Q: I was driving and all of a sudden my car made a loud horrible screeching sound and it continues as long as the engine is running
I was driving and all of a sudden my car made a loud horrible screeching sound and it continues as long as the engine is running.
My car has an automatic transmission.
The noise sounds like you have a belt pulley that is seized. You will need to either start the vehicle and look for the pulley to component that is not turning or will need to remove the serpentine belt and see what pulley is hard to turn and then replace component that is bad. You may have a bad idler, tensioner or a/c pulley or a water pump that is seized.
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
What others are asking
Can a Brake Leak Cause My Brakes to Fail?
Yes, but only if the leak is large and sudden. Such leaks are typically due to a blown steel brake line (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-can-cause-brake-fluid-to-leak-from-the-brake-system) (due to rust) or a blown rubber hose. Even in the event of a large leak, in a...
Keep getting multiple misfire codes, normally different cylinders except on cylinder (0307), can this one be throwing off the rest
This may be a problem with the exhaust catalyst partly clogged causing excessive back pressure. There is a test where the O2 sensor is removed and the back pressure tester is put in the hole to see if the catalyst...
Hesitation and jerking, delay in shifting
When this type of issue occurs, it is due to a failing component. The component can work most of the time, but when it heats up, then the faults will begin. This is not unusual, and has a few common...
My car begins a bouncing sensation when braking at higher speeds
Any vibration felt only when the brakes are applied would typically be a brake pulsation. If the brake rotors are warped, you can feel a vibration in different forms depending on which rotors are the issue - front or rear....
Headlights
Hello...the headlight circuit is fairly limited in extent, so if you request a headlight circuit diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-is-not-working-inspection), a certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. It is possible for both bulbs, left and right side (the low beam...
Car rattles slightly when wheel is turned all the way
Hello, thank you for writing in. When your wheels are turned all the way (also known as "clock to clock") there are rubber stops that will protect the wheels from running into body or frame. When the wheels hit this...
What kind of oil do I need for my 2008 Volkswagen Passat turbo
You can use 5w30 or 5w40 full synthetic oil that is VW certified only. This is VW specified in the owners manual.
Replaced brake pads/rotors on 2013 ford fusion. Error messages when tried to take out of service mode.Now won't start/dark display
Hi Dan. Thanks for reaching out today. Brake fluid can indeed cause communication errors with ABS sensors, so that might be (one) cause of this issue. However, it's also possible that the battery has gone dead (by coincidence as you...
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.
How Belt Tensioners Work
The The drive belt tensioner in your car is a small component that works in conjunction with the serpentine belt to ensure that everything in your engine works as it should. From time to time, the tensioner should be checked...
Understanding the Mercury Intelligent Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Mercury Intelligent Oil Life Monitor indicates when and what service your car needs.
Browse other content
Estimates
Maintenance
Services