GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Drive Belt Whine Diagnosis

Diagnostic Aids

The drive belt will not cause the whine noise.

If the whine noise is intermittent, verify the accessory drive components are not the cause, by varying their loads making sure they are operating to their maximum capacity. An overcharged A/C system, a power steering system restriction or incorrect fluid, or a failing generator are suggested items to inspect.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. This test is to verify that the noise is being caused by the drive belt or the accessory drive components. With the drive belt removed the water pump may not operate and the engine may overheat. Also DTCs may set when the engine is operated with the drive belt removed.

    2.

  2. The inspection should include checking the drive belt tensioner and the drive belt idler pulley bearings. The drive belt may have to be installed and the accessory drive components operated separately by varying their loads. Refer to the suspected accessory drive component for the proper inspection and replacement procedure.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Notice: Do not use belt dressing on the drive belt. Belt dressing causes the breakdown of the composition of the drive belt. Failure to follow this recommendation will damage the drive belt.

DEFINITION: A high pitched continuous noise that may be caused by an accessory drive component failed bearing.

1

Did you review the Symptoms - Drive Belt diagnostic information and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

2

Verify that there is a whine noise.

Does the engine make the whine noise?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Remove the drive belt.
  2. Operate the engine for no longer than 30 to 40 seconds.

Does the whine noise still exist?

Go to Engine Noise on Start-Up, but Only Lasting a Few Seconds or Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed or Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect for a failed accessory drive component bearing.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 5

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

Run the engine in order to verify the repair.

Does the drive belt still whine?

Go to Step 3

System OK