Engine chirp while in drive

I just recently started hearing a weird noise, almost like a loud ass cricket, from the drivers side of my engine bay, only while in drive or reverse. In fact the best way to describe it is that it sounds exactly like a giant cricket that’s just loud enough to chirp over the engine tick. It’s a constant noise whether my brake (or parking brake) is on, and while driving at most speeds. When I park or shift into neutral it disappears, and it seems to be more apparent on a cold start. I know I can’t describe the sound well enough to expect anyone to understand, but has anyone experienced a similar issue? I have a road trip coming up and need piece of mind here.

 

It could be the serpentine belt or a idler pulley.

Try this:

Use a mechanics stethoscope ( can also use a piece of harden hose ) and listen to the pulleys n the front of the engine to see if one of them is acting up. Start the engine and chock the wheels, actuate the parking brake and then put it in drive or reverse and listen to the pulleys.

Or get someone you trust to hold the brake while you listen.

 

I don't know what that sound could be, but take your peace of mind from normal coolant temp, and lack of oil or batt/alt light. Enjoy your trip..

 

I’ve been trying with the stethoscope but the fan constantly blowing air on half the pulleys makes it difficult. I saw other threads mentioning the noise coming from the high pressure fuel pump, anyone able to tell me where to find it? If I can pinpoint it to that then I’ll at least know there’s no cause for concern...

 

I think that the high pressure fuel pump situation only applies to direct injection, which wouldn't be a concern on your 2012.

 

try turning the a/c button on and off.. does it recreate the sound?

 

I fought a very similar noise on my 4Runner last Summer, it was the steel bracket bolted to the catalytic converter flange and engine on driver's side. It had rusted at the bend near the cat flange and the two pieces were chafing against each other at idle, creating a chirp that sounded like a belt/pulley problem. Let us know what you find.

Diagnosis was via large rubber mallet whacking the exhaust pipe in various locations until I reproduced the noise. By then, I had ruled out the belt and pulleys as well as the catalytic converter heat shields.

 

It's most likely an idler pulley. Rockauto has several complete kits for a good price. I've used the Gates kit on all my trucks.