High pitch whistle sound from steering column ?
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Joined: Oct 2004
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High pitch whistle sound from steering column ?
Hi All...
On rare occasions (2 times a week approx.) after I insert & turn the key to start my 2002 ML-320 (automatic trans), I hear a distinct, high pitch "whistle" sound that appears to be coming from the steering column, that lasts from 5-20 seconds. It usually happens when the car is cold. I haven't seen the dealer, because it is such a rare occurrence. Has anyone else experienced or heard of this? Thanks!
On rare occasions (2 times a week approx.) after I insert & turn the key to start my 2002 ML-320 (automatic trans), I hear a distinct, high pitch "whistle" sound that appears to be coming from the steering column, that lasts from 5-20 seconds. It usually happens when the car is cold. I haven't seen the dealer, because it is such a rare occurrence. Has anyone else experienced or heard of this? Thanks!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Whistle
Originally Posted by sosh
Sound to me like it could be the E Box fan that is forward of the driver under the hood a fairly common issue with an easy fix
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 282
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From: Brisbane, Australia
2002 ML320, 2003 A160
My car makes this noise too, and I described it to MB technicians but they'd never heard of it.
Other owners may notice this as a high-pitched tone or whistle, a continuous sound heard as soon as you start from cold. It lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to 15 minutes. If you put your head into the passenger footwell you can hear it loudest there.
Reading MB discussion boards, I have found out the exact problem - a faulty "module box blower motor" (the MB technical name), also known as a "fusebox blower motor" which you can order from any MB online parts dealer.
I will have mine replaced under warranty at my next service visit.
The purpose of this motor is to maintain the fusebox at an optimum temperature. It receives input from the Climate Control System.
Other owners may notice this as a high-pitched tone or whistle, a continuous sound heard as soon as you start from cold. It lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to 15 minutes. If you put your head into the passenger footwell you can hear it loudest there.
Reading MB discussion boards, I have found out the exact problem - a faulty "module box blower motor" (the MB technical name), also known as a "fusebox blower motor" which you can order from any MB online parts dealer.
I will have mine replaced under warranty at my next service visit.
The purpose of this motor is to maintain the fusebox at an optimum temperature. It receives input from the Climate Control System.
