Whenever I shut my car off, there's a slight chirping sound coming from the engine bay. I haven't been able to take a look at it yet but when I do, where should I start?

 

Check your belt, could be a pulley as well

 

Is it a mechanical chirp, as in the noise happens when the motor is still turning over? Or is it an electrical chirp? My wife's brand new car makes all sorts of electrical noises minutes after she turns her car off.

 

It's a mechanical chirp like something spinning coming to a stop. It's a quick chirp at the end of shutdown (if that makes sense) but I'm 99% sure it's mechanical. I'll check out the belt once I can. Would a worn belt cause a noise like that?

 

If the belt is old and worn it could often make squeeking noises. The tension of the belt might have slipped also.
My $0.02. Good luck.

 

Does it happen only when the AC is on?

 

Stick your head under the hood and have someone else turn off the car. Try to narrow the sound down. Try removing some of the plastic pieces to help you listen for it better too.

 

I'm not clear on the description of the noise. Does it happen after the engine stops turning over? I have never heard of a belt noise that occurs when the car is turned off. Belts are more likely to squeak at start up. Does it do this immediately when you shut the car off or is there a delay of any sort. If so, I seriously doubt it is a belt issue.

 

My car does it... Its more of a click noise when you shut off the engine and as soon when let off the brakes. I thought it was the tranny, like the parking pawl is settling but really not sure. Mine is a 2011 and it always done it when it was brand new. I only notice the noise when I park it in my garage with out setting the ebrake.

 

Mine does this too. I know exactly what you're talking about. I was going to change my serp. belt and see if this makes it any better. Ill keep you updated

 

It sounds like a bird chirp. Once I hit the button to shut the car off, you can hear the engine shut off and immediately right before the engine completely shuts off it chirps.

@Ramon my A/C is always on. I'll turn my A/C off next time and see if it still does it

 

Any chance we can get a "shutdown" video including this noise?

 

I had a "chirping" sound as well, but only noticed it while driving. Took it to the dealership under warranty and they messed around w/it for a few days. Found out that there was some sort of flat spot on the fan that was causing it to chirp when air was being circulated through it. They replaced the fan and the chirping sound disappeared. Idk if this is the same sound you're hearing, but if you have access to an air blower...I suggest you blow on the fan (or anything that moves in general) to see if this is indeed the cause or you can eliminate it from the list of possible causes of the chirping. gl

 

Hey sorry I haven't been around. Busy at work. Quick update though, "chirping" sound hasn't gotten worse or better. It seems to be coming from the front driver side near the belt. I have to look into it more when I find time. However, a new sound has arised. It's only happened a few times and I can't make it make the sound. When I start the car for about a quick second the engine sounds like a food dispenser with a metal fork in it. Not a good sound at all and it's kinda sketching me out.

I'll get video of the chirping hopefully soon and the 2nd noise...well I can't replicate it =(

 

That start-up sound is the notorious "cam rattle".