My '02 S4 recently started to emit a high-pitched whine for the first minute or so after I start it in the morning. Eventually, it abruptly stops.

Anyone has seen this before, or know what it is?

I can try to describe it better if you have any questions.

Thanks!

-Ivo

 

Some more info that I gathered this morning:
- The whine comes from near the center-rear of the block.
- It's variable with throttle
- After ~1 minute, some subsystem abruptly stops and the whine stops as well. This subsystem also includes other noise of components spinning, like a fan rush almost.

What subsystem runs at startup for about a minute? I don't think it's the A/C, since I turned it to LO, forcing it on, and the "fan" noise and whine did not return.

-Ivo

 

I have had the same problem and im not sure but i think it has something to do with one of the vacs turning on for emissions if im not mistaken.

 

It's your secondary air pump. It's normal.

Josh

 

normal as said.

 

I read http://forums.audiworld.com/20tfsi/msgs/308.phtml and as you and the dealer confirmed, it is indeed the secondary airpump.

But normal? With that amount of whine? It sounds like some part is about to go.... The car is under warranty so I wouldn't mind if the dealer wants to replace it... We'll see.

 

it is your secondary air pump...but its not normal. its a bad bearing/blade in the pump....

have it replaced.