simpleform

Hi all,

Sometimes when I start up the Civic there's a squealing sound like a belt which I assumed might be the timing belt as the car has 94,xxx km on it but it goes away after I turn on the head lights. Does anyone know what this might be?

Car is a 2001 Civic.

Dexst

thats weird, are you sure your not doing anything else like turning the wheel or putting it into gear?

Ragnar

It's probably your alternator belt. If i'm not mistaken your car might have a timing chain? not 100% on that one.

Dexst

i was just thinking about this on my way home, it may me your pretentioner or auto tendtioner. when you put your lights on, it in turn puts more strain on the alt. and for it to turn faster, the belt needs to be tightend, im a rookie so dont take my word on that 1

si_ponz

i doubt its ur timing belt, timing belts are good for abour 160 000 kms.

kingjames1983

nope, its a belt on a civic

kickz

iTrader: (1)

its sounds like your alt or alt belt .. should get it checked out ..

fingolfin

probably an aux. belt of some sort

why not just pop the hood next time and take a listen?

simpleform

I've popped the hood before and tried to listen to where the sound might be coming from but nothing. I can only hear it from the cabin.

k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

I would say its your alternator belt.

Gallagher

headlight belt

fingolfin

fan?

Dexst

headlight belt? What is that lol

murdie

i had the same problem, it was my fan belt

Midori

you can only hear it from in the cabin ???

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

fan belt on a civic?

Civics use electric fans, so there are NO belts.

Alternator belt, power steering belt or a/c belt is my guess.
Timing belts don't typically squeek as they have teeth on them and not grooves, if your timing belt isn't tensioned properly, it won't squeek, but you could easily cause major damage to the engine if the cam gears slipped or skipped a tooth or two.