# 'whirr sound' when cold?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/whirr-sound-when-cold/21808>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [November 7, 2008, 11:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whirr-sound-when-cold/21808 "2008-11-07T23:29:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![sigma693](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@sigma693](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sigma693)\
**Post date:** [November 7, 2008, 11:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whirr-sound-when-cold/21808/1 "2008-11-07T23:29:30Z")

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I posted a similar question before. When I cold start my new 09 civic, I hear a ‘whirr’ at all rpms from the engine. I took it to a different dealer than I bought it from and they said it’s normal and that the auto-belt tensioner ‘moves’. Well, when I drive a while and get home, the ‘whirr’ is gone. So whenever this engine warms up, the sound goes away. What is it?- timing chain tensioner or auto-belt tensioner?? And what is an auto belt tensioner anyways?? - Always had a RWD vehicle. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\
**Post date:** [November 7, 2008, 11:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whirr-sound-when-cold/21808/2 "2008-11-07T23:35:38Z")

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A tensioner is basically a wheel on a spring to provide tension for the belt. Test drive another car of the same model and see if it is normal. Tensioners are not that expensive, but for a new car I would try and get it replaced under warranty.