I have the 2003 S60 2.5T AWD Volvo. I've had it for about a year now, and yesterday a strange noise / whine started from the engine compartment. The noise starts the moment the car turns on and stops about five minutes after the car is shut off. It's coming from the front left area of the engine compartment. As far as I can tell the noise is coming from under the air filter or in that vacinity.

-Evaporator / Blower?

I know Volvo's have an evaporator that's meant to get rid of moisture that can stay on after the car is turned off. I know how that sounds (has sounded until now?), and this is new and much louder. The noise reminds me of the sound effect used on TV anytime a peice of machinery lifts something up. A constant electric whine (although I wouldn't rule out a fan of some sort). It's quite loud. I can even hear it in the cabin when the engine is on and the car is moving (at least at low revs). For the five minutes it's on after the car has been shut off it really sounds abnormal.

2nd Question: I recently had an oil & air filter change, and while investigating the whine noise discovered that the plastic air intake that runs from the front grill to the air filter compartment had not been properly mated to the air filter. Instead it was just sitting unattached aimed at the opening but slightly offset. I was able to plug it back in properly, but should I worry about anything, check anything?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Joe

 

1. Do you have headlight wipers?

2.I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

Yes, I have headlight wipers.

Joe

 

Maybe the drivers side is bad.
When it is making the noise try playing with the wiper arm and see if it moves or you feel the motor running.

 

Thanks, I'll check it. I guess that also provides a possible explanation for why the noise started.. With all the snow and ice in Toronto recently, I wouldn't be surprised if the headlight wipers got stuck.

Still, the more I listen to that noise the more it sounds like some sort of fan. I'll see if I can get the headlight wiper moving, and if not head to the dealer. I'll be sure to post any results here in case anyone else has this problem.

Joe

 

Big thanks to Tech! I fiddled with the front left headlight wiper before starting the car and the noise disapeared (or failed to re-appear)
Its been a couple days now, so that seemed to solve the problem. I wish all car problems were this easy to solve. Thanks again Tech!

Joe

 

Glad to help.