GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Impala 🢒 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 by varying their loads making sure they are operating to their maximum capacity. Such items but not limited to may be an A/C system overcharged, the power steering system restricted or the wrong fluid, or the generator failing.

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. When removing the drive belt the water pump may not be operating and the engine may overheat. Also DTCs may set when the engine is operating 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 Drive Belt Symptom operation 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. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  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

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

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