Whining

The most likely sources are: Power Steering pump (if whine is in engine compartment) Tranny/torque converter (Whine is underneath) Or perhaps the Alternator. The A/C blower moter may also whine a bit inside the car.

The power steering pump is the most likely. Does the whine change when you turn the wheel?

whining sound only when it gets cold outside and most of the time only when it is in park, or at a stop light or at slow speeds. Once I speed up it goes away or sometimes it is very low when I speed. I can pump the accelerator and it will stop... then will come right back until I speed up or pump the accelerator again. I think this has the same engine as a Ford Taurus or Contour

I guess that whine is the wrong word... it is a low hume coming from the (after furthur investagation) from the Air filter area...

I had the same problem w/ my 2000 MPV. It soon was accompanied by a burnt odour. That was in fact the alternator cooking itself. So the alternator died on a 3 1/2 yr old vehicle that is mostly used to drive

The scrooges at the dealership thought they'd get 850$ (before taxes) to fix it - I wonder how often people actually say 'ok' to such quotes?! It wasn't even Mazda OEM, but an aftermarket rebuild! After telling them that the alternator in my 4Runner lasted 12 years and the one in my TR6 was 25 years old AND THAT THEIR CRAP WAS DISMAL at best I said "Sure, okay, prepare the work order. I'll be right back, just have to get my keys". While they did so I went into their parking lot, boosted my MPV and drove it around the corner to my usual mechanic (honest guy). He fixed it for 600$ tax included but had to wait a week for the alternator to come in. Seems that these are in high demand...

Dealers are lower than whale shit.

(after furthur investagation) from the Air filter area...

(after furthur investagation) from the Air filter area...