weird noise on startup?

**jmatt07** · 09-23-2008, 11:15 AM

i have a 98 camaro ss and everytime i start it it makes a weird noise for about 5 minutes then stops. it sounds like some kind of motor or a pump running. i mean it causes no problems i was just curious if anyone else had this.

**bigrondownhiller** · 09-23-2008, 01:29 PM

Could be the air pump. Try turning the key to run then off. You will hear it go for a couple of seconds.

**2001NBMZ28** · 09-23-2008, 01:58 PM

Agree it could be the air pump, but should only be on cold starts. You can try pulling the air pump fuse temporarily and see if it stops. It might throw the SES light but will go off by itself after a few cycles after replacing it.

**0rion** · 09-24-2008, 08:15 AM

air pump

**jmatt07** · 09-24-2008, 11:07 AM

so does this mean that my air pump is bad or about to go bad or should i just not worry about it. and im sure this is a dumb question but air pump for what? i dont really know alot about engines.
thanks for the help guys

**PFM** · 09-24-2008, 11:45 AM

Nah nothing wrong with it. Its just gonna make that noise on a cold start. Its not noticeable on a car with aftermarket(louder) exaust.

**0rion** · 09-24-2008, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by jmatt07

so does this mean that my air pump is bad or about to go bad or should i just not worry about it. and im sure this is a dumb question but air pump for what? i dont really know alot about engines.
thanks for the help guys

what type of noise is it? The air pumps do go bad from time to time but you'll most likely hear the bearings screaming in it first. The pump pumps fresh air into the exhaust stream on a cold start to help heat the cats up faster. Look at the tops of your manifolds and you'll see a pipe sticking up on each one that has a tube going to it, that's where it injects the air.

**jmatt07** · 09-24-2008, 10:16 PM

i do have an aftermarket exhaust. its a loudmouth. ya the noise is pretty loud. i can hear it loud and clear over the exhaust. btw thanks for the info on what that pump does.

**jmatt07** · 09-24-2008, 10:17 PM

its hard to describe the noise lol, it kinda sounds like a blender but the noise is pulsating.

**0rion** · 09-25-2008, 02:56 AM

where at in Ohio are you? E-check county? If not just pull the pump out and have someone delete the codes for you.

**jmatt07** · 09-25-2008, 09:38 AM

I live in Mansfield. im not sure who i would take that to.

**0rion** · 09-25-2008, 12:29 PM

I can do it but I'm down in Columbus, actually southeast of columbus.

**2001NBMZ28** · 09-25-2008, 12:47 PM

Verify it's the pump first - pull the AIR PUMP fuse while it's making the noise. If it is the pump and the noise is driving you crazy you can leave the fuse out to disable it until you decide what to do - but it'll throw P0412 and you'll have a constant SES light.