High pitch noise coming from passenger side

Roo · 06-18-2009, 01:32 PM

I picked up a new 370z for my fiancé as a wedding gift and the car has 200 miles on it. Now when the car is on and you are idle you can't hear it, but if you are driving or if you just rev it up in neutral you hear this high pitch noise. It sounds like a dog whistle and it gives us a painful headache every time we drive the car. We have already turned off all radio, navigation, etc and it still happens. We put our ears to the speakers and it is not coming from them, but from the electronics under the glove box. I took it into Nissan and they are at a complete loss as to what it is or how to fix it. A Nissan guy has flew in and he has no idea either and have never heard of this. Their solution is 'turn the radio up' but that’s ********, I didn't spend $40k on a car to have to crank the radio up to hide a high pitch noise.

Has anyone had this or heard of this? We are meeting with an attorney to discuss suing Nissan over this since we cannot drive the car; it’s a very high pitch brain splitting noise. We have it documented by multiple service guys and the Nissan guy who flew in.

WShade · 06-18-2009, 02:18 PM

What are the lemon laws in your state? I would explore that and if can not be repaired they should provide you with another vehicle.

SiXK · 06-18-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WShade

What are the lemon laws in your state? I would explore that and if can not be repaired they should provide you with another vehicle.

Roo · 06-18-2009, 02:24 PM

I am in California and when I looked it up this is what it staes:

(1) The same problem results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and the problem has been subject to repair two or more times by the manufacturer or its agents, and the buyer or lessee has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (2) The same problem has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its agents and the buyer has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (3) The vehicle is out of service because of the repair of any number of problems by the manufacturer or its agents for a cumulative total of more than 30 days since delivery of the vehicle.

So my guess is I need to take it in 3 more times. Problem is no repair can be made since they have no idea what is causing it.

WShade · 06-18-2009, 02:52 PM

That is exactly what I would do. Keep us posted on your progress and the best of luck.

SiXK · 06-18-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roo

I am in California and when I looked it up this is what it staes:

(1) The same problem results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and the problem has been subject to repair two or more times by the manufacturer or its agents, and the buyer or lessee has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (2) The same problem has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its agents and the buyer has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (3) The vehicle is out of service because of the repair of any number of problems by the manufacturer or its agents for a cumulative total of more than 30 days since delivery of the vehicle.

So my guess is I need to take it in 3 more times. Problem is no repair can be made since they have no idea what is causing it.

I wish I had advice for you on exactly what to do - someone here probably will. I will say that what they are saying - "turn the radio up" - is unacceptable. the noise is unacceptable. do not give in to them.

start documenting everything and shoot for that lemon law if they don't get it fixed. thats what that law is for.

I feel for you having to go through this after buying a brand new car. Good Luck!

2bits · 06-18-2009, 03:21 PM

Holy crap. I was talking to my dealer about this EXACT same problem yesterday. Two different mechanics rode with me in my car, and neither of them could hear it. They didn't dispute the noise (they admitted that their hearing could just be poor at that freq), but neither did they have an answer.

I left saying I'd investigate on the message boards today, but that I'd be in touch.

It sounds like a whine typical of a bad voltage regulator or ground, but unlike that it doesn't change frequency with the engine RPM. It disappears when the car is stopped and idling. If you rev the motor (while stopped), the sound returns. But if you let off on the gas during this rev the sound will stop temporarily. The noise is independent of the radio (on/off), and seems to come from the passenger side, I presume the passenger speaker. It's a single frequency, probably 5k-10k Hz, not too loud. Can be very irritating in stop and go traffic! I don't remember when I first noticed the noise, but I want to say a couple weeks ago. I've had my car for 3 months, and it has 1000 miles.

The next step will be to disconnect that speaker and verify the source. Might also be good to find someone at the dealer who can hear that damn freq.

Did you have any problems finding someone at the dealer to verify the noise?

I was going to throw in an aftermarket DD Nav and speakers, and this might be a good excuse. I highly suspect it's just the stereo since it's only the passenger speaker. I'd think that if it was a general electrical problem, it wouldn't localize to one of the front speakers. You would hear the wine in both.

Roo · 06-18-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSUTurboTiger

I wish I had advice for you on exactly what to do - someone here probably will. I will say that what they are saying - "turn the radio up" - is unacceptable. the noise is unacceptable. do not give in to them.

start documenting everything and shoot for that lemon law if they don't get it fixed. thats what that law is for.

