2013 Altima SV - Constant whining noise at low speeds

[Chlebek]

after reading this post yesterday I checked if I have the same noise on my car, the only whining noise I got was in reverse and that only lasted few seconds and than it quiet down, nothing going forward,

Couple years ago I also had 06 vw jetta tdi with dsg trans, I traded it in to a dealer after 4 visits to vw to get the stupid air bag light off, and than one more to fix the dash cuz they made a 5 inch scratch on the dash and the door when they removed the pas. Seat,

[theinternot]

That is it exactly.

I wonder why mine goes away when the car is fully stopped with the brakes depressed.

Hmmm... I smell a "this is normal" reply coming from Nissan.

Originally Posted by uniquetoday

Hi, I might have a similar whining noise. It also is coming from the passenger side. I have an altima SL 2013, bought it 1 week ago and now has 600 miles. I noticed this whiny, morse code like sound a few days ago, while doing under 20 miles also, at first I thought it was the AC or the fan but it still does it while the AC/fan is off. Even does it when the car is stopped with my foot on the brakes. I does't seem to make the sound while the shifter is in park, but will need to test some more before I will bring it to the dealer. It does get annoying.

[theinternot]

Thanks Chlebek. I had the 5 spd, myself.

That makes two confirmed with noise. Two confirmed without.

Just curious, but did you experience any of the following issues with your TDI?

- Turbo Failure
- DMF Failure
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Camshaft Failure
- Alternator Pulley Failure
- EGR Valve Failure
- EGR Cooler Failure
- N75 Valve Failure
- Wheel Bearing Failure
- Headliner falling

I believe the air bag light was due to a crimped wire in the door wiring duct because it was too short. Not a failure in the seat. But, I could be totally off on that.

And, that F&*%in sucks that the dealership messed up your car. Even though they are more expensive, you can usually depend on them to not damage your vehicle.

Originally Posted by Chlebek

after reading this post yesterday I checked if I have the same noise on my car, the only whining noise I got was in reverse and that only lasted few seconds and than it quiet down, nothing going forward,

Couple years ago I also had 06 vw jetta tdi with dsg trans, I traded it in to a dealer after 4 visits to vw to get the stupid air bag light off, and than one more to fix the dash cuz they made a 5 inch scratch on the dash and the door when they removed the pas. Seat,

[Chlebek]

The car was under factory warranty so I didnt have to pay a dime, they told me it was the harness under the seat that coused the problem, I got rid of it before it hit 60k, I spent lots of time reading on tdiclub and didnt want to expirience the problems myself

[theinternot]

Well done.

You did your due diligence and made 100% the correct choice.

Originally Posted by Chlebek

The car was under factory warranty so I didnt have to pay a dime, they told me it was the harness under the seat that coused the problem, I got rid of it before it hit 60k, I spent lots of time reading on tdiclub and didnt want to expirience the problems myself

[OkieScot]

I am sorry for the problems some of you early buyers are going through. That is one of the reasons I am holding off to buy my wife's car. If it were not for you brave souls who take the chances with a new model those like me would never get the problems solved before we brought our cars. I thank you.

[theinternot]

Surprise, surprise... Nissan says the noise is normal. They say there is a disclosure on the electronic noises in the manual. That doesn't do me any good if it isn't disclosed prior to buying the vehicle.

Their explanation is that the electric rack makes pulses that are passing into the line, into the bracket, and into the vehicle. They say when they disconnect the bracket the noise goes away.

Next stop... Nissan Corporate.

EDIT: Called Nissan Corporate and started a case with them. Looks like this is gonna go the distance.

[dbc]

This electro hydraulic PS system is not new as Nissan and Infiniti have used it since 2011 in several models. There have been a few complaints of noise from the electric pump but my dealer says he's had no complaints in the 10 new Altimas he's sold to date. Mine was one of those ten and I test drove two others on the lot - no issues. And you can be assured that I'm very sensitive to anomolies in cars.

I also have a '12 VW Golf TDI that has been in service about 6 months with 6500 miles and no issues. The EPS does not have as much feel as the Nissan system but, neither I nor most reviewers feel that either system has a "dead spot" in the center. There's just not much feel with either system but generally the electro hydraulic is slightly better, IMHO.

Some people, it seems, tend to have lots of problems with all the cars they buy.

[theinternot]

Thanks dbc,

Then that lends credence to my complaint and that it is not normal, nor acceptable.

