Cold Start Noise - Honk?

[andrew4321]

Hello, everyone.

Quick question, I have recently had to begin parking my Trailblazer outside , and we've recently had some cold, for New Mexico, temperatures. In the morning when I start up my vehicle, I hear what I would consider a "honk" from the engine bay. I am certain that this is not the SAIS as I am familiar with that noise. The "honk" doesn't last for more than a second or two, and is only present on a cold start after sitting overnight. My Trailblazer seems to be running normally. Any ideas about what could be causing this? Could a part be failing? I'm thinking it is simply a symptom of the cold weather, but better to be safe than sorry, right?
Thanks!

 

[Playsinsnow]

Like a horn "honk"? Or just a groan? Mine makes noises. The colder it is the more noise it will make. Does it run different?

 

[andrew4321]

It sounds like a combination of a brief horn honk and a duck quacking... If that makes any sense. It runs and drives normally.

 

[Playsinsnow]

If temps were below freezing I wouldn't worry about it. Check everything is the tight and still there. Mine makes some odd noises, sometimes sounds like waking an old dog when it's subzero but runs like a champ so no cause for concern.

 

[Wooluf1952]

I would check anything that's turned by the serpentine belt first. Maybe remove the belt before starting and see if the "honk" is still there.
Metal contracts when it's cold and bearings can wobble when turning. The bearings in the belt tensioner and idler pulley would be my first guess.

 

[gary255]

Probably your power steering pump. I have owned two Trailblazers and they both did the same exact thing. Nothing to worry about.

 

[jrSS]

Mine does this on my ss. I imagine it has something to do with the starter being cold. It has always done this. Don't worry.

 

[andrew4321]

I had the idler pulley replace last year. Since it only makes a noise when it is very cold, I don't think i'm going to worry too much about it. I doesn't seem like it is that big of an issue. Just thought I would check. Thanks, all.

 

[Wahugg]

I find when it is really cold out, the starter doesn't always retract from the flywheel fast enough and makes a little chirp noise.

-Wahugg

 

[RayVoy]

When cold, things are a little reluctant to turn. If it sounds like a chrip, I suspect the serpentine belt is slipping just a little, on one of the smooth pulleys.

 

[jrSS]

Its not a damn chirp. More of a honk noise like the op stated. I have the same sound. Always have in cold weather even on my envoy.

 

[RayVoy]

Its not a damn chirp.

Well maybe it's not a damn chirp..........

I imagine it has something to do with the starter being cold.

......but, I'm damn sure there's no horn in the starter.


But, I'll tell ya what, you change the damn belt and the "chirp" will go away.

 

[jrSS]

Lol. Ok im done with this thread. I guess u have NO idea what he and I am talking about.

 

[kickass audio]

Question for you, when it makes that noise is your voltage below 14.4v on the gauge? When its really cold and I start my truck it won't kick the alternator on immediately (by design) and then when it kicks on you hear a moan that sounds like a duck but a very muffled one when it kicks on. See if this is what you are encountering as it does make a weird noise when engaging the alternator. My startup when its cold goes as follows: crank>engine running>alternator kicking on>moan noise>silent. The moan only lasts about 1-2 seconds before it stops.

 

[Inert_Static]

Yeah. That's what mine sounds like also... Muffled duck...

 

[jrSS]

Mine does this the second after the key is turned.

 

[andrew4321]

Yeah. That's what mine sounds like also... Muffled duck...

"Muffled duck" is the best description of the sound thus far. I did not mean for the discussion in this thread to become so... heated. lol

 

[Playsinsnow]

Currently looking for a sound clip of a moaning duck that is gagged or muffled. Can't say I know what it sounds like.

 

[tblazerdude]

well if the truck was "heated" sounds like we wouldn't have this problem. But ya, i know the groan, duck snort growl thing you are talking about. Mine has been doing it for a long time, I wouldn't be concerned. It doesn't do it every time though, and will range from -9 degrees F and 30 degrees F in ambient temp. I was leaning towards power steering as gary255 said. but who knows?; not me and not you.

 

[kickass audio]

Check your voltage when you start, im willing to bet that its just the noise you hear from the alt kicking on after a cold start. Or maybe an bearing is dying out on the starter. Start by monitoring the voltage gauge on the dash when you start, if you see its not at 14.4+ immediately and then after a few seconds it jumps to 14.4 and at that time the noise is made its normal and its from your alt kicking on. If this does not happen then try to turn the truck on, let it sit for a few seconds after running and shut down and restart the engine to see if it does it again.

 

[Playsinsnow]

Any chance for a video? I have a wierd groan on startup when it is subzero and it has been sitting. Never thought anything of it because it has done this the last 7 winters now.

 

[Sparky]

Mine does a whirring groan for a second or two after a cold start. Always has. Wouldn't say it sounds like a honk... maybe it is a different noise than you're describing.

lol this thread is funny. Ducks, horns, and moaning

 

[Playsinsnow]

Just started it to warm up before work, 0*F on display, and it sounded like I stepped on the last breath of a goose a second after ignition. Alternator kicked in at ~10seconds. Just shy of 126k.

 

[kickass audio]

hmm, idk what to say other than maybe try to take off the starter or something and test it for any strange noise. I wouldn't really worry about it honestly. How well do you like to work when its cold out? lol. You are 100% sure its not the SAIS pump? If its cold like that you should be able to hear it after turning on the truck and then turning it right off. Mine is heard when you start the truck and within like 5 seconds of running you shut it off and you will hear a whirring noise that sounds like a jet engine spinning down or a shopvac turning off. If you hear that then it confirms that the pump is working.

What if you turn the key to the run position and leave it sit there? do you hear the noise then? the throttle body flutters to do a quick test when it gets the key turned to run and yours might be dirty or wearing out. If anything try to get a friend help you out. Pop the hood and get under it and have them crank it and try to pin point where the noise is coming from.

 

[jrSS]

Started my truck up this morning..only 1* out side....it actually might be the power steering.

 

[andrew4321]

hmm, idk what to say other than maybe try to take off the starter or something and test it for any strange noise. I wouldn't really worry about it honestly. How well do you like to work when its cold out? lol. You are 100% sure its not the SAIS pump? If its cold like that you should be able to hear it after turning on the truck and then turning it right off. Mine is heard when you start the truck and within like 5 seconds of running you shut it off and you will hear a whirring noise that sounds like a jet engine spinning down or a shopvac turning off. If you hear that then it confirms that the pump is working.

What if you turn the key to the run position and leave it sit there? do you hear the noise then? the throttle body flutters to do a quick test when it gets the key turned to run and yours might be dirty or wearing out. If anything try to get a friend help you out. Pop the hood and get under it and have them crank it and try to pin point where the noise is coming from.

I'm positive it's not the SAIS. If i'm not mistaken, it's not supposed to operate in cold temperatures. Additionally, the sound seems to be coming from the passenger side. I cleaned the throttle body about four months ago, and I don't hear the "fluttering" you mention.

 

[iowamoe300]

I have the same sound and it's definitely not sais. I really think it's the power steering pump. Mine has been doing this for a year or two. Oh does it when it's maybe 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Maybe a sign to replace power steering pump soon?

 

[Mooseman]

I know mine does that when it's really cold, like below -15c, but it's the usual power steering whine/groan and as it warms up, it goes away. Maybe try and pinpoint the noise by having somebody else start it when cold and you're under the hood trying to listen.