Hi All,
Quick question () When I first start the car (i.e. when it is idling), or when I am driving slowly in 1st gear, there is this squeaking kind of noise coming from the engine - kinda like the noise you get when you have a cart and the wheel is loose!. Any ideas what it is. It seems worse when the car is cold, but always goes away after a short period. Also, it is a lot worse the more power I have on - ie. A/C, rear heated window (this is the worst), when I shut the window using the auto switch, and when headlights on. Any ideas?

 

Id inspect the belts, then have the Altinator checked out.

 

belt

 

Probably your belt tensioner...mine couldnt hold properly and made the belts squeak like hell until i got it replaced.

 

Thanks guys. I just had a full service, so surely that would have picked it up? How come its worse when the lights are on etc? Also, forgot to add that if i put my foot ont he accelartor ever so slightly, the noise stops. Also, will it cause damage if left?

 

with the engine at idle and all those electrical accesories running(i.e. rear defrost) the alternator is under heavier load and has to work harder to keep the battery up to charge.

 

Ok guys, took the car in to the garage. They have tightened the belts, but the noise is still there. They are now going to replace the alternator in about 10 days time. The car also seems to struggle sometimes when I start it - its almost like it isn't going to start, but always does (touch wood!). Is it ok to keep driving the car for the next 10 days? Also, are the symptoms described in this and previous comments (noise from engine, struggling to start etc) symptoms of alternator problems.

I had a new battery at the beginning of the year, and had a drop metre test at the weekend - all was ok for that

Thanks!

 

Guys,
Does it sound like it could be the alternator? Any replies would be gratefully received :-)

 

Had the alternator replaced. Noise went away. Great. However, sometimes the noise is back - but only when the car is idling, the lights on, and the rear defroster is on - any ideas now? Is this normal?

 

BELT!!!!! Change your Belts........


Mike