Awful Squeal on Start

[thatkidwithayoyo]

This problem is referring to a '99 1.8L Turbo NB. Occasionally when starting the car, it will emit a loud squealing noise. The noise occurs maybe once every 5 starts, and aside from the horribly unpleasant noise, the car runs fine. I'm just concerned that this is a warning sign to a bigger problem. Any suggestions?

[Beetlescott]

My 99 does it also but only when the air conditioner is on when I start him up.

[pfeifervw]

Could be either a belt slipping (does it happen only when the A/C is on when you start it?) or the starter grinding when it disengages (does it do it randomly? is it more metallic than a rubber belt squealing?)? My starter ocassionally grinds when it disengages, and I have no idea why, but I'm not going to worry about it until it fails, or I replace my clutch, whichever happens first. I'd guess its your starter, my friends NBC 1.8t also does this, and thats what their problem was...


Matt

[thatkidwithayoyo]

It happens with and without the a/c on. The starter very well may be the source of the problem...is there any way to fix it?

[zappa26]

Even if it happens without the AC on, the power steering pump and the AC condenser are ran on the same belt. That belt probably needs to be retensioned. I've never done it on a Beetle before, but I did it on my old Eclipse one time and it was like a ten minute job.

[thatkidwithayoyo]

Okay, how do I go about doing that?

[johnmichael]

Originally Posted by thatkidwithayoyo

Okay, how do I go about doing that?

the tensioner is next to your alternator and is self adjusting. replacing the belt is an hour job (if that) and anyone can do it.

[DWV]

My beetle has two different start-up squeaks, both of which happen more often in colder weather.

The first one is the starter motor not disengaging when the engine starts. I know this b/c if I try to hold the key in the "start" position for a short as possible time to start the car there is a shorter sequel sound and thus if I hold the key in the start position for a longer time I hear a longer squeal.

2nd sequel, the A/C blower motor. This one is real easy to diagnose. The next time it makes the noise, turn your a/c blower motor back and forth from level 0 to level 4 and see if the sound comes and goes.

Both I think are not a major issue, just a little flaw but one can only assume that they will some day break.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Replacing the drive belt on this car is a 10 minute job max.

Have someone start the car while you listen under the hood to identify the culprit, if the car has a lot of miles on it then it could be the tensioner and/or the belt.

This should not be allowed to go on because it could cause alternator/alternator bearing failure due to constant belt slippage, if the alternator fails then that could cause excessive battery discharge leading to battery damage/failure .

[tar.bz]

can you post a sound sample.....?

[cfromberg]

just go to a shop that does belts... doesn't cost much and new belts are always good! i never pays to be stingy and to have to have a faulty belt @ night on a highway/interstate with no help in sight...!!!