My 2004 Mazda 3 Hatchback has had some strange problems in the past, such as my wipers stopped working so I had to get a new computer $$$, but this one I've never heard before.

I'm getting an intermittent whirring/vibrating/grinding noise coming from what sounds like the drivers side dashboard. It usually starts up when I make a left turn or slow down to a stop coming off of the highway. Yes, it still makes the noise when the car is stationary and still running. It happens sometimes, not all the time. If it gets louder, I turn the car off and it takes a second to go away as if it was winding down. Then I restart the car, and it's gone.

It's been at my mechanics shop for 24 hours now, and of course, it won't make the noise for him.

No dash lights.
No codes.
Steering still works.
ABS still works.
Sound is progressively getting worse.
210,000 km's (130,000miles) on the car.

When I hear the noise, there is no vibration on the shift lever, brake pedal, steering wheel, or anything else... But it does sound like my car's going to explode!

It's not the brakes.
It's not the suspension components or ball joints or tie rods.


Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

Aha! Figured it out.

The shop couldn't figure the problem out because it just wasn't making the noise for them. I picked up my car yesterday because I have to get to work somehow, and when I cranked the heat, the sound started immediately but only lasted for about 5 seconds, then went away again.

Later, while exiting the highway, it started really loud again, so I turned off the blower fan and it stopped right away. Finally, a diagnosis.
At least I know that my car won't explode now.

I do need my heat however as it is about -10*C (-28*F) every day now, so I still need to get the blower motor replaced.

Thanks for reading this post, and I hope it helps someone in the future.

 

Yet another asked/answered by the same person. Hey moderator, why is this forum taking up band width?

 

Is that all you do is find things to complain about?