There's a strange whining sound coming from the front driver's side of my Civic. I hear it whether the engine is running or not. It doesn't necessarily get louder with acceleration. I though it might be the water pump, but I'm not sure. It starts when I turn the key to start the electrical system. Any idea what this could be?

 

Resistor box? :S Hard to say what year is it?

 

trim and year? modifications?

 

'98 Civic EX. No mods.

 

Just wondering. If it does it even if the car is not running, why haven't you poked your head under the hood to see where the noise is coming from? Basic troubleshooting technique.

 

Maybe you have a problem with your hearing and its really behind you... the whirring would then be your fuel pump?

 

some bearing in the A/C?

 

Agreed. The only noise you should hear when you turn that key should be the fuel pump.