Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > Newbies & FAQs

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-14-2005, 07:09 PM   #1
FD777
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 84820
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Sedan
Crystal Gray

Default High Pitched Whistle at 3K RPM

Let me first introduce myself since this is my first post. Been reading the forums for a few years but I recently purchased (April 05) an 05 WRX. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to cars, but I'm here to learn. Now onto my question...

When I'm driving on the freeway in 5th gear, I hear a "Whistle" or a "Whine" at about 3K RPM. It can be heard at 2.5K though. Sounds like its coming from underneath the hood. Its proportional to how much gas I give it. i.e. More pedal = higher pitched sound and foot off the pedal = sound gone. So I'm guessing that rules out the engine. Should I be able to hear my turbo when I'm only cruising? Anyways, any help is appreciated.

Oh, lastly... no mods to my car. Has 6K miles. 1st oil change at dealership done at 2.5K. 2nd oil change done at 5K by myself. Broken in by the book. I don't abuse my car but I don't mind pushing it every once in a while.

Thanks in advance.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
FD777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 08-14-2005, 07:10 PM   #2
AndyH
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 2133
Join Date: Aug 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Minneapolis, MN USA
Vehicle:
2005 STi WRB/Gold
2005 S4 Avant

Default

Sounds like normal turbo-spooling sound to me, nothing to worry about. Enjoy your WRX!
AndyH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 07:13 PM   #3
Rymep
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 77812
Join Date: Dec 2004
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Vehicle:
2006 WRX TR
Blue

Default

How loud is it exactly? If it's kinda quiet, then it's probably the turbo, if it's a squeeling that's hurting your ears, then it's probably something else.
Rymep is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 07:15 PM   #4
Jesse00
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 78036
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BC, Canada
Vehicle:
02 Impreza 2.5TS
Midnight Blue

Default

well... since this is his first subi (probably his first turbo car), im quite sure its just the turbo spooling up...
Jesse00 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 07:35 PM   #5
StealthfishWRX
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 57473
Join Date: Mar 2004
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Pearland, Texas
Vehicle:
04' REX (RETIRED)
WRB

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyH
Sounds like normal turbo-spooling sound to me, nothing to worry about. Enjoy your WRX!
^--------------agreed...enjoy it!
StealthfishWRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 09:03 PM   #6
imprezilization
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 73471
Join Date: Oct 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: socal
Vehicle:
2004 WRX Stg2+some
Blk melon launcher

Default

congrats on the car, have fun.
sounds like normal turbo spool.
broken in, eh, now let's just take a look at stg2
imprezilization is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 09:57 PM   #7
FD777
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 84820
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Sedan
Crystal Gray

Default

Haha, yeah it is my first turbo car. But is it normal to hear the sound when I'm not accelerating? I'm just holding it at 3K during freeway driving. I thought the turbo only spooled when I accelerate the car...? But, it is not that loud. I can only hear it when the music is off and when the road isn't too bumpy.

Thanks for all the fast replies! (Just a paranoid new owner!)
FD777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 10:27 PM   #8
itjustWoRX
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 85653
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: ROC
Vehicle:
wait ,experiment?
i'd rather wintergreen

Default

do you have a boost gauge? you may be "holding" but actually applying some pressure to the accelerator, therefore boosting


just wait until you hit stage 2...oh man...sounds like a midget is in the engine bay whistling for his dog



----TOM
itjustWoRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 10:29 PM   #9
greg donovan
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 60743
Join Date: Apr 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fargo, ND
Vehicle:
'95 Impreza L
dirty and on jack stands

Default

the turbos on subarus are easier to hear inside than on other cars since it practically sits on the firewall.
greg donovan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 10:35 PM   #10
FD777
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 84820
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Sedan
Crystal Gray

Default

No boost gauge yet... that will be my first "mod" (once I'm not afraid to work on it )..

As for applying constant pressure.. I think its constant lol. I can hear it when the cruise control is on too (On very flat roads too). Sound is completely gone when I let off the pedal. Actually, I can kinda hear it in 4th gear also, but I rarely stay at 3k rpm in 4th gear (Usually shift to 5th).

Can't wait to upgrade.. but first comes improving my driving skill. I'm in the Bay Area now so Vishnu is right around the corner.
FD777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2005, 10:37 PM   #11
DRWRX28
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 71431
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: temecula
Vehicle:
2005 STi
White

Default

maybe ur bypass valve is a lil loose, ( BOV) check to see that its tight. if its loose, air might be pushing the gasket between the BOV and the intercooler and cause a whine, sorta like how a supercharger sounds.
DRWRX28 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2005, 03:41 PM   #12
1 Lucky Texan
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 46320
Join Date: Oct 2003
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Outoftheblue&intotheblack
Vehicle:
06 WRX Sportwagon
Aspen White

Default

Dude, did you change or inspect the air filter recently? maybe the filter box isn't clipped in correctly.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2005, 03:56 PM   #13
genbean2
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 93676
Join Date: Aug 2005
Default Tinting

Hi everyone.This is my first post, I don't know if I'm in the wrong place to asking about TINTING the windows?
I live in RI and I was wondering if there is anyone out there that got their car tinted in RI?WHere is a good place? If you went more then the legal limit, have the cops bothered you??
Thank you
genbean2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2005, 04:07 PM   #14
kcismo
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 21093
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Vehicle:
2002 WRX WAGON
BLUE

Default

did you delete the resonator?
kcismo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2005, 04:17 PM   #15
Poseur2000
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 16170
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Troll Patrol FL
Default

It could be the rear differential. I've seen it personally. I'd bring it in to have it checked while your warranty is still good.
Poseur2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2005, 04:20 PM   #16
greg donovan
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 60743
Join Date: Apr 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fargo, ND
Vehicle:
'95 Impreza L
dirty and on jack stands

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by genbean2
Hi everyone.This is my first post, I don't know if I'm in the wrong place to asking about TINTING the windows?
I live in RI and I was wondering if there is anyone out there that got their car tinted in RI?WHere is a good place? If you went more then the legal limit, have the cops bothered you??
Thank you
greg donovan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2005, 04:47 PM   #17
FD777
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 84820
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Sedan
Crystal Gray

Default

Resonator is still there. (No mods done to the car yet).

