Expert: All Wheel Drive Auto Date: 3/10/2008 Subject: 2003 Subaru Forester XS - Whistling Noise when auto is stopped
Question I have a 2003 Subaru Forester XS with 89,000 miles. Sometimes, after a long drive, I hear a whistling noise from around the radiator. I have heard the noise 4 or 5 times. I drive 40 miles to work. This is when I notice the noise. When I take shorter trips I do not notice the noise. I hear the noise, after I turn the car off. It might also make the noise when the car is running, but I keep forgetting to check after the long drive. The radiator is not losing fluid. I have removed the radiator cap and made sure it is tight when I put it back on. I have not tried replacing the radiator cap. I do not know if the noise is from the radiator. But it is from that area of the car. About a month ago, I took my car to a Subaru dealer for the 90000 mile maintenance. They did not find any problems. About 2 weeks after the maintenance, I noticed the noise. I am not suggesting there is any connection. But if the noise had occurred before the 90000 maintenance, I would have asked them to look at it. I have not contacted the dealer for suggestions.
Thank you for any help, which you may provide.
Mark
Answer Mark,
This is a tough one to answer. A couple of things in that area to make noise would be a hiss type noise from the AC system as the pressure equalizes after shut off but i am not sure why it wouldn't have been present before. Another thing could be the overflow bottle for the coolant level is low and maybe pressure is escaping past the radiator cap into to the empty bottle and making noise.
Mark,
Sometimes we can be more sensitive to noises after service. Or it truly may be something is wrong. If it was here I am sure we would get to the bottom of it but, it is difficult to know how to advise you without hearing it.
