Mileage: 139,000 miles. Automatic transmission.
It started a couple of months ago--there's a low drone/moaning noise from the engine and it varies in pitch with the RPM. The transmission is in Park so I can eliminate wheel/transmission issues (I think.)
Poking around in the engine compartment, I can't seem to isolate the source; it doesn't seem to come from the belt-driven components (alternator and power steering), but then again, I'm hard of hearing so I could be wrong.
Any ideas what I can check out? TIA for your help!
Run the engine briefly without the fan belt and see if the sound persists.
See our FAQ for finding noises.
See if the catalytic converter is blocked. Also check to make sure you don't have a tight serpentine belt. Get a long screw driver and touch it to the a/c pulley, the power steering bearing, or the alternator bearing and put your ear to the handle end and it will amplify the noise. Most likely the tensioner of the belt making it too tight.
