What's that sound?

When I start my new '09 in the morning (every morning), I hear something that honestly sounds like a vacuum cleaner running for maybe 15 - 30 seconds after the engine has started? I never notice it at other times during the day when I stop for a few minutes (anywhere from 5 minutes - two hours) and start up again. I'm not even sure if it is coming from the rear or front...I'm thinking electric fan? But why does it come on only at first start? And, I've never noticed it when I shut the car off (I have heard the fan with other cars).

In spite of this puzzlement, I'm lovin the smart!

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Permalink Reply by Bruce Fromoz on July 27, 2010 at 12:47am

I've been told, that because this is a ULEV vehicle, when starting cold, some air has to be pre-heated, and squirted around until the car warms up. Once the engine is warm, it assumes a more economical mode, and acts as it should. If you ever start cold, and don't hear that, worry.