Thanks EVERYONE for the replies.

I was finally able to start and car and pull out with the hood open - then stop and give it a listen when the noise started.

It's definately NOT coming from the Belt area.

It's definately IS coming from the vacinity between the battery and the engne. I've attached a .jpg with the area where the noise is coming from circled.

Also - to answer some of the posts....

Noise happens if AC is turned on or off or Auto.
Not sure what oil I'm using (I use whatever Express Lube puts in) - but I'll check.

Kathleen




Attached thumbnail(s)

Ooops. Thanks for the photo, but based on the cirlced area, the ONLY thing i can think of is a damaged flywheel ...

And that's not good news, Kathleen.


But WAIT!
First look to see if your brake servo (the black circular metal thing) is leaking. If it leaks, it may cause a steady continuous whirring at idle. It will escalate during drive, until the leak gets bigger and eventually you press the brake pedal, but car wont stop. (Worst picture).

Yes, please look at the brake servo first.

This is also possible.

AND THE WINNER IS....................................

Air Pump was bad. Had it replaced today.

Thanks everyone for your help. I was able to take the car to the shop knowing what was wrong and how exactly to replicate the symptom.

Wish I had a garage or a place to work on my car.....could have paid $325 online for the part - instead paid $586 for the part. Oh well - labor was only $89 though.

Thanks again all. I really appreciated everyone's help.

Kathleen