I have a 96 wag 2.8. the car was idle for 3-4 days a little cold weather, upon start up a high pitched whining when i reved the engine.
it was just running in my driveway. after warming up nothing. ran fine. it didnt sound like a belt squeek.
any ideas?

thanks.

Have you checked your power steering fluid? Mine was doing that in cold weather and the fluid level was below the Min mark.

thanks, I will check.

I just had this problem a month ago and also found the power steering fluid was low. Flushed it and found a bad hose clamp that was causing a slow leak. Once I replaced the clamp and had the correct amount of fluid...no more whine.

I will def check it. Where is the resivour located? I have a 2.8.
But why would the noise go away after warming up?
This just started with a few cold days here.

When you pop the hood it's on the right side (driver's side). My '98 had a green cap on it. Check your owner's manual if for some reason you don't find it. It will tell you right where it's at.

Not sure why the noise goes away once it's warm.

I know the audis use different type of fluid. what type/drand?

It contains something called Petosin or Pentosin. Can't remember for sure. I bought it from the dealer for about 25 bucks per liter.

You may be able to buy it a bit cheaper from Shokan or the one this forum has deals with! Correct me if I'm wrong, I think VW supplies the same on its cars. So maybe a VW dealer will give you a better price?

Jukeit,

I notice you have a non-functional sunroof. Do you want it fixed? Mine was not working (I own a 97A6) and during the process of fixing it, I almost found all the components for much less than the dealer. I never bought any since it just turned out to be a misplaced fuse!

Just figured I'd ask,

Kianoosh

The correct fluid is Pentosin 11s

Thanks Jest. Any idea on the original noise.
High pitched noise upon cold start, not a belt squeek that stops after wartming up?

Hey Kianoosh, just PM'd you concerning the sunroof.

Beefski, I thought my problem was a belt too, but the noise cleared when I brought the power steering fluid level within spec. Have you checked your level yet?

Have not yet had a chance to. Car is in shop for alignment. I will check this weekend.
Any idea why it stops when warm?

Check your secondary air injection pump. Its on the lower passenger side of the engine compartment. It only runs for a short time after startup and then goes off when the car is warmed up.

I now have my first CEL. DAM!! Could these be related?

the noise seems to come from the driver side, in the lower engine bay

get fault codes;)

yes, i know. i contacted someone here with a vag com to see if he will help me out.
is it bad to drive the car with the cel? the car seems to run fine.

not really that bad as long as engine runs ok, when its bad the ECU goes into limp home mode to protect the engine and electronics, a get you home thing

thanks, engine seems to run fine. all guages read ok, oil temp, coolant temp etc.
oil is full, power steering fluid full.

i wonder if this noise and the cel are related.

could be cam/knock sensor but no point guessing at this time, it would seem its ok to drive your motor just keep an eye on main things like water/oil plus other fluids

RED light means stop now, orange/yellow is just a warning;)