2009 Dodge Grand Caravan

MOMMYSTEPH

MEMBER
2009 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC

My 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan started making a high pitch squealing noise when I started it last week. It was below 35 degrees out. It only lasts about 5 seconds or so then stops. Only happens the first time I start the van each day. On Friday the Dodge mechanic replaced the serpentine belt and said that was the cause. Same noise this morning.

Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 3:04 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Did it sound like a belt squeal when you heard it? Also, was the belt tensionier replaced?

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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 3:08 PM

MOMMYSTEPH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The belt tensionier was not replaced, shouldn't they have checked this when the belt was removed and replaced? Or is this a con to make me come back and spend more on labor charges? It was a squeal similar to a belt squeal. We've only owned the van for about 6 weeks so we're still getting used to it, but this was not a noise we have heard ever.

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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 3:15 PM

MOMMYSTEPH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Is it possible it has something to do with the alternator?

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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 4:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

What happens when you first start the vehicle is this. The alt is placed under a heavy load to recharge the battery plus anything that is running draws on it. If the belt is going to slip, that is when it will do it.

As far as the tesnionier, have that checked. If it isn't keeping enough tension on the belt, it can cause this problem.

Let me know what you find.

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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 7:44 PM