Hey everyone, my 2012 Camry started making a high-pitched whirring noise when I turned it on.
Background:
I had been driving for about 4–5 hours with multiple stops where I turned the ignition off and back on. At some point, I noticed a high-pitched sound that wasn’t there before. It was most noticeable at low speeds or idle but got louder when I revved the engine.
I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it, so I kept driving. About an hour later, when I went to start the car, the lights flickered, and the engine struggled to turn on. I assumed the battery might be the issue since it hadn’t been replaced in a while. I made my way home, but on the way, my power steering suddenly stopped working. Luckily, I was going slow and managed to steer it back home.
After parking, I tried to start it again to see if I could identify the problem, but now it won’t start at all. The lights won’t turn on, and the engine just won’t crank.
I’ve checked other posts and think it could be the alternator or a belt issue. I know how to change brake pads, spark plugs, and oil, but this is new to me. Any advice?
Sounds like an alternator issue. I had a Hyundai that did the same thing when the alternator went bad.
A failing alternator can sometimes make a high-pitched whirring noise due to:
Worn bearings: Over time, alternator bearings wear out, causing a whining noise that gets louder at higher RPMs.
Belt issues: A loose or misaligned belt can also create high-pitched sounds, especially when the alternator is working to charge the battery.
Internal wear: If internal components like the stator or rotor are damaged, they can cause unusual noises and lead to failure.
Since you lost power steering and now the car won’t start, it’s likely your alternator wasn’t charging the battery properly, and now the battery is drained. If you can jump-start the car but it dies shortly after, that’s another sign the alternator is bad. If that’s the case, you’ll probably need to replace it.
No problem! From what you described, it sounds like the alternator is done. If you can, check the battery voltage with a multimeter before and after starting the car (if you can get it to start). If it’s below 12V while off and doesn’t go up when running, the alternator isn’t charging it.
@Tai
I’ll give that a shot. At least Toyota alternators aren’t too bad to replace. Just wish I had caught it earlier so I could’ve driven it to a shop.
Amelia said: @Tai
I’ll give that a shot. At least Toyota alternators aren’t too bad to replace. Just wish I had caught it earlier so I could’ve driven it to a shop.
Yeah, alternators tend to go out fast. If you don’t have towing coverage, maybe a friend with a rope can help pull it to a shop. That’s how we used to do it back in the day.