Unfamilliar noise

[ASHDUMP]

When I turn the car off, the obvious happens; the engine shuts down.

But when I open up my door, I hear this buzz/tronic noise that lasts about 1 second. It kind of sounds like BZZZZ. It sounds like it is coming from somewhere in the dash or steering wheel.

It is not the telescoping steering wheel either... only happens when I open up the door after turning the car off.

What is it? It was loud the other day too when the temps got down to 20 degrees.

 

[moose66]

Do you leave anything on when you shut the car off? Could it be one of the fans?

 

[stepping_guy1]

I had the same problem.

I asked the dealer and they didn't know.

After much searching on the internet, I found that it was the motorized steering wheel lock mechanism. And it does make strange noises.

I hope it doesn't malfunction and lock my steering.

 

[TJPark01]

Mine does the same thing, not sure what it is, but I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[dataguy]

After much searching on the internet, I found that it was the motorized steering wheel lock mechanism. And it does make strange noises.

Never even gave that noise a second thought. It's far less noticeable than the seat and steering wheel "easy access" motion and sound, but maybe that's just me.

And IIRC, doesn't it make the same noise when you start the car (the steering wheel lock disengaging)?

 

[scottdk]

I think that it may be the auto cornering headlights, but I could be wrong. I get this noise too, but it hasn't bothered me. It just sounds like the headlights adjusting after shut off. I know they adjust when the car is started, but may also at shut off?

 

[ASHDUMP]

OK - I'm glad that other Genesis's are doing the same thing. The noise is quite annoying to me and the other day when it was cold it sounded like a 1980's Armatron! haha

 

[Sayantsi]

Mine does that too - it sounds like the steering column trying to move up even though it already does after you shut the car off.

 

[crhbobby]

Could it be the steering wheel locking? I will have to move the steering wheel next time. I have the same noise.

The other day when it was real cold out...and had been in my car about 20 minutes....interior had warmed up.. The center information screen between the gauges reacted VERY slowly. You hit the disp and trip buttons on the steering wheel and nothing happened. Finally after pressing several times...it would switch screens..but with a 3-5 second delay. The only thing I can think of it was because it was cold out. (17-20 degrees or so)

Bob

 

[scottdk]

Could it be the steering wheel locking? I will have to move the steering wheel next time. I have the same noise.

The other day when it was real cold out...and had been in my car about 20 minutes....interior had warmed up.. The center information screen between the gauges reacted VERY slowly. You hit the disp and trip buttons on the steering wheel and nothing happened. Finally after pressing several times...it would switch screens..but with a 3-5 second delay. The only thing I can think of it was because it was cold out. (17-20 degrees or so)

Bob

My friends BMW does the same thing when it's cold out. No worries.

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[DanTheMan]

When I turn the car off, the obvious happens; the engine shuts down.

But when I open up my door, I hear this buzz/tronic noise that lasts about 1 second. It kind of sounds like BZZZZ. It sounds like it is coming from somewhere in the dash or steering wheel.

It is not the telescoping steering wheel either... only happens when I open up the door after turning the car off.

What is it? It was loud the other day too when the temps got down to 20 degrees.

Check out my thread starter on "Push Button Starting System" from back in August, of '08. I have the same issue and thought it was related to the starting mechanism--turns out it really isn't. While I suppose it's all loosely related, the consensus is that this is normal. It appears to be related to the locking of the steering system in our cars. After 1-1/2 years of ownership, it still does it, but doesn't give me any trouble. BTW, I have about 30K miles on the car--lots of stops and starts!

If you'll notice something else as well, you'll see that the buzzing sound and the inside dome light being turned on are also related. I've noticed over the last week or so since we've been in a significant cold spell in my area (East Tennessee). It's been mid-teens during the evenings, and the light doesn't always come on when you open the door. When the light doesn't turn on, you also get no buzzing sound. It's quick to fix--simply close and re-open the door and everything is back to normal. Since this has only occurred during the extreme cold weather (our normal low temp this time of year is mid 30s or so), and only a few times, it seems the button on the door (that senses door open or closed) is sticking. I'm guessing a little lube will help that--but like I said--it's rather cold outside, and it's not a big issues since it doesn't do it all the time. I'll check it out when the weather is warmer.

Dan :>)

 

[Sayantsi]

So I finally tested this out - turned the car off, and tried turning the wheel, and it turned freely. Then opened the door, heard the noise, and the steering wheel was locked, so I'm going with "its the steering wheel lock".

 

[mikec]

My steering wheel lock makes a high-pitched "whizzt-whizzt" sound. It's not one continuous motor sound, but it doesn't start, stop, and restart. It's more like a two syllable word. When the car hasn't been driven for a few days the motor sounds more strained - the "whizzt" is lower pitched. Needs grease? I'll mention it to the dealer on the next service stop.

mike c.