Strange noise from fans on startup

[cRolla]

Hi all, 

Picked up a Toyota Corolla Sports Touring 2.0 yesterday. Quite happy with the driving experience. Nippier than I though it was going to be. 

However today morning, on startup, the fans were making a strange noise, which went away after a while. 

I've attached the recording. 

Can anyone shed some light on this? The car was bought as a used approved from a dealer. 

[TonyHSD]

The radiator fans? 
This sound it’s not typical for these cars and perhaps it’s something to be further checked. Even doesn’t sound like radiator fans to me. Can you turn off heating and ac with off button and do another cold start to double check if this noise is presented? Could be something else. If confirmed from the fans then double check if engine bay is dirty, any dust , debris and salt from motorway driving can eventually cause some rough fans work. Engine wash perhaps, and maybe a video from it and the noise. 
 

[Bernard Foy]

Approved used Toyota’s bought from a dealer usually carry a one year warranty, if the normal new car warranty is expired, have them check it out.

[APS]

Sounds a bit too slow for a fan, but who knows. Stranger things have happened. I'd get it looked at by Toyota to see if they can locate it.

Of course, you could do some basic process of elimination yourself. Does it vary with the HVAC fan speed? Does it stop when you completely switch off the ventilation system (OFF). Does it stop when you turn off just the AC? Is it only happening when it's cold outside? et cetera...

 

[yossarian247]

I have the same model as yours and it's not a sound I've ever heard mine make. Definitely get the dealer to check it.

[cRolla]

Hi All, 

Many thanks for the replies. I've narrowed it down the fans as I can hear the noise slowing down and turning off when I turn off heating. I'll likely be taking it back to dealership to get it checked out. 

[TonyHSD]

17 hours ago, cRolla said:

Hi All, 

Many thanks for the replies. I've narrowed it down the fans as I can hear the noise slowing down and turning off when I turn off heating. I'll likely be taking it back to dealership to get it checked out. 

The noise sounds to me like is coming from the heating fan inside the dashboard instead of the radiator fans outside the car. 
I will suggest to open the glove box and check behind the cabin filter and replace it of dirty. Some cars has this filter neglected and this can restrict air flow and stress the fan when under load and especially in cold weather, the fan is fitted in solid bearings not ball bearings. No need lubrication but clean unrestricted air flow. Highly recommended to change this filter once a year or every 10k miles max. 
Here what to do