This morning on my way to work as I exited the freeway I noticed a humming sound coming from the front of the car. Seems like a fan motor running. I turned off the engine and it was gone. But as soon as I switch the ignition on without starting, I could hear the humming again. Any Ideas what is causing this? Did not have time to really look. could it be the air pump? Will appreciate all inputs. Thanks.

 

Air conditioner?

 

Cooling fan for the radiator.

 

Thanks for the response. I ruled out the A/c as the sound was coming from the engine compartment. It does not sound like the cooling fan though as the sound seems to be coming from the back of the radiator.

 

Does your car have headlight wipers?

 

Yes is does have headlight wipers.

 

Could it be a relay?

 

Turn the key on and see if you hear the noise if so then try to move the wiper arm.If you don't hear it then pull the washers and see if the noise starts.

I think you may have a bad headlight wiper motor.

 

Thanks for all the inputs. I am still at work and will look at it as soon as I get off. I will let you know what happens.

 

Sounds like a plan.

 

Thanks tech. You hit it right. It was the Headlight Wiper Motor. I turned on the ignition and the sound was still there. Wiggled the arm of the wiper and the sound ceased. Any suggestions how to fix this as it just might come back sooner or later. How do I access the motor?

 

There really isn't much to do to repair it.
Your better off replacing it.
They are located under the headlight from under the hood.They are a pain to get to.

 

Thanks again for the info Tech. Is there any easy way I could disconnect the motor temporarily until I have the time to replace them?

 

The plug should be somewhere around the headlight.Look for a plug with wiring that goes under the headlight.