This high-pitched noise is on for 3 seconds then off for 3 seconds and then back on the 3, off for 3 - intermittent like that - for as long as the car is on.

It is not coming from the engine compartment. It is on whether the A/C is on or off. We have tried to see if it stops or changes if you turn on/off various things in the car. You can hear it even if the radio is playing (obviously not, if you turn up the radio volume enough).

It seems like it is a beacon - as if the car is searching for a Bluetooth or WiFi signal to connect with.

The Service Advisor has listened to it, and put his ear close to various components. He has ruled out the engine compartment and the A/C. The Service Advisor agrees that it seems to be coming from somewhere near the media controls in the center console. He has not run into this problem before and is as baffled as me.

This is like a Chinese water torture. Any suggestions to resolve this will be greatly appreciated.

Update: SOLVED! Working with the Service Advisor, we learned that the vehicle was behind on software updates. I choked at the price, as it was over $600. SA claimed that Volvo actually charges the dealer for these, so he could not mark them down. (We also learned that other major car manufacturers, like Audi, also charge their customers in this manner.)

In attempting to initiate the downloads, it was discovered that the USB port was bad. Another $128.

Bottom line: High-Pitched whistle is gone! Not sure which fix solved this problem.

What I was suggesting was that the burglar alarm was going off, but the horn was not working correctly, making no noise but causing a vibration on the firewall, causing a sound in the cockpit.

To check this out of the box suggestion, cause your alarm to go off and see if the alarm horn sounds.

Update: SOLVED! Working with the Service Advisor, we learned that the vehicle was behind on software updates. I choked at the price, as it was over $600. SA claimed that Volvo actually charges the dealer for these, so he could not mark them down. (We also learned that other major car manufacturers, like Audi, also charge their customers in this manner.)

In attempting to initiate the downloads, it was discovered that the USB port was bad. Another $128.

Bottom line: High-Pitched whistle is gone! Not sure which fix solved this problem.

Check the horn for the alarm. Could be causing a vibration at the firewall but not making its proper sound.

Not exactly sure what you're trying to say, but the hood has been popped and we cannot find the problem in the engine compartment. It's definitely going from the media console area. Thanks for giving it some thought. I should have mentioned that we've tried using both keys and the noise doesn't change.

A service advisor is not an automotive 'expert'. Neither am I, but from your description it sounds like a warning device. A stethoscope is required along with digging into the center console area, so long as there are no red flags, like a seatbelt or door warning.

I would suggest looking at the security functions first. Have you tried using the other remote?

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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Update: SOLVED! Working with the Service Advisor, we learned that the vehicle was behind on software updates. I choked at the price, as it was over $600. SA claimed that Volvo actually charges the dealer for these, so he could not mark them down. (We also learned that other major car manufacturers, like Audi, also charge their customers in this manner.)

In attempting to initiate the downloads, it was discovered that the USB port was bad. Another $128.

Bottom line: High-Pitched whistle is gone! Not sure which fix solved this problem.

Thanks for your response. I have popped the hood but I have not taken apart the console (and I'd rather not). I do happen to have a stethoscope so I will try that. Thank you.

In my original post, I could have mentioned that there are no obvious red flags or warnings. I should have mentioned that it doesn't matter which key is used.