Chrysler Repair: 03 T&C Accellaration Noise, power steering pump, low pitch

Question
My 2003 T&C makes a low-pitch whining noise when accellarating and idling.  It makes the noise also when in neutral.  What could this be?  It's got about 45k miles on it.  

Answer
Hi Lynn,
I have to admit that I haven't listened to any post 2000 vans by Chrysler so I am not certain if the sound you describe is normal or not. I would guess that it might be the sound of the torque converter which is located between the engine and the transmission and have 2 internal turbines which transmit rotational energy. Those are spinning whether in drive or neutral. Also the sound could come from an accessory driven by belts from the front of the engine:alternator, power steering pump, water pump are among the possibilities. Any of these items and the torque converter having bearings on their rotating shafts which may begin to whine if they are under-lubricated or wearing out.
You may be able to localize the source by using a rubber hose as an "ear horn" to focus the ear on a small location on the powertrain. See if you can find the source that way.
Then go too a dealer and ask to hear a van of similar year and equipment to observe whether this is also present or not. If not, then you may want to force the issue by asking for a repair under warranty, if in fact you are still within the warranty period.
That is about the best I can offer.
Roland