Noise after turning car off and opening door
 

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and have already got some GREAT info. I just picked up my Touring Sport with Nav on Saturday. It's hard to say exactly what I paid for it because of my trade, but let's put it this way... I started off on the phone with $38600, but then the dealer gave me $1500 MORE for my trade than CarMax wanted to give (and what KBB suggested). The car also had a very small ding in the fender that they fixed with PRD. I ended up getting another $1000 off. So one number I can give you is $37600. Another number considering I got $1500 more for my trade is $36100. Anyway, I know this is not the price forum, but this is my first forum and I just wanted to give that short intro.

So here is my question. After I driver the car, and I turn it off, almost exactly (actually slightly after) I open the door (and it can be either the driver or passenger door), I hear a noise. I can best describe the noise and an electronic motor whirring for about 1 second. The noise comes from the left side of the driver cluster.

Is this normal? Anyone know what this is?

P.S. You guys have already helped me with another problem that is not documented and that is how to get video to play form the video inputs in the console. Apparently the E brake has to be engaged. So, I know you guys are the best, I look forward to a quick response.

Look at your window. To provide a better seal the window motors down once you open it and then motors back up when you close it.

That's not it.
 

Yeah, I first thought it was that, but this happens even if I open the passenger side. The noise still comes from the drivers side. So in my situation, the drivers side windows is up and always stays up. The noise still comes from the driver's side.

It's the lockout for the steering wheel. Since there is not a mechanical ignition there is an electric motor that provides the lockout.

The only motor that activates when you open the door is the window. It might sound like it is coming from one side only but it happens on both.

This sounds more plausible. I would tend to agree with this because it sounds like an mechanical actuator.

Does your car make this noise?

This sounds is VERY noticeable on the driver side. It is definitely not hapening on the passenger side.

The sound I hear sounds like it is coming from behind the steering wheel area behind the driver side console.

It sounds like a motor actuating for about a second.

Could be the steering lock. I don't hear it myself as the noise from the window is louder. I guess I could stick my head under the wheel and open the door, but I'm not a contortionist :)

He is correct, keep your hand on the steering wheel and you can feel it.

That's correct! It's the electronic motor for the steering lock! I hear it on mine everytime I turn the car off as well.. To prove it, your steering wheel siezes up without even turning it like a conventional style wheel lock system. Another thing you can do is turn left or right hard on the wheel (or try to) and turn the car on, the wheel is immediately freed up (unlocked).

Thanks!!
 

Thanks all - I knew you experts would come through in a jiffy!! Now I can go to bed with out worrying that I had to take my BRAND NEW car to the dealer for them to tear the dash out! You guys ROCK!! :bowrofl:

I've noticed it most when the wheel is unlocking. When opening the door the window does tend to drown it out, but it is fairly obviously when turning the car to ACC mode and the wheel unlocks.

What's this video capability I just read on this thread? What video inputs in the console? The only input I am aware of is for the Ipod. Can you really watch video, and if so, how?

The AV inputs come with the NAV/MusicBox option. Under the center console there are AV inputs (Yellow/Red/White) and can take any video source - portable DVD, XBOX etc. that has AV outs. It will play on the 7" screen (but you have to have the E brake on) when you select AUX.

There is also an iPOD connector (cable supplied), but the charging is still Firewire so this will not charge any of the newer iPODs that use USB charging.

There is also a 12V cigarette power outlet inthe center console as well.

I've never really noticed that sound. I'll have to check it out tonight and see what it sounds like.