Q: My car is running fine but, today i hear a squealing sound when my car is turned on. What could this be?

asked by on October 15, 2016

My car is running fine but, today i hear a squealing sound when my car is turned on. What could this be?

My car has 234000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. A squealing noise as you’ve described sounds like a belt noise. A loose, weakened, or stretched belt may be the culprit. However, a weak belt tensioner could also be the root cause of the noise. Either of these conditions lets the belt literally flap violently until it finally settles down. YourMechanic has several available technicians to assist you with a belt noise inspection, serpentine belt replacement, and/or belt tensioner replacement.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Headlights go out randomly, will come back on after
As silly as it sounds, the issue is most likely caused by an intermittent failure in your Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). Of course it’s important to have the circuit and connections checked, but the TIPM is the most common...
Seat belt not working.
More than likely the buckle needs to be replaced. It's unsafe and illegal to drive without a seatbelt, so I suggest you get this fixed as soon as possible. Any qualified mechanical, like one from YourMechanic, can handle this task...
Transmission not shifting into overdrive
Hello. If the transmission is shifting fine but will not go into overdrive, then it may have a solenoid failure or a pressure problem. A bad brake light switch can also cause this. I would typically start by checking to...
Car shaking, grating noise in reverse
Hello. If there is no grease on the axle, this may cause the car to shake and make grating sounds while driving. This happens because the grease that is in the axle lubricates the other moving parts in the axle....
Electrical problems with speedometer, lights and tachometer on 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman
Hello. Yes it is likely that there was a fuse blown (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuse-replacement) when installing the battery. The fuses that are of the most likely concern are F21,F40, F9, and F5. I recommend checking the wiring under those fuses as well....
Heater and coolant not working
Engine coolant is not only responsible for cooling the engine, it provides heat for the interior as well. Coolant flows from the engine into the heater core, which is located inside the car behind the dash. If coolant is not...
Would low engine oil cause the check engine light to come on in my 2002 Toyota Corolla
Hello. Typically low engine oil will not cause the check engine light to come on in your vehicle. Unless the oil level is low enough to cause a drop in engine oil pressure, the oil light will not even come...
Transmission will not go into reverse gear.
Hi There, This may be a sign of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer...
Can it hurt my car if i drive it with the battery saver active light on?
Hi There, The battery saver active light indicates that the system has detected that the battery charge is low, which generally means either the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement) itself is weak or that the charging system is not properly charging the battery...

Related articles

Common Signs Your Drive Belt Needs Replacement
A car drive or serpentine belt keeps your engine running smoothly. Unusual noises from the engine and visible belt wear means it needs replacement.
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Carpenter
If If you're a carpenter, and working for someone else, the best used car is whatever you like that gets you to work on time and holds your tools – in short, practically any used car will do. If you...
Why Serpentine Belt Replacements on Cars With Limited Clearance Can Be Tricky
Changing a serpentine belt is a service that can involve performing some difficult maneuvers on the engine, especially on cars with limited clearance.