1998 Mercury Sable please help if you can

1998 MERCURY SABLE
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BIGSTONE90
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1998 Mercury Sable
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I have a 1998 mercury sable, and I recently replaced my starter. I replaced it because my car would always make this high pitched squeeling noise when I started it, but it would go away after a few seconds. My car drives fine when in drive, but doesnt idle very well. it'll jump and vibrate a little bit and make some discomforting noises. However, when I replaced my starter, the noise when I started continued, and I was told that my belt and/or tensioner could need replacing. any adavice would be greatly appreciated.
Jul 7, 2008 at 5:02 AM
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IT does sound like a weak tensioner and/ or a glazed belt as far as the noise goes. . IF you pull back on the tensioner it should want to spring right back into position and keep good tension on the belt. The belt should not have anything more than minor cracking or it may be stretched.

The idle problem would not be solved by the belt or tensioner however. The idle problem may be a multitude of things, but just be the result of carbon build up such as in the IAC motor.
Jul 7, 2008 at 5:16 AM