Let's diagnose the High Pitched Noise

JungleB · 11-25-2009, 09:32 AM

In the past I've thrown out the idea that it could be the xenon lights, which require a ballast. A ballast is a device that increases voltages to the levels that some types of light bulbs need to work. In the past transformers were used but more recently they have been replaced by electronic ones. One difference between the two are the frequency of the ac voltage that they use. Electronic ballasts operate at much higher frequencies, so instead of hearing a buzz or hum we now hear high pitch noise. The research I've done has indicated that electronic ballasts in cars work at around 450hz, which isn't close to the sound we're hearing. But it could be possible that the ballasts used in some Nissans and Infinitis use a much higher frequency. I'm not saying this is the problem, but it's a possibility and I'll throw the idea out there.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Whine/Noise/High Pitch Arg!	prodigyz	Engine & Drivetrain	153	05-02-2014 12:41 AM
High-Pitched Frequency Update	Silver37	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	198	11-10-2011 11:32 AM
Update on MY high pitch noise.	Roo	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	30	01-23-2010 09:22 AM
High-Pitch noise in the car	wooya21	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	16	10-27-2009 04:33 PM
Update on the high pitch noise	Roo	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	50	09-02-2009 01:20 PM

11-25-2009, 09:32 AM	#11 (permalink)
JungleB Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: PA Posts: 76 Drives: 96 VW Passat GLX Rep Power: 17	In the past I've thrown out the idea that it could be the xenon lights, which require a ballast. A ballast is a device that increases voltages to the levels that some types of light bulbs need to work. In the past transformers were used but more recently they have been replaced by electronic ones. One difference between the two are the frequency of the ac voltage that they use. Electronic ballasts operate at much higher frequencies, so instead of hearing a buzz or hum we now hear high pitch noise. The research I've done has indicated that electronic ballasts in cars work at around 450hz, which isn't close to the sound we're hearing. But it could be possible that the ballasts used in some Nissans and Infinitis use a much higher frequency. I'm not saying this is the problem, but it's a possibility and I'll throw the idea out there.