Hi everybody,
I don't know if anybody notices, but when you insert your master key into the ignition, the engine compartment makes some sort of electrical sound. It's not loud or anything, but it's as if a code is set to start the car. Is it because of the laser cut key or computer chip on the key that's making contact with the car, and once it engages (humming electrical sound), you have like 30 seconds to start the car or something?

Feedback would be great.

Try it on your car. (Is there a humming sound?)

 

Yes. We've noticed the same thing. When the key is inserted in the ignition, we hear an electical buzzing sound from the engine compartment. The buzzing stops in about 30 seconds. Doesn't seem to affect anything.

We plan to ask our dealer about it the next time we go in for an oil change.

 

What year are your cars? And do they have HIDs? if so then its the HIDs charging up, they take up a lot of power that's the humming noise, if you look at the batter on the positive side there's a extra wire coming out and that charges up the HID. pop the hood and listen next time

 

It's a 2001 with NAV. It does have HID's. You're right, cuz when I open my hood, the positive side (red) seems to be humming. Is it under the battery? The ballast for the HID is under the battery? Thanks. All along, I thought it was the computer chip for the key making contact.

 

Yes, I believe it is the ballasts of the HIDs... but the ballasts are located securely under your headlamp housings... not under the battery... so if you remove your headlamps, you'll see the ballasts underneath them...

 

Yeah, ballast isn't under battery, the if you follow the red wire, it takes you to a box on the passenger side, then the ballast are on both headlamp assemblys.

 

Ok, i should get my HIDS in tomorrow hopefully... and if i do i was wondering where do you guys think would be the best place to mount it?? do you think mounting it under the headlamp also like the stock ones is good??? will i have to do a lot of removing to get to that area???

or is there any other areas that look roomy enuff?

 

Yep, we've got a 2002 with NAV and HIDs. That explains it. Now we don't have to ask the dealer.

Thanks!

 

Mine does this too. Note the year 99. I was told by the dealer this is normal (works as designed - WAS) but it seems odd to me. I bet it disappears in the new release. I have no NAV or HID, or any vehicle enhancements and it is strictly a dealer-serviced car.

What is HID?? Lights??
Bob

 

HID's are a type of lighting that don't use a tugsten filament like incandescent halogen bulbs found in most vehicles on the road. HID stand for High Intensity Discharge. You will also hear them called xenon headlights - the bulbs use xenon gas and a arc of electricity to create light. They are more efficient and produce more light output than halogens.

They are usually noticeable by their crisp, blue/white color.

-Nick

 

I think what you are hearing is the autolevelling of your HID's. When I start my car and it's facing my garage wall, a window, etc, the humming noise comes as the light beams move up or down to adjust themselves. There's got to be some kind of motor to raise/lower the inside of the light housing... it's kind of neat to watch and see how it levels from outside, it's actually a large part of the headlight assembly that is moving.

If you have someone turn on your car at night w/ the headlights on auto while you get out and watch, I think you'll observe that's what's happening.

 

Just don't try and crank it yourself and run up the the headlights to see it move. I wasn't fast enough

 

Only the ones w/ HID's come with the autolevelling feature... so that could be why!