Just started in the past month at 64k miles, I'm getting a single "chirp" sound that I'm trying to identify. It's very noticeable with the driver's window down and seems to originate from under the hood, but hard to be positive. Climate Control is off and it's not the under dash chirp that's been reported.

It happens regularly, about once per minute when in motion at city speeds, just a single chirp.

It is NOT related to turning, braking, bumps in the road, or any particular speed.

It seemed to be related to the ICE starting, like a belt slipping, but then today I heard the chirp after I turned the key to start but before the ICE cranked.

So my theory now is some sort of electrical component that cycles on/off and occasionally chirps.

Any ideas at all? Thanks.

 

Your smoke detector needs a new battery. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

 

OK But now you owe me a real theory.

 

Fair enough. All I can think of is something to do with a security system. Did you buy the car new, or ever have a system removed? Does it sound like the chirp people get when they set their vehicle alarms?

 

Thanks for the tip on the security system and I did check it out today. I had the system muted (per the owner's manual) so it should never chirp, and my chirps are more subtle, like a squeak. I'm now 80% convinced the chirps are somehow related to the ICE starting up. I don't think a serpentine belt can slip under load, so still thinking it could be electrical. I'll update if I ever get it fixed.

 

I had a similar problem. It was caused by the battery temp calling for A/C and the compressor cycling on high pressure. ( still not fixed ) I found a work around by turning on the A/C.

When it does it again, turn on your A/C and see if it stops.

AK

 

ak74, thanks, I will try that tomorrow.

 

I still hear the occasional chirping sound with or without the A/C on. It really sounds like a belt chirping when the ICE starts, but then I sometimes hear it with the ICE already running. Anyway, a 1st world problem that I will ignore until something fails.