Electronic motor like sound from the engine

[perulades]

I'm getting a funny whining motor noise was coming from under the hood. It's hard to describe, but if anyone is familiar with the sound that an automatic car antenna makes when it goes up or down, that's about what it sounds like- that little tinny motor sound. The sound is definitely electronic, not mechanical.

Here's when it happens:

1. When I first start the car (key in the run position, before starting).

2. Noise goes away after 3-4 seconds, but will start again anytime RPM's increase to 1000 or so. Will last 3-4 seconds until RPM's hit 1000 again and the noise cycle starts again.

3. When I turn the engine off. After the engine shuts down, there will be about 3-4 seconds of this sound.

I can also replicate this sound by removing and re-attaching the negative battery cable.

From my searches here, it seems like someone had the same problem with their Altima.

http://forums.altimas.org/zerothread?id=300277

The suggestion was to check the front motor mount.

Any other ideas?

-Artie

[lightsout]

the front motor mount does have a sensor in it, but i don't think it makes an electronic motor sound when it's bad. Have someone start and stop the ignition while you listen for the exact area the sound is coming from. Then you should play with the throttle cable until you here the sound again to be sure. if it happens at a certain RPM it may be your IACV(intake air control vavle) it could be a broken radiator fan that tries to spin, but may have something stuck in the fan...ok, now i'm just beating myself up.

fact is you've got to get your face under the hood and play a little. look for loose wires or parts that are moving that probably shouldn't be moving...i don't know.

does it run weak or normal?

[perulades]

disconnected both the engine motor wire harnesses and the noise stopped.

i'll have to get those replaced.

thanks,artie

[bassinbuddy]

Just worked on a 01 maxima with motor sound like an antenna motor. Isolated noise to the rear motor mount. Unplugged wiring at plug just below the air intake resonator. Almost directly under air temp. sensor.Road tested and didn't feel any difference in operation or any lights came on.