Humming noise

[Wordski]

I noticed that almost right after I start my car,there is a humming noise coming from the rear of the car,almost as if it has ride control.Is that what it is,or is it something else?It only lasts maybe 10 seconds or so,then it turns off.

[00Beast]

It's what is called ELC (Electronic Load Control, I think) . The rear shocks have an air bladder in them that allows the car to level out when you have things in the trunk that would make the car sag. The noise you hear is the compressor cycling to check the system and level the car. It's 100% normal.

[1fatcat]

My 98 has fully functioning ELC and it does not do that? Maybe the newer ones do? Maybe developing a leak in the system?

[00Beast]

IIRC, your compressor is under the hood. The 00+ compressor is under the trunk.

[1fatcat]

Mine is under the rear of the car.

[Archon]

The compressor on the 2000+ is in the passenger side fender, behind the wheel well. About 30-45 seconds after the ignition is turned on, the compressor will run for 10-15 seconds to make sure that the system has the proper charge. It's normal operation.

[bonnevillain]

Just to clarify, up until 95 the had the compressor under the hood next to the airbox, and in 96 they changed to underneath the rear.

[gingerdrass]

The compressor on the 2000+ is in the passenger side fender, behind the wheel well. About 30-45 seconds after the ignition is turned on, the compressor will run for 10-15 seconds to make sure that the system has the proper charge. It's normal operation.

On my 95 Pontiac Bonneville, my compressor runs off and on all the time. Will I have to have it replaced? Will it be expensive?

[myfirstbonnie]

No, it sounds like you have a leak in the system and it is trying to keep it up to the proper level. You will need to check all the airlines and the struts for leaks.


Also, you should start your own thread so we can get the attention and help where it is needed.