Speed-dependent whine/buzz in cabin

[t4rjasper]

My 2003 V6 makes an annoying mosquito-like buzz that varies with vehicle speed. It starts at about 10 MPH and increases in pitch as vehicle speed increases. It is not a function of either engine speed or transmission gear, which makes me think it is a digital speed sensor or transducer under the dash. Anyone have a similar experience and, if so, how can I get rid of it?

 

[S p a r k y]

do you have any amplifiers for stereo? Try turning stereo off and see if it still happens.

 

[t4rjasper]

No, the stereo is the factory setup and it's turned off when the noise is happening, but that's exactly the kind of noise it is.

 

[wombie]

Have you checked the seal around the windshield, the windshield wipers, and the blower vents? Sounds a bit daft but any mosquito sounding noise I've ever had in a car that gets worse with speed has just about always been due to one of those three things.

 

[t4rjasper]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm pretty certain the buzz is electronic but I was planning to go over the windshield seals anyway as highway trips will start happening soon. You never know, it might be something on around the glass.

 

[wombie]

This is a longshot because it doesn't necessarily fit the conditions you noticed, but I figure I'd mention it just incase:

The only other buzzing sound I've had in a 4th Gen was from the brake booster/master cylinder. It is a pretty noticeable sound. Try opening the hood, starting the engine, and getting a buddy to depress the brake peddle while the truck is in Park. You should be able to get the booster to start buzzing.

 

[MICA4R]

If your IPOD or IPHONE is charging via Cig lighter and hooked up to AUX, it whines, its the alternator you are hearing in your speakers.

I had this prob because I bought a $0.75 ipod charger

If it goes away with the radio off, then its something else.

 

[rybomac]

How's your wheel bearings?

 

[CNJ Runner]

After my alarm was installed, they put a new hole in the firewall and didnt seal it. I heard like a whosshing sounds that got louder with acceleration an rpms. look under your hood , on the drivers side against the engine bay and truck. theres a like a black soft plastic cap. check to see if theres any wires going in there that arent sealed around I sealed all of them ad the sound went away. gl

 

[t4rjasper]

All good tips guys, thanks. Funny thing is, in checking all your theories I'll probably end up finding other things that need TLC. If and when I locate the source of the noise I'll let you know. I really think it's an electronic gizmo under the dash but I've been wrong before, as my wife keeps pointing out.