nycarb

I've been racking my brain trying to research what this noise is...

WHAT:
It's a "digital" / "electronic" hum / buzz from the passenger side near the door hinge

WHEN:
It happens when I unlock the car and the inside lights and other electronics "activate".
It is not dependent on whether the door is open/closed or if radio volume is on or off
It goes away when the engine is started
It comes back when the engine is turned off
It goes away when I lock the car

You can hear it here:

I actually think it has gotten "louder"/more audible over the past week

MY GUESS:
Something related to a low voltage/battery warning
It seems to come on when battery power is being used
(Interior lights, instrument cluster, PCM that activate upon unlocking car)
But isn't there an explicit dash warning for low battery/alternator issues?

Any ideas?
(I feel/hope that's it's something super simple and I've prepared myself for the embarrassment:/

Backmarker

My guess is fuel pump

nycarb

I played doctor and put my ear up to this spot here where the orange stick is pointing. That's definitely where to noise is most audible.

I assume that's indeed where the fuel pump lies?

Is the noise some sort of alert? Perhaps a faulty ground?

Reading up, it seems to have been an issue in this generation, however I've had no "symptoms" while driving (no loss of power, it's never cut out while driving, etc)

captainbaker

Try a blue stick. (haha)

If that is where the fuel pumps are, they are probably priming (building up pressure) getting ready to supply fuel to the engine. I wouldnt worry about it unless you had some sort of secondary indication like loss of pressure. IIRC, there is a recall on 997.2 fuel pumps.

docdrs

The hpfp is located on the engine, left lower rear and is mechanical. Maybe the low pressur fuel pump but i think that one is in the gas tank.

nycarb

I found a FIX! I can't hear it when I open the passenger side door, so the wife is no longer allow to get in the car and ride w/ me. Sorry.

In all seriousness ... I guess I shouldn't worry too much as long as no secondary symptoms.

It's just strange that more people haven't noticed this.