Ok a weird howling buzzing sound started today when I turn my key on my 2003. Not the normal buzzing clicking sound that happens when you normally start your truck. After the normal sounds when you turn your key over it last about 20 more seconds.

This was loud and annoying sound. Almost like a howling sound. It lasts for almost 30 seconds then goes away. I can still hear it a little when the truck is running.

I have heard that maybe the power steering pump will do this?

It does not always do it when I start it and sometimes the truck is hard to turn a little.

What are the symptons of the power steering pump going out? Or could this be something else?

Any advice?

Thanks

 

The power steering pump isn't going to make any sound until you actually start the engine. So I'm not sure what you're saying. Does the sound start the minute you turn on the key? Or only after you start the engine?

 

Yes it starts when I turn the key on

Maybe a fuel pump issue or something

 

The only two things that I know of that start up with the key on are the fuel pump and the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is on the passenger side firewall under the hood. With the key on you can remove the vacuum hose and the pump will run continuously. You can listen to it for a problem.

The fuel pump is in the Horizontal Fuel Conditioner Module on the drivers side frame rail under the driver door. It will run for 20-30 seconds after turning on the key, then shut off. Or if you start the truck before then it will run continuously. You should be able to turn on the key and then get down and listen to it.

Given that you mention 30 seconds, I would lean towards the fuel pump.

 

If it's after the truck is running and you sometimes have hard steering it would be the p.s. pump.