I feel for you having to go through this after buying a brand new car. Good Luck!

I work in the legal field and already contacted one of my clients who happen to have the largest lemon law firm in CA. I am faxing them the work orders today and they will draft the letter to Nissan and the dealership.

Roo · 06-18-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bits

Holy crap. I was talking to my dealer about this EXACT same problem yesterday. Two different mechanics rode with me in my car, and neither of them could hear it. They didn't dispute the noise (they admitted that their hearing could just be poor at that freq), but neither did they have an answer.

I left saying I'd investigate on the message boards today, but that I'd be in touch.

It sounds like a whine typical of a bad voltage regulator or ground, but unlike that it doesn't change frequency with the engine RPM. It disappears when the car is stopped and idling. If you rev the motor (while stopped), the sound returns. But if you let off on the gas during this rev the sound will stop temporarily. The noise is independent of the radio (on/off), and seems to come from the passenger side, I presume the passenger speaker. It's a single frequency, probably 5k-10k Hz, not too loud. Can be very irritating in stop and go traffic! I don't remember when I first noticed the noise, but I want to say a couple weeks ago. I've had my car for 4 months, and it has 1000 miles.

The next step will be to disconnect that speaker and verify the source. Might also be good to find someone at the dealer who can hear that damn freq.

Did you have any problems finding someone at the dealer to verify the noise?

I was going to throw in an aftermarket DD Nav and speakers, and this might be a good excuse. I highly suspect it's just the stereo since it's only the passenger speaker. I'd think that if it was a general electrical problem, it wouldn't localize to one of the front speakers. You would hear the wine in both.

It is not the speaker, if you put your head up under the glove box you can hear it. If you put your ear next to the speaker you hear it from the other ear.

Ours is a noise you cannot miss, anyone who has been in our car ask what that sound is and that its giving them a headache. Also the techs at Nissan heard the sounds and documented that they heard it.

But yes it is the same way, it happens when you raise the RPMs, either while driving or in neutral.

2bits · 06-18-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roo

It is not the speaker, if you put your head up under the glove box you can hear it. If you put your ear next to the speaker you hear it from the other ear.

Ours is a noise you cannot miss, anyone who has been in our car ask what that sound is and that its giving them a headache. Also the techs at Nissan heard the sounds and documented that they heard it.

But yes it is the same way, it happens when you raise the RPMs, either while driving or in neutral.

I'll take your word for it. I haven't put my ear to the speaker, so I couldn't be sure. Sounds like your noise is louder than mine.

Definitely keep us updated.

2bits · 06-18-2009, 04:32 PM

Roo, do you have a Nissan contact (the guy who flew in?) I can get from you who is familiar with the problem? Nissan isn't going to connect the dots on their own, so I'd like to give them a little push. Thanks!

vater · 06-18-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roo

I work in the legal field and already contacted one of my clients who happen to have the largest lemon law firm in CA. I am faxing them the work orders today and they will draft the letter to Nissan and the dealership.

ooo nice. Sounds like you're a person who can help get Nissan's attention the with the oil cooler issue. A lot of people on here would love you for it

your fiance is lucky man to get a gift like that btw. hope you get the noise issue resolved.

Roo · 06-18-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bits

Roo, do you have a Nissan contact (the guy who flew in?) I can get from you who is familiar with the problem? Nissan isn't going to connect the dots on their own, so I'd like to give them a little push. Thanks!

I'll get it and PM it to you. If others are having this issue then it needs to be resolved. Do you listen to your radio loud? Mine is heard over my radio (since I listen to talk radio, no music) unless themusic is LOUD.

jpit · 06-18-2009, 04:47 PM

I hear a high pitched whine with the car not running but the ignition switch on. I have not been able to isolate it but I don't hear it when I am driving.

2bits · 06-18-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roo

I'll get it and PM it to you. If others are having this issue then it needs to be resolved. Do you listen to your radio loud? Mine is heard over my radio (since I listen to talk radio, no music) unless themusic is LOUD.

I suppose if I turned up the radio enough I might not notice it, but not at any reasonable volume. The tone isn't loud itself, but being a single piercing frequency, it's hard to ignore.

