I'm not sure that that's normal. I'm not sure it's the ABS either, but it's certainly a possibility. My 2000 doesn't sound like a growling noise after startup. But I'm pretty sure they changed the ABS system a couple times through the years of the 3rd gen.

But I wanted to add that when you brake hard and ABS is actually set off, it makes a loud clicking/grinding sound and you can feel the brake pedal vibrate a bit. I've done that many times. The sound is very noticeable.

That's different from the very faint clicking/grinding noise heard soon after starting/moving it (at least on a 2000). I think every vehicle with ABS does some sort of system test when you start it and/or press the brakes for the first time. I think Toyota's ABS test is barely noticable. I have to really concentrate to hear it on mine.

Oooh... Oooh... I know! I know!

That is the wonderful recirc/fresh air exchanger closing. Does she have the HVAC control set on recirc or off?

When my wife's van has the control switches off, and she turns the key on, there is a low pitched errrrrrrrrrrp from the lower passenger firewall for about 1.5 seconds, as the flap is energized by the ignition switch, and closes. If it is on fresh air, there is no noise.

Freaked her out the first time she heard it, too!

I'll take a case of Bitburger Pilsner, please! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

"Bitte ein Bit!" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, that sounds an awful lot like my wife's situation. I'm going to try that and see what happens. What did you do about it? Just tell her it's a normal thing and change the subject? That's what I may do <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> By the way; Thanks everyone for the responses and if you still want the beer you'll have to take a road trip. I would love to accomodate. I don't deliver out of my area though. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well phooey, I tried it in both positions and it made the noise each time! I guess this is why the pros get paid so much. The diagnosis is the frustrating part. Any suggestions? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Do you have someone that can start the vehicle while you look in the engine compartment?

Also I'm pretty sure it's not the recirc/fresh air control because on my 98 it's manual and controlled by the lever (notice how much force it requires to move the lever).

yeah I do, think I'll do that real quick.

Try this. Turn the ignition on, but dont start the engine. Give it a few seconds, and it should still make that noise, at least mine would.