I'll check the air filter but the sound is related to how much gas I give it. Worth a shot though.

I think I will take it in to the dealership. Just gotta find time since its my only car and I need to goto work.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
FD777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 01:32 PM   #18
Scooby921
Merci Buckets
Moderator
 
Member#: 88606
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Michigan
Vehicle:
2018 Grand Cherokee
Velvet Red Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by genbean2
Hi everyone.This is my first post, I don't know if I'm in the wrong place to asking about TINTING the windows?
I live in RI and I was wondering if there is anyone out there that got their car tinted in RI?WHere is a good place? If you went more then the legal limit, have the cops bothered you??
Thank you
Yup...wrong place. You can run a search for window tinting. Try looking through the forum sections pertaining to interior/exterior mods. You may also try posting in a local regional forum to ask locals where you can go.

Good luck!

As for this thread...I think I know what you are talking about. I get a random noise that sounds like the turbo is spooling even though there is no boost (i installed a boost gauge so i know). It lasts for a couple seconds and then is gone. Sound right?

Anyway...I haven't noticed any performance issues because of it. I just live with it and move on. I think it is just one of those noises you have to get used to along the way. My car also has a problem with waste-gate flutter. Oh well...until someone shows me that my car will die I'm just going to keep driving and ignore it.
Scooby921 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 02:19 PM   #19
FD777
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 84820
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Sedan
Crystal Gray

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooby921
As for this thread...I think I know what you are talking about. I get a random noise that sounds like the turbo is spooling even though there is no boost (i installed a boost gauge so i know). It lasts for a couple seconds and then is gone. Sound right?
My sound is there whenever I give it gas. Occasionally it gets quieter, but I think that's just cause of the road noise increasing. Oh well.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooby921
Anyway...I haven't noticed any performance issues because of it. I just live with it and move on. I think it is just one of those noises you have to get used to along the way. My car also has a problem with waste-gate flutter. Oh well...until someone shows me that my car will die I'm just going to keep driving and ignore it.
Yeah, loud music = ignorance = bliss. Makes all my problems go away
FD777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 02:30 PM   #20
DeKaP
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 90627
Join Date: Jul 2005
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Jersey
Vehicle:
2005 Impreza WRX
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

thats your turbo if you have no beats on and windows up you could hear it, but windows down doing like 50, i could no longer hear my turbo spool
DeKaP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 05:59 PM   #21
Scooby921
Merci Buckets
Moderator
 
Member#: 88606
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Michigan
Vehicle:
2018 Grand Cherokee
Velvet Red Pearl

Default

If its only when you give it gas then you are hearing the turbo spool.

Go find an open road, turn off the radio, put the windows up, and the A/C to low fan. Start the car at a slow roll....1500-2000 RPM's. Get going...floor it, watch the RPM's climb. You'll hear the turbo start to spool (whistling noise...kinda like a tea kettle) getting progressively louder to max boost. Stock WRX boost is limited in 1st and 2nd, so turbo will be louder in 3-5 at max boost.

Is that what you are hearing?
Scooby921 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 07:06 PM   #22
FD777
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 84820
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Sedan
Crystal Gray

Default

Yes, I believe it is my turbo then. Makes kinda the same sound as when I'm accelerating quickly. Which brings me to my next question:

Should I be able to hear the turbo spool when I'm not accelerating? Yes, I'm giving it gas, but only enough to keep the car at a constant speed. I was under the impression that turbos don't kick in if you're just going at a constant speed. Maybe its time to goto howstuffworks heh
FD777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 07:12 PM   #23
LegacySE
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 31759
Join Date: Jan 2003
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Toronto
Vehicle:
19 VW Tiguan
Vortech SC BRZ 13 CWP 6MT

Default

gear whine + turbo
LegacySE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2005, 07:20 PM   #24
Master2192
RIP 10/12/83 to 02/10/08
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 83254
Join Date: Mar 2005
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Roy, Washington
Vehicle:
98 2.5 RS
04 WRX

Default

Turbo's kick in from engine load and rpms. higher rpms is going to mean more exhaust gas = turbo spool. It doesn't have to be making boost to make noise however. the air could just be passing through the inlet and the exhaust is helping push the other side.
Also you could be creating enough engine load at cruising to need alittle boost (though i doubt that)
Master2192 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
High pitch whistling noise at higher RPM but not WOT bnr34rb26dett Service & Maintenance 6 06-23-2009 10:39 PM
slight whistling starting at 3k rpm bugeye829 Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2.0L Turbo) 2 01-01-2007 12:29 AM
Rough idle and high-pitched whine at high RPMs fastenova Legacy Forum 10 11-21-2003 02:50 PM
High pitched wistle at high RPM when under boost. roybfr Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2.0L Turbo) 2 10-15-2003 12:22 PM
High Pitched Whistling At 70-75 MPH Cruising speed BryanD Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2.0L Turbo) 4 08-25-2001 03:14 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.