The Golf TDI is a superior vehicle to the Jetta, especially the newest version. That is due to the fact that the Golf is assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany and not Puebla, Mexico (it has to do with plant and worker issues) where the Jetta and JSW are assembled. VW split off the platforms of the Jetta sedan and Golf/JSW (the JSW is now on the Golf platform) this revision as well. They are no longer the same car. The biggest difference is that the Golf retains the Multi-Link rear supsension and rear disc brakes, while the new Jetta gets the old torsion bar and drum brakes. Talk about a step backwards. Anyway, the Golfs have always been made in Germany and have always had a better fit, finish, and less issues.

It's funny, even now I have an idyllic view of the TDI's even though I got bit hard by mine. I still want another one.

Originally Posted by dbc

This electro hydraulic PS system is not new as Nissan and Infiniti have used it since 2011 in several models. There have been a few complaints of noise from the electric pump but my dealer says he's had no complaints in the 10 new Altimas he's sold to date. Mine was one of those ten and I test drove two others on the lot - no issues. And you can be assured that I'm very sensitive to anomolies in cars.

I also have a '12 VW Golf TDI that has been in service about 6 months with 6500 miles and no issues. The EPS does not have as much feel as the Nissan system but, neither I nor most reviewers feel that either system has a "dead spot" in the center. There's just not much feel with either system but generally the electro hydraulic is slightly better, IMHO.

Some people, it seems, tend to have lots of problems with all the cars they buy.

[dbc]

I'm well aware of the differences in the Golf and new Jetta. The much nicer quality of components and premium features is why I got a Golf - before they, too, are cheapened for "american tastes".

But nearly all the issues you experienced were with the engines which are the same. I believe that all the TDI engines are assembled in Germany - not completely sure of this though.

But you are absolutely right about the lovely, torquey feel of the TDI. It moves the car with an effortless feel that always puts a smile on my face. Just like a big hand giving it a firm push from behind! I've never approached the 40mpg that others seem to get but maybe I enjoy all that torque too much.

[theinternot]

Brand new 2013 Nissan Altima S makes a squeaking noise - Nissanhelp.com Forums

[theinternot]

There were several other issues I found with the fit and finish..

- Shrinking head liner in passenger rear - insulation popping out underneath
- Hanging engine insulation that was cut too short from the factory
- Cross threaded bolts directly from the factory in the exhaust mount that bolts into the sub frame, and in the rear upper strut mount.
- Bubbling soft touch plastic around all the sunroof controls

This is more what I was talking about fit and finish.

It is hard to resist driving the TDI with a heavy foot ;-)

Originally Posted by dbc

I'm well aware of the differences in the Golf and new Jetta. The much nicer quality of components and premium features is why I got a Golf - before they, too, are cheapened for "american tastes".

But nearly all the issues you experienced were with the engines which are the same. I believe that all the TDI engines are assembled in Germany - not completely sure of this though.

But you are absolutely right about the lovely, torquey feel of the TDI. It moves the car with an effortless feel that always puts a smile on my face. Just like a big hand giving it a firm push from behind! I've never approached the 40mpg that others seem to get but maybe I enjoy all that torque too much.

[theinternot]

This is the first new model car I have bought. I figured it was a pretty well established vehicle, though. It's unfortunate to be having these issues, because overall the car is very nice.

Originally Posted by OkieScot

I am sorry for the problems some of you early buyers are going through. That is one of the reasons I am holding off to buy my wife's car. If it were not for you brave souls who take the chances with a new model those like me would never get the problems solved before we brought our cars. I thank you.

[theinternot]

Originally Posted by theinternot

Surprise, surprise... Nissan says the noise is normal. They say there is a disclosure on the electronic noises in the manual. That doesn't do me any good if it isn't disclosed prior to buying the vehicle.

There is one sentence in the manual under the power steering heading that states (see bold text below):

"The power steering system is designed to provide power assistance while driving to operate
the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent overheating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still performed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the ignition switch to the OFF position. The temperature
of the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated. This is a
normal operational noise and is not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the engine is running, it may indicate the
power steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power steering
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, the power assist
for the steering will cease operation but you will
still have control of the vehicle. At this time,
greater steering efforts are required to operate
the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and
at low speeds"


... mine makes noise regardless of steering wheel movement. And, is this noise they speak of the sound of a groaning pump as would be expected, or the high pitched whines I am hearing. Way to be vague nissan. In other explanations of noise, such as the ABS system, they describe the noise as a "clunk". Sure would have been handy information for the salesperson to relay to me so I could make an informed decision.

[OkieScot]

The power steering system over heating is not to my liking. I have never had that problem with any of the multitude of cars and trucks I have owned.