Noticed on a long roadtrip (cruising ~75mph) that I was getting an occasional high pitch electrical interference type 'whine' sound. [Akin to 'ringing in your ears' or tinnitus type noise... ha and no.. it wasn't just in my head.] This was pretty faint but noticable with the radio on or off. I am guessing some sort of electrical interference? Pitch would change in tone & amplitude pending engine load. Coasting more sound, slight engine load or accelerating, no sound. Not something you'd notice around town. Tough to pinpoint the location in the cabin... potentially electrical interference emanating from the speakers?

You can basically drown it out with music playing, but curious if anyone had 'heard' this? Or better yet, fixed it? Thanks!

 

Is it worse on cold start right when you start the car? What about when turning the steering wheel while stationary?

 

Only noticable when cruising straight down the highway under 'quiet' conditions. Car is all warmed up, etc. Its not the power steering pump, nor rear diff whine. Seems like high pitch electrical interference with the stereo. Even with it off.

 

Used to get that way back in the olden days -- like 35 years ago -- was usually caused by interference coming from the ignition system. Spark plug leads if I recall correctly.

 

Right! "Old" problem due to electrical shielding... Of course this is a British car!

 

Did you notice the pitch would change with actual "engine load" or just with rpm change? I only ask because there are a few electrical items them react differently to both changes. It sounds like yvr put you on the right path. If it is engine load, I would look at spark controller ground or poorly secured plug lines, maybe check for similar issues with the fuel injector controller and fuel pump controller.

If neither of those tactics pan out, it may be time to look for a louder exhaust system.

 

It really is engine load from what I can tell.. Cruise at a steady 75 on flat straight highway... and just lightly pushing the gas from a sustained speed in 6th gear and it goes away. Really no major rpm change in that first few seconds.

I have my mechanic set for doing the oil change in 2wks.. I'll have him look around then at anything potentially electrical.

Louder exhaust would fix the glitch!