Q: Vehicle whining after belt replacement

asked by on January 26, 2016

My engine is whining. The vehicle started making noises after the serpentine belt and serpentine belt tensioner were replaced. I also got an Engine check light, which was determined to be fuel level sensor in the fuel tank being out of order.

Hi there. I would suspect another pulley that the serpentine belt drives has a dry/loose bearing. Have a certified mechanic, like ones from YourMechanic, inspect the noise and check each pulley for play.

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

Transmission problems
My first recommendation is to have a certified mechanic verify the symptoms with a thorough transmission inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/grinding-sound-from-transmission-inspection) that includes a road test. Explain to the technician what you are experiencing so they can look out for these things during...
Thieves ripped out ignition
The steering column may need to be replaced, if damaged too badly. I recommend having a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, run an inspection, and replace the steering column (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/steering-column-replacement), if deemed necessary.
Key not starting car
Hi, it sounds like your battery is too low on charge to get the engine started. The battery would still be able to power lights and other small things, but turning the engine over takes a lot of power. If...
When I try to start the truck dies right away
Hi there. From the description you have provided - your vehicle starts and dies right away - could be multiple possibilities. A fuel pressure test could help identify whether, it is a fuel delivery problem. It could be a low...
Too much vibration from the engine when I stop on the road during drive, I hear some sound when I make a left turn.
You could have both of those problems. The ticking sound when you turn is most likely the CV joint. As for the vibration at a stop, an engine mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) will usually show signs while driving as well, but not...
should seals be replaced while in there? camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as timing cover seal.
Hi there: Anytime you remove the timing cover you should always replace the seals; as they are easy to access since "you're already in there". In order to give you further information about your belts, we need to know the...
My 1998 mercedes c280 will not shift out of first gear
Your car has an electronically controlled transmission, and I'm willing to bet the problem lies in the control system. Mercedes had some issues with the wiring of the early electronic transmissions, so they were performing a lot of updates when...
Car rpm bounce at idle
Hi There, Your car has a small purge valve called a purge solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/evaporation-vent-solenoid-replacement) in the Evaporative Emissions system that controls the venting of fumes from the fuel tank as these fumes build up inside, particularly when you are refueling...
Transmission not shifting
It sounds like you may be low on transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or have 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...

Related articles

P0229 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Intermittent
P0229 P0229 code definition Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Intermittent What the P0229 code means P0229 is an OBD-II generic code indicating the throttle/pedal position sensor/switch C circuit has an intermittent input problem causing the sensor input to the engine...
P2258 OBD-II Trouble Code: Secondary Air Injection System Control A Circuit High
P2258 P2258 Code Definition The P2258 trouble code is a generic powertrain code related to fuel and air metering (air injection circuit). This code appears when the engine control module (ECM) detects higher voltage levels than are acceptable in the...
P0614 OBD-II Trouble Code: ECM / TCM Incompatible
P0614 code means there has been an error in compatibility between the car’s engine control module and TCM often due too corrosion, or bad PCM.