The noise sounds like a cassette being rewound.... rather, like it is trying to be rewound but it is having trouble. It is coming from the front of the car. Sometimes it sounds like it is coming through the center vents while other times it seems lower down or more toward the passenger side (?).
So, this noise will always happen when the following conditions are met:
1) Outside air temperature is <25F
2) Car has been driven at least 2-5 miles (and can start from either hot or cold)
3) The car is in motion
The noise has been getting louder over the last couple of months when it does occur (to the point that my wife is seriously considering my offer to ride in the engine compartment with the hood up while she drives around
). Because we've had stretches of unusually warm weather, the noise has been effectively intermittent.The local dealership was not able to repro the problem.
There are no check engine lights, no noticeable performance problems, etc.
So, I'd appreciate any suggestions you can offer.