Squealing engine, serpentine belt not moving/spinning

Tiny
JFR02127
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD F-150
  • 4.6L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
Hello. When I start my engine, it turns on but the serpentine belt will not spin. The engine squeals very loudly and there is a burning smell within seconds. Also the power steering is no longer working but the powers steering fluid is fine. What could be the issue here? I just changed my oil a few days ago. Could it be that there was too much oil put in? The dipstick showed that it was over the max point so I drained some accordingly. Thank you in advance for your help.
John
Monday, May 19th, 2014 AT 5:11 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,864 POSTS
The loss of power steering is due to the pump not running because the belt isn't turning it. Something is locked up causing the squealing and burning belt. The most likely suspects are the generator and the AC compressor. If it's the compressor, the problem will stop if the heater system is not turned to AC or defrost. You'll need to loosen or remove the belt, then see which pulley can't be turned by hand.
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Monday, May 19th, 2014 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
JFR02127
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Thank you for your hasty response. I will look into the issues you that you have considered. Is it possible that this issue was caused by excess oil on an oil change?
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Monday, May 19th, 2014 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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No. The belt and all the things it runs have no idea how much oil is in the engine.
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Monday, May 19th, 2014 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
JFR02127
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Ok. Well thank you so much for your help this evening. This is an excellent service you offer. Have a great night.
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Monday, May 19th, 2014 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
HHW3970
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the same issue. Car starts, belt won't spin. Loud screeching noises. I have a 97 merc mountaineer.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,864 POSTS
The same tests apply, but you should start a new question specific to your vehicle. Unlike on other sites where anyone can chime in to confuse the issue, this was a private conversation between just two people. We're the only two who get an automated e-mail letting us know another reply was added. As such, none of the other experts are going to see your addition or have a chance to reply. That may not get you the help you need. Also, these are categorized in multiple ways to make them easier for others to find who are researching similar problems. By adding to this question, any solutions won't be found under your model or year.

Here's the link to start a new question of your own:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Please be sure to list the engine size, mileage, and transmission type. We look at the age and mileage when making generalizations as to best suspects, and we need to know the engine size and two or four-wheel-drive when finding the correct diagrams and drawings. That saves us time asking for those details, and makes finding the solution faster.

Loosen the belt, then try to spin each pulley by hand. One should be locked up or hard to turn. A less-common cause of this problem is when the drive pulley is cast as part of the outer ring on the vibration damper. Those are usually two pieces glued together with a thin layer of rubber. If that rubber breaks free, the outer ring can slip on the center hub. That will cause smoke and squealing.
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 AT 7:42 PM

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