After I shut the engine off, for about 5 seconds I hear a buzzing noise then a click right before it stops. It happens everytime and lasts for the same duration everytime. It's not the high-pitched sound from the PS, but I am at a loss to figure out what it is or where it's coming from. It doesn't last long enough to give me time to track it down.

Any ideas as to what it may be?

 

it's winding up itself for your next run.

mine does that too. perfectly normal.

 

Most likely the air conditioner resetting the air positioning controls. Perfectly normal.

 

Thanks guys.

When I bought her my neighbor said I should get a plastic wind up key and stick it on the back.

 

that's funny ..... tell im' to get bent.

 

Not a bad idea, but actually they're metal! http://www.windupkey.com/

Rawhyde

PS The mysterious sound you hear could also be vacuum bleeding off through the PCV valve. There have been threads on that subject before.

 

I believe I read somewhere, that this sound is the damper on the ventilation system closing, after the ignition is turned off.

 

I also noticed today that when I put the key in and turn it all the way just shy of turning the car on I hear it as well.

 

I believe it's the fuel pump kicking on before start up, and then shutting off when the car is turned off.

 

Looks like a lot of ideas. I think that it's elves making cookies. Anyone know for sure?

 

Does it sound kinda like when you eject a CD?

 

I vote for cookies! That would make the mini the most perfect car on the road, if it isn't already!

 

As long as there peanut butter cookies or oatmeal, it's all good.

Exactly my thought as well.

Yes, a good description.

 

Yeah I have a sound that reminds me of a jet engine (quieter though!!) powering down. Some kind of fan. Sounds like it's to the left or behind the steering wheel. Is this the same sound you guys are talking about? I've heard it since day 1 so I'm guessing it's normal...

 

Is is the infamous power steering motor fan ?????

I am half-deaf I never notice such things.....

 

I think that there are a few things that people are describing. Here are a few of the normal noises that you may be hearing.

1) When turning the key on a ligh buzz from the rear seat and a faint click from the fuse panel by your foot. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the rail and then the relay deactivating.

2) When turning the key on and sometimes off there is a slightly deeper buzz from the throttle body and then one or two clacks. This is the throttle initializing itself. This is what I think the poster is hearing.

3) When shutting the engine off there is a "winding down" sound from the engine bay. It sounds like the supercharger bleeding off boost or slowing to a stop, but it is the power steering pump not the fan. Sometimes it stays on until the key is cylcled again (could this be a cause of engine fires?)

 

Bingo, thanks 002, that's exactly what I've been hearing.

 

I vote for the throttle body. It also does something similar when the car is shut off. The IAC (idle air contrl) keeps the TB blade open slightly to keep the idle perfect. Once the eingine is shut off the goes into a rest state where you hear it slamming shut.

 

I tell people it's my machine guns retracting.