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Old 02-22-2010, 05:34 PM   #1
exav8tr
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Advice Anyone?

Coming into San Diego the other day from the East I was climbing the San Diego hills (6% grade). I was in tow haul with the cruise set at about 55 and getting low on fuel. All of a sudden I get the Low fuel warning and the truck begins a high pitch whine, I let off the gas and it went away, got back on it and same thing. It happened a few more times into San Diego. After passing the summit, about 4,000 ft and heading down the other side, the noise went away.

I have tried to duplicate it without the trailer and cannot do. I have added fuel also. I did not feel any difference in pulling while it was happening and tranny temp was around 195. All other gauges reading normal.

My first impression was the low fuel warning device, but this just may have been a coincidence it happened the same time the low fuel light came on.

I have an appointment with a Chevy dealer for Wednesday morning. Does anyone have any idea, or has anyone had this happen????

My truck is a '08 Chevy 3500, D/A, dually. Would like to have some ideal before I take it in.......
 
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Old 02-22-2010, 07:05 PM   #2
Sinterior
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Hi, it could have been the engine cooling fan which can sound like you described and is normal for pulling a heavy trailer uphill, even if the ambient temp isn't that high, and been coincidental with the low fuel warning.
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:54 AM   #3
richfaa
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I will go with the engine cooling fan.. First time that happened on a hard pull I thought we blew the turbo.
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Old 02-23-2010, 02:11 AM   #4
steves
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I know on the Ford that noise is from the cooling fan engaging. The 1st time I heard it I thought something was wrong but it's normal. I don't know how the Chevy is designed?
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Old 02-23-2010, 02:12 AM   #5
bw2
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On an occasion, I get a whine from the turbo. I believe it is the atmospheric conditions, the right humidity, temperature, and speed. When I adjust the speed, the whine reduces or stops.

Just a thought
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Old 02-23-2010, 02:41 AM   #6
radioattic
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Ditto. My old SOB Chevy-powered motorhome had a transmission cooling fan that sounded like a turbine generator when it started up. First time I heard it while driving, it spooked me pretty bad.

WHEEEEEE...............!
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Old 02-23-2010, 02:47 AM   #7
Delaine and Lindy
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Fan Clutch!!! This happens during hard pulls. Happened to me go to San Diego back in 1974 at the time I was pulling a TT and had a GM with a 454 gas burner. It could possibly be Turbo whine but I would still go with the Clutch fan. GBY....
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Old 02-23-2010, 03:46 AM   #8
HughM
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My vote is the cooling fan. Pulling a hill will sometimes activate it. First time I heard it I thought I had a serious problem. Now I'm glad I've got it when I need it.
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Old 02-23-2010, 04:07 AM   #9
SlickWillie
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I say cooling fan also. Those things will make a heck of a racket.
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Old 02-23-2010, 06:06 AM   #10
8.1al
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It's the fan. The first time it happens can be concerning to say the least
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Old 02-23-2010, 06:53 AM   #11
ole dude
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I think either the turbo or the cooling fan were singing off key, or maybe both.
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Old 02-23-2010, 11:11 AM   #12
randye
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You shouldn't have had the radio on, did it sound like tip toeing through the tulip by tiny tim.
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Old 02-23-2010, 12:47 PM   #13
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Mine turned out to be the waist gate opening, it happened to me the first time in my old ford going to pirumph NV climbing that hill, it usuall happened when I was pushing the motor hard, it stopped if I backed off a couple of pounds on the boost.
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:01 PM   #14
sreigle
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My Fords made that same kind of noise. Awhile back there was a thread on GM's with this sound and I think the decision there was it was the cooling fan. It can sound like a jet taking off when the engine temperature reaches a preset level. On my Fords, the sound would sometimes kind of waver in pitch. I think the fan was changing speeds based on the engine temperature and throttle setting. When I let off the throttle the whine would lighten or stop, depending.
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:14 PM   #15
RCN.Stoker
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I have had it happen twice. It seems tied to transmission temperature not engine. Both times I hit over 80c on the tranny and then it started. Engine temp was rock solid at 100. First time was pushing hard over some hills and this high pitched whine, not a roar but a whine. I believe it is the fluid in the fan clutch but not sure. I have searched the forums but haven't seen a definitive explanation. BTW second time was when I left the front winter cover on when we had a warm day and I was driving highway speeds. Same noise and engine temp normal. Tranny temp 84c. I backed off and let it cool down and when it hit 78c the noise disappeared. The noise is associated with engine rpm hence my guess at the clutch. Wonder if the hot tranny cooler causes the fan to partially clutch in and it slips in this condition. Good discussion and bet it won't be the last on the subject.
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:14 PM   #16
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I agree, on the cooling fan. I also thought something was wrong the first time the fan kicked in. Had a friend that said that's when you're to turn the radio up louder LOL
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:21 PM   #17
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Phil,

You've had that truck for quite a while, might be time to bite-the-bullet, recoup your loses and just buy a Dodge.

Sorry, oh so sorry,...just couldn't resist!
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Old 02-23-2010, 02:31 PM   #18
exav8tr
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by simonsrf

Phil,

You've had that truck for quite a while, might be time to bite-the-bullet, recoup your loses and just buy a Dodge.

Sorry, oh so sorry,...just couldn't resist!
Robbie, Now THAT'S some funny stuff!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone else for the, hopefully, reassuring information. I will still take it in to have it checked, but now I know where to start with the GM folks...
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Old 02-23-2010, 03:29 PM   #19
bncinwv
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Or expanding on Robbie's idea, whenever you take it in, one of those new Chevy's or GM's that tow 20,000 may be required in a take out order!!!
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Old 02-23-2010, 04:23 PM   #20
exav8tr
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Bingo, That's about how I got the current 3500. I took my 2500 in for an oil change in Tucson and came home with a 3500 dually. Most expensive oil change I have ever had.......Phil
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