My Honda CRV (1998) is making a high pitched whine sometimes when I'm driving. It seems to happen when the rpms are high before shifting (I own a standard transmittion CRV). It whines between 2.5 and 3 rpms. This has come and gone at different times--not always present in cold weather, but whenever it happens it is shilly out.

That is the blower motor. It is a small electric motor under the dash that mounts on the plenum. When it starts to go bad, it squeals. They are about 100 dollars at autozone.

Power steering pump. Fluid is either low or the pump is wearing out.

I wonder if you have a fan belt that is screeching? They get glazed over and eventually wear out and make a high whine and screeching noise. This might...be what it is

I am having the same issue. Would love to know what resolved it for you?

sometimes the alternator can make this sound, especially if the battery is low & the alternator is charging at its maximum or if the voltage regulator is faulty, check the charge rate it should be around 13.8.to 14.5 volts use a volt meter to do this......hope this helps......cheers.

Does the high-pitch whine exist when the engine is just running? Not moving (transmission is not in gear)? Running but with transmission in neutral (coasting down hill)?

Manually shift thru all gears up & down the scale. Try adding Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier, available from Ford parts dept. This REALLY STINKS!!! Don't get any on you. Pour into trans fluid. Drive a few miles shifting manually thruthe gears, then do a normal start stop drive several times. This will luburcate trans, normally used for differential but has worked in automatic transmissions of all makes for years. Otherwise mechanical problem for transmission repair facility.

if this happens only in the morning after you start for the first time its the clutch on the fanblade needs replacing

Providing there are no oil leaks at all, some transmission stabilizer may help. Any experience i've had with a whining 5 speed, is not good. Usually it's a bearing on it's way out. Try some of this, and see if it makes any difference. RISLONE® TRANSMISSION STABILIZER

The high pitched whine in reverse sounds normal for a honda. Ever honda I have had makes a similar noise while in reverse. The spinning, scraping noise in drive is not normal. You might want to see a mechanic about that.