are full. GM was selectively changing some out under warranty - I left mine alone - 6 years later a lot of mods and still no problem, just a little whine. Gives it a little personality.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Whine what whine,, I can't hear it anyway 
.. at least a hearing loss is good for something ,,, but my pumps on the 99 were replaced with the senders all under warranty, so maybe they don't whine 
.
99 Nassau Blue
.. at least a hearing loss is good for something ,,, but my pumps on the 99 were replaced with the senders all under warranty, so maybe they don't whine . 99 Nassau Blue
