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Old 02-01-2008, 07:05 AM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Location: Arkansas
Drive: 2008 smart passion
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Noise when you first start the car

Ok. I know someone may have already mentioned what this was, but I wanted to run it by everyone.
When I first start my car in the morning, there is this loud noise (almost sounds like a warning buzzer, but it isn't) coming from the car for about 10 to 15 seconds, and then it shuts off. I am assuming it is some sort of electric motor or pump running. I'm a little concerned that it seems pretty loud. Could someone fill me in on what this is? Just trying to get educated with the car and know all the things about it. Thanks.

Last edited by eqwalker; 02-01-2008 at 07:34 AM.
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Old 02-01-2008, 07:11 AM   #2 (permalink)
 
Location: NJ, DC
Drive: 2008 Smart Cabrio
When you start the car it begins emission control immediately and that is the buzzing you hear...nothing to be alarmed of. It's perfectly normal.
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Old 02-01-2008, 07:41 AM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Location: Hampden, MA
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Originally Posted by iwantmysmart View Post
When you start the car it begins emission control immediately and that is the buzzing you hear...nothing to be alarmed of. It's perfectly normal.
Are you referring to a fan to add air to the exhaust on cold start, Thanks.
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Old 02-01-2008, 08:49 AM   #4 (permalink)
 
Location: NJ, DC
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Yes. There is an air pump the blows air through the exhaust (not only on cold start) to clean out the exhaust when you first start the car.
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Old 02-01-2008, 10:19 AM   #5 (permalink)
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There are several pre conditions and self tests conducted just before start, right after start, and between 0 and 5 mph

You may or may not hear all of them...

As state above, there is the air pre charge to the exhaust catalyst

There is the Anti lock brake (ABS) system test that should cycle the brake pump and depending on the result it may do it again during initial roll.... if good then no light. This one usually is not loud enough to hear, but you might feel rapid pulses in the brake pedal for 1 to 3 seconds

Not a test or pre condition.... the Air Conditioner / Heater controls are vacuum actuated.. there is a vacuum reservoir that may loose it's vacuum overnight (usually in colder weather). In the hot cold and vents control system is a "Blend" door that will fall open if the vacuum is lost... On engine start, the reservoir's vacuum increases very fast and the "blend" door can slam shut making a startling noise.... if this happens at every motor start cycle, then you should have the AC / heater control system checked for vacuum leak(s)

The fuel tank is directly below driver and passengers seats and there is a electric pump inside it... if the fuel pressure in the injector rails leaked down after last stop, then on key to "run", or power on..the pump will cycle until pressure is up.. if the car motor is not running, you may or may not hear this normal activity

Under the dash is the Service Accessory Module (SAM) sometimes called a General Electronics Module (GEM) these usually have several small relays inside. As various systems are energized, you may or may not hear the normal relay clatter
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Old 02-07-2008, 01:36 PM   #6 (permalink)
 
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I think it could also be the power steering fan that you're hearing.
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Old 02-11-2008, 10:12 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by bumblebee View Post
I think it could also be the power steering fan that you're hearing.
That was my assumption. I have not looked to see but I was willing to bet the "electric" power steering was actually just electricly pressurized hydraulics and that was the system presurizing.

Like I said that was only a guess.
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Old 02-13-2008, 06:26 AM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Location: McKinney, TX
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Originally Posted by Xanthus View Post
That was my assumption. I have not looked to see but I was willing to bet the "electric" power steering was actually just electricly pressurized hydraulics and that was the system presurizing.

Like I said that was only a guess.
The MINI does that too and it's as loud as the smart. That's why I think it's the ps fan.
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Old 02-13-2008, 07:53 AM   #9 (permalink)
 
Location: Norcal
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I have the manual steering and I still hear the same sound you are describing on start up for about 10-15 seconds.
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Old 02-21-2008, 03:15 PM   #10 (permalink)
 
Location: Northern California
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Originally Posted by eqwalker View Post
When I first start my car in the morning, there is this loud noise (almost sounds like a warning buzzer, but it isn't) coming from the car for about 10 to 15 seconds, and then it shuts off.
This is definitely the air pump charging the exhaust system and reducing unburnt hydrocarbons when the engine is cold. Part of the Ultra-Low Emissions system.
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