Extreme cold start (below 0F), what is the whining noise?

[Threeofnine]

I watch a few YouTube videos of people doing cold starts in extreme cold. I noticed something that’s very common is that the engine makes it very loud whining sound for a few moments after the start up. What is causing this?

Here is an example:

 

[spasm3]

I'm going to guess the power steering pump, pushing cold fluid. If its electric steering, i don't know without using a mechanics stethoscope around under the hood. Alternator or transmission pump. Hard to tell from a video.

 

[GW.]

Power steering pump

 

[ctechbob]

Yep, that sounds just like my Honda PSP's when I start them when it is below freezing.

 

[Hirev]

Most likely it is the power steering doing it. Real cold hydraulic systems on large machines also make that noise on startup.

 

[CleanSump]

Is it time for HPL to make an extreme cold weather PS fluid for BITOG in the Arctic?

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

If I was starting my car in subzero temperatures, it would be me doing the whining.

 

[demarpaint]

If I was starting my car in subzero temperatures, it would be me doing the whining.

My wife whines in any temperature below 60F.

 

[repairman54]

Starter motor winding down. Just had some -18f starts and it sounds ugly. My old 5.3 and my current 6.2 LS motors sound the same at those low temps. My old EPS Malibu made the same sounds also.

 

[Snagglefoot]

GM makes a low temp power steering fluid but I believe it’s for temps closer to -40.

 

[BrianF]

Oh man, my old Trailblazer honked, whined, screamed and even swore at me when I cold started it. With a good synthetic in the PS system, any noise all but went away.

In the old cummins, it always had synthetic in the PS system and quite frankly, you cant hear sht when it starts anyway.

 

[Mainia]

A modern day Audi....................... PS pump???? Wouldn't it have an electric driven steering rack? My guess is a starter engagement gear crying while pulling back sloooowly.

 

[fantastic]

Fuel pumps can be loud as well. Don't know what it is in this video but what the others mentioned along with electronics don't like extreme cold b/c it adds more resistance. I've heard electronics "Whine" or "Squeal" too over the years.

 

[JamesBond]

I have an 07 A6 that looks like the car in the video and sounded the same at 0 degrees a couple weeks ago. I assumed it was the power steering. The noise went away after 4-5 seconds. And to rant, the power steering reservoir has a screen at the top that I can’t remove so I can’t drain and fill the power steering fluid.