[edit]
BTW, I just confirmed my noise is also under the glove compartment. If you put your ear by the cigarette lighter in the passenger footwell, it's very very noticeable. Even a deaf mechanic should be able to hear it if I direct them to that spot. Service appointment scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm.

06-18-2009, 01:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Roo Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Alta Loma Posts: 161 Drives: 2009 370z with nav Rep Power: 15	High pitch noise coming from passenger side I picked up a new 370z for my fiancé as a wedding gift and the car has 200 miles on it. Now when the car is on and you are idle you can't hear it, but if you are driving or if you just rev it up in neutral you hear this high pitch noise. It sounds like a dog whistle and it gives us a painful headache every time we drive the car. We have already turned off all radio, navigation, etc and it still happens. We put our ears to the speakers and it is not coming from them, but from the electronics under the glove box. I took it into Nissan and they are at a complete loss as to what it is or how to fix it. A Nissan guy has flew in and he has no idea either and have never heard of this. Their solution is 'turn the radio up' but that’s ********, I didn't spend $40k on a car to have to crank the radio up to hide a high pitch noise. Has anyone had this or heard of this? We are meeting with an attorney to discuss suing Nissan over this since we cannot drive the car; it’s a very high pitch brain splitting noise. We have it documented by multiple service guys and the Nissan guy who flew in.

06-18-2009, 02:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
WShade Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 765 Drives: 09 370Z T/S/N Rep Power: 187	What are the lemon laws in your state? I would explore that and if can not be repaired they should provide you with another vehicle. __________________ Q50S Q60 RS400

06-18-2009, 02:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
WShade Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 765 Drives: 09 370Z T/S/N Rep Power: 187	That is exactly what I would do. Keep us posted on your progress and the best of luck. __________________ Q50S Q60 RS400

06-18-2009, 03:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
2bits Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 118 Drives: 09 370Z Blk Sp 7AT Rep Power: 16	Holy crap. I was talking to my dealer about this EXACT same problem yesterday. Two different mechanics rode with me in my car, and neither of them could hear it. They didn't dispute the noise (they admitted that their hearing could just be poor at that freq), but neither did they have an answer. I left saying I'd investigate on the message boards today, but that I'd be in touch. It sounds like a whine typical of a bad voltage regulator or ground, but unlike that it doesn't change frequency with the engine RPM. It disappears when the car is stopped and idling. If you rev the motor (while stopped), the sound returns. But if you let off on the gas during this rev the sound will stop temporarily. The noise is independent of the radio (on/off), and seems to come from the passenger side, I presume the passenger speaker. It's a single frequency, probably 5k-10k Hz, not too loud. Can be very irritating in stop and go traffic! I don't remember when I first noticed the noise, but I want to say a couple weeks ago. I've had my car for 3 months, and it has 1000 miles. The next step will be to disconnect that speaker and verify the source. Might also be good to find someone at the dealer who can hear that damn freq. Did you have any problems finding someone at the dealer to verify the noise? I was going to throw in an aftermarket DD Nav and speakers, and this might be a good excuse. I highly suspect it's just the stereo since it's only the passenger speaker. I'd think that if it was a general electrical problem, it wouldn't localize to one of the front speakers. You would hear the wine in both. Last edited by 2bits; 06-25-2009 at 04:23 PM.

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06-18-2009, 02:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Roo Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Alta Loma Posts: 161 Drives: 2009 370z with nav Rep Power: 15	I am in California and when I looked it up this is what it staes: (1) The same problem results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and the problem has been subject to repair two or more times by the manufacturer or its agents, and the buyer or lessee has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (2) The same problem has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its agents and the buyer has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (3) The vehicle is out of service because of the repair of any number of problems by the manufacturer or its agents for a cumulative total of more than 30 days since delivery of the vehicle. So my guess is I need to take it in 3 more times. Problem is no repair can be made since they have no idea what is causing it.

06-18-2009, 04:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
2bits Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 118 Drives: 09 370Z Blk Sp 7AT Rep Power: 16	Roo, do you have a Nissan contact (the guy who flew in?) I can get from you who is familiar with the problem? Nissan isn't going to connect the dots on their own, so I'd like to give them a little push. Thanks!

06-18-2009, 04:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
jpit Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 440 Drives: 370Z Tour MT w/Spt Rep Power: 16	I hear a high pitched whine with the car not running but the ignition switch on. I have not been able to isolate it but I don't hear it when I am driving.