is my transmission going? (whining noise... solved: alternator)

hi guys!

i've owned my aveo for about 5 years now. Almost never had any problems that i couldn't fix.

lately though, my car seems to be making a weird whine/humming noise when accelerating.
Happened once out of nowhere. The Check Engine light came on and turned off after 2 days.
car seems to shift fine? maybe slips a bit going towards 2nd gear, which is when the whining is loudest.
RPMs normal.

This whining noise i can describe as the engine trying too hard?
it's there when i turn the car on, even when it idles.

I changed the spark plug wires since one was shot. Car ran better, stronger, and quieter at idle.
but i can still hear it. the car sounds like i'm pressing the gas pedal at all times.
but again, RPMs are at normal levels.

Fluid levels are all good.

I really do not want it to be the tranny. cause obviously it's costly.

anyone ever experience this or can possibly shed some light on this?

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZIf_qE--Q8 (second half shows actual noise)
NOT MY CAR. mine doesn't sound as bad as the car in this video, but it's noticeable.

When you say fluid levels are good, did you check the trans fluid? When was the last time it was changed? This whine only happens on acceleration? You can't hear it when the car is idling? What about idling in gear with someone holding the brake?

yes trans fluid is good. checked it when the engine was hot.
just serviced it yesterday but problem didn't go away, even added lucas tranny fix.

just drove it today, car still sounds like a toy car that's trying hard.
checked if there were any slips, and no. tranny shifts ok the way it always has and RPMs still normal.
it sounds like i'm revving up the car as if the RPMs read 4000 or 5000.
but i'm only going 2000 - 3000 at most. (casual driving, no highway)

car makes the noise at all gears, even when idle. Though when idling it is very minimal.
Idling: low noise
1-3 gear: noise is clearly heard
4 gear (after it reaches 45mph): noise is lower but higher than idle.
(I tink i got the gears right)

i'll shoot a video of my car specifically later on. I even changed the oil to a full synthetic one. Nothing.

Found out it's the alternator. I'm 99% sure as the sound is coming from it.

My car makes a whining sound I thought it had something to do with the timing belt, but after cleaning the throttle body it got worse,(I think ) cuz I spilled antifreeze on the alternator... I may have to look into this. Thanks Newborn.

Alternator confirmed?

I had a Honda Accord that developed an alternator whine. Bushings failed not too long after.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Newborn

The Check Engine light came on and turned off after 2 days.

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Do you have a code reader ... check for a stored code?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Alternator confirmed?

I had a Honda Accord that developed an alternator whine. Bushings failed not too long after.



Do you have a code reader ... check for a stored code?

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Haven't yet replaced the alternator as I'm low on cash. It isn't much of a big job so I'm thinking of doing it myself.

As of now car still has noise.

I took the car to autozone to get some codes.
Nothing major just some "communication error" codes.

Will post the actual codes if it helps once I find the printout if I still have it that is.

You can always pop the belt off to confirm. I just did the alternator on my LS (burned out and battery light came on) it's not too bad, need to pull it from underneath along with the aluminum bracket - took about 1.5 hours.

alternator swap steps:

-Pull the ground lead off battery (10mm)
-Pull the air intake hose
-Remove the nut securing the PS hose located above the alternator (12mm)
-Lift the car and support
-Pop the lower cover off, and serpentine belt
-Pop the 4 pin connector out of the side of the alt
-Remove the ground strap from back of alt (12mm)
-Remove 3 bolts holding the (aluminum) bracket to the block (15mm)
-Loosen the 12mm nut on the pivot bolt (just to allow it to swivel)
-Back on top, remove the 12mm nut/stud holding the alternator at top lug
-Carefully lower the alternator and bracket down - avoid dropping it on the ground!
-From underneath - carefully remove the alternator in the space between the exhaust pipe and frame

To install, reverse the steps.

You can buy a mechanic's stethoscope at Harbor Freight to help trace down bearing noises . You can even tell if it the front bearing or rear bearing on an alternator .

Not that it really matters since most people are just going to slap on another alternator .

Best of luck , :-)

God bless
Wyr

IT WAS the alternator!

just switched it after getting the part.
(55$ free shipping!)

i'm a small guy and getting those stuck on nuts was a pain!

anywho car sounds like its brand new again.

Right on! That is a good deal, mine was $120 something locally.