Hi

I've just got myself a 1997 Barchetta (25k miles, apparently in very
good nick!) which I am delighted with.

Over the last couple of days though I've noticed an odd electronic
motor noise apparently coming from behind me which I'm sure wasn't
there before.  There are two parts to this.

When I start up the electronics (!) in the car, I hear a motor sound
(almost as if an electric window or radio aerial were going up) coming
from behind me.  After about 3-4 seconds this completes and there is
silence.  If I press an electric window button during this time the
noise reduces in frequency (i.e. sounds lower) which to my mind says it
is something else electric making that noise.  I don't know what it is,
and I'd like to know, but as it just sounds like something priming
itself / resetting ready for use then I'm just curious.  (Ah, just had
a thought - is that the seatbelt pre-tensioner?)

The other point though is a fairly continuous reasonably high pitched
noise, not particularly loud but quite audible even when the radio is
on.  THis only seems to appear just after getting going with the motor
running, but is present when stationary as well as moving.  Again,
depressing the electric window up button causes the note to drop
slightly, so it does appear to be electric.  And again the noise
appears to be coming from behind me.  It doesn't appear to be audible
from outside of the cockpit, so my assumption is that it is something
internal.  THe noise is getting on my nerves a bit, and if it is a
motor that is continually trying to "do" something I'm conscious that
ignoring it may not be the best option.  Is it likely to be some
electronic lock on the hood cover?  I've tried putting that up and
really closing it firmly and that seemed to make no difference.

Any thoughts, either from Barchetta owners or just other fiat savvy
individuals, greatly appreciated!!

Matt

============
2004 Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 (current.  Sorry, family man on a budget
- wife picked this one!)
1997 Barchetta (current)
1998 Marea 2.0 ELX (sold)
1989 Panda 1000 S (RIP)