Hey all, I have an 05 RWD 5.7L Magnum and am experiencing a squealing/whistling noise under moderate acceleration. I’ve attached a sound clip taken from the driver’s side with the window open.

Noise only occurs with greater than ~20% throttle. Can’t hear it if simply rev the engine in park. Only at highway speed with some throttle is it loud enough to enter the cabin w/o a window down.

Happens in any gear, including reverse, when engine is under some load. Seems like it occurs at 3k RPM. The car is not throwing any codes. Drives perfectly fine aside from the noise.
Replaced the serpentine belt and idler pulleys, no change. Took it to my mechanic and Chrysler. First told me awhile back that it could be one of the cats going. Took it to Chrysler the other day, also thought it was something in exhaust system but couldn’t pinpoint.

Taking car in to check out the exhaust system, heard it could be a loose heat shield/bracket.

Anyone else ever experience anything like this or have any thoughts about the source?

Thanks, S.

 

No sound clip.....

 

Weird, should be there now?

 

There it is. Sounds like a chirping/fluttering noise. These cars have panels and insulation under the body, wonder if one of them might be fluttering in the breeze.

 

Hey Magnoom,

Appreciate your thoughts. I’ll clarify that the sound is definitely associated with engine RPM. As soon as the RPMs drop on upshift the sound disappears. I can be going 70mph+ and as long as I’m not giving it much throttle there is no sound.

Any other ideas?

 

Engine RPM or drivetrain RPM?

 

Just thought I’d post an update for others. Turns out it was the catalytic converter on the driver’s side. Believe it had become partially clogged. Replaced with aftermarket cat. So for anyone else that has a similar issue, you will not necessarily ever get a CEL despite the suggestion that a CEL is one of the first indicators of a malfunctioning cat.

Also, regarding a post on another forum about catalytic converter induced rusting and perforation of the frame rail near the cat on winter-driven Magnums, this is entirely true. The frame rail adjacent the cat was found to have a substantial rust perforation (about the size of a fist) only in this specific area. Had the rust cleared out and a new piece of steel welded in. Passenger side was rusting but no perforation yet. For those who drive their Magnum in the winter, definitely check this area out! If it’s caught early it’s really no big deal to fix.