My car cries in the mornings.

August 30, 2006 7:30 PM

Why does my 2006 Toyota Corolla LE make so much noise when I start the car in the morning?

I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla LE. I live in Atlanta. It's been very humid and warm throughout the summer. Raining the last couple weeks as well... i share weather because i'm told weather affects cars.

When I start my car, it makes an annoying squeaking sound from something that's rotating because the sound undulates or has like a sine-wave effect to it. maybe axle? maybe belt? it goes along with an idle engine.

it "goes away" as i accelerate. the sound changes just a little depending on which gear i'm in (p, r, or d). i was told once before that it is due to condensation. can anyone confirm this? or better yet, tell me exactly what's going on?

thanks!

posted by jadanzzy to travel & transportation (6 answers total)

Probably a slipping belt.
posted by kindall at 7:44 PM on August 30, 2006

It's an '06. Surely it's under warranty. Why not go get it checked at the dealership?
posted by Ufez Jones at 8:18 PM on August 30, 2006

Try it with the a/c off before you start. Does the squealing still happen?

If so, it could be the load the a/c imposes, and perhaps the compressor is faulty causing some belt squeal.

When you accelerate (heavily), some cars temporarily disengage the a/c.

I only suggest this, because this is happening to me at the moment, albeit with a 95 Infinit G20.
posted by blue_wardrobe at 12:35 AM on August 31, 2006

Do get it checked. My husband had a similar situation with his car recently and ignored it, until the serpentine belt snapped (due to a faulty tensioner) while he was driving. No damage to the car and it's all under warranty, but it's been at the dealership since Monday while they wait for various parts.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 2:05 AM on August 31, 2006

Probably alternator belt. Get it tightened up or replaced.
posted by knave at 6:32 AM on August 31, 2006

Second alternator belt slipping. With a new car don't mess with it yourself - take it back to the garage. Its not fatal to the car - but it could stop your alternator charging your battery if it gets worse.
posted by prentiz at 10:41 AM on August 31, 2006