I just bought a '98 Formula, and the high-pitched whine or squeal on startup is fairly irritating. I've found out it's most likely the AIR system and it can be removed fairly easily without throwing a code.

The thing is, I live in Connecticut. Will removing the AIR make the car fail emissions testing? I'll leave the EGR since it doesn't look like it makes the noise.

 

Does this continue or just stop all of the sudden after a minite or so?? I think we're experiencing the same probs. I wouldnt call my sound HIGH pitched.But definately noticable driver side of motor,then just stops...Before this one sound came about the air injection system(pump)was a bit louder then I think it should be.But not loud,I think its morphing and has to do w/ the air system. Look at my post/thread Engine sounds can you relate??

Your emission Q; If I had to GUESS after reading(trouble shooting) the air system.It only turns on at start up for 3-4 mins. during open loop at start up.From the description it put more air in the exhaust to dilute the richness so to say. And most emissions tests are w/ the car runnig and warmed tests at idle and what?2500rpm.Should be closed loop then and the air system non-op.So the fact that its disabled and the things above I think it wouldnt effect the test BUT just guessing.
You know the moderator of the v6 tech board is a Smog Tech. maybe do a thread there SN:;All_In_Red ...he may help answer

 

Thanks for the info.

I actually have two sounds, one's a low "whirr", while the other is a broken squeak type, it's louder than the whirr. They both stop once the car's warm.

Can anyone tell me for sure if the AIR system removal will cause the car to fail CT emissions?