I have a 1999 es. When it is started in the morning it makes a chirping noise. The noise seems to come from the area around the engine near the drive belt. The noise lasts until things get warmed up then slowly fades away. I cannot tell just where or from what component it comes from. someone suggested it is the belt but it doesn't sound like a slipping noise more metallic ringing chirping. I have tried listening to everything except with electronic stethoscope. not a squeal, definately more of a chirupping fluttering metal on metal or plastic kinda ringing chirruping. not one continuous sqeek or squeal. It will go away upon revving the motor to higher rpm.any ideas???

 

Get some belt dressing from an auto parts store...it's your belts.

-Phil

 

I thought of that and tightened up the belt. Sorry for the bad description of the noise. but it seems like metal on metal. could it be a bad bearing on one of the components that the belt ids driving.

 

Hmmm...no idea then...anyone else?

 

Actually...where are you located? That sounds happens to folks in a cold climate....I'd say spray some belt dressing anyway...what do you have to lose?

 

Thanks for the opinion. Having thought about it... I dunno maybe it is the belt. I am from san francisco area so not cold here actually it happens whether cold or hot outside.

 

ps. used to live in Kingston. Love redstripe beer.

 

What? No kidding? How long did you live there for & what part?

 

I lived there in 1978. do not remember exactly where but near the Tia Maria liquer factory. I was in the peace corps. Sat next to Rita Marley once on the flight down from Miami.

 

Oh....dang....I wasn't even thought of yet...lol....not to show your age or anything.
Peace Corps....cool. I'll actually be stepping foot back on JA soil for the first time in about 6 years this Xmas...can't wait!
-Phil

And yes...Red Stripe's are the best...as you can see in my avatar. It's HOORAY beer!

 

It sounds like a bearing.


Start the car on a cold day and listen. CAREFULLY.
I would take a 24" socket extension and hold it to my ear and then touch each rotating component [fun to hear lifters, injectors, etc.] like the water pump, alternator, etc.

When the noise is REALLY loud you what is going bad.

 

Don't let it touch any moving parts or it might shoot it through your head. that could hurt. I use an old stethescope with a drill bit stuck in the end of the tube.

 

^Yup. bad. Be careful!

 

ozma,

Any luck finding that noise yet? These noises are really irritating! Sounds like a noise the water pump in my '95 Swift made before it started screaming all the time. My 99 ES has the 1.6L engine, if yours is the same, I think you could remove the belts for P/S, and alternator (I don't have A/C) and start it up some morning. If it still makes the noise, I'd bet water pump, but the timing belt idler pulley is another suspect. I hate waiting for these things to get worse so you can diagnose them, but that's often what happens to me.

Good luck!