Sounds like it is eminating from the accessory side of engine. car has 132k miles and I do not believe the timing or serpentine belts have been replaced.

The noise is a squeeky-chirping sound that is constant at idle. There is a burn smell also that smells somewhat like power steering fluid. My steering is perfect and the fluid level is fine with no leaks anywhere.

I just bought this Neon. I have a 1998 neon also, with 262k miles. Never heard this type noise before.

Sound familiar to anyone ? Thanks guys.

 

Couldn't hurt to replace the belts. It's easy. I like to replace them if they start to shows signs of wear so I don't have to worry about them breaking later on when I am far from home.

 

If it has that many miles on it I would recommend you replace your belts. If you have the manual for the car it recommends you replace them well before you hit the point your car is at right now. I know the car manual may be a little premature, but considering you're in the low 100000 range I would just replace them and save yourself some trouble later.

 

Could need a new serpentine belt tensioner as well with that many miles. New belts are a good place to start though, I agree.

 

Thanks for the replies gentlemen......................

 

Another thing to check is your motor mount. I know when they are worn or are not tightned properly they sometimes squeak

 

Good point...or a shop installs the top one backwards.

 

yeah, same thing happened on my SRT once. I searched 4-EVAR for that squeak!