I’ve been a long time browser of this forum but first post. I need help diagnosing this noise. It’s intermittent but getting worse. On cold start it takes a few seconds before what sounds like something switching on. While driving the pitch changes with rpm. I just put in a new tensioner pulley and belt so it’s not that. Attached is a short clip right after starting. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like a fan blade hitting plastic.

radiator fan?

Just a guess.

 

It seems to be coming from the heat/ac system. When I shut off the air it stops.

 

If it happens in heating mode, it’s the
blower motor fan blade, (squirrel cage)
Good luck, I think you have to pull the dash to repair, I hope I’m wrong.

 

it happens cold or hot as soon as it hit the power on button

 

Pretty sure he's wrong on that one. The blower can be removed pretty easily.

 

I was isolating the A/C compressor by checking to see if it happens in heat. Only thing turning in heat is the blower motor, and good news, poster above me says it’s easily removed.

Pull the the blower motor and see if the fan blade slipped on the shaft or something rubbing against it.

(also, there is a blower door actuator that could make noise)