Strange noise when I start the car cold...

[atl530i]

Hi,

When I start my car, it makes this screeching noise when cold and it is not as loud when it is warm. I was wondering if anyone has had the same problem and knew what it could be.

I already searched and came up with more belt noises then anything. But when the car is running, there is no belt noise. It is something else i guess.

Thanks.

Justin

[Cold_Zero]

Justin,I would start up the car, pop the hood and try to locate the source of the noise. Typically screeching noises are systemic of belt tension/alignment problems. You might want to check the water pump or the alternator to make sure they are not producing the noise.

[atl530i]

I did that with the wife turning the key. It seems to be coming from the distributor cap area. It has a warranty on it so the dealer will fix it.

[edalejandro]

Justin,

If you have not traced the screeching problem to the drive belts or the water pump or the distributor or the alternator, try listening to the idler pulley at the center of the drive belt system. I have replaced the unit in my Altima 2000 several months ago with the same problem.

Edalejandro

[atl530i]

Thanks,

I figured it out. It is coming from the belt drive. It just echoed like it was coming from the distributor. But when I was in the car, it was coming from the right side. I'm going to mess with it this weekend.

[atl530i]

Fixed.

[redtop91]

What was it? My SR20DET occasionally does it. I have a feeling my belts just need tensioning.

[atl530i]

I tightened my alternator belt. Still has some slack in it so it is not over-tightened though.