Loud screechy noise on startup? ***?

85_305

Banned
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Location
Buffalo NY/FT Bragg, NC
TDI
1999.5 Jetta 5spd
This is a recent trait acquired by my Jetta. When I do a bone-cold start (ie, the first start of the day... or a start after several hours of sitting), the car makes a mildly loud screechy noise. It almost sounds like the turbo or something, but i'm not sure. It does it for 2-3 seconds then stops.

Car is boosting fine; doesnt do that screechy thing after that first cold start. Should I be worried?
 

02DslPwr

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2004
Location
Leander Texas
TDI
2002 Jetta Wagon, TDI
Yup, the same. On warm starts it doesn't do it, but on cold starts it always does it. Lasts a few seconds then it goes away. Car doesnt run any differently upon start up.
 

eGolf

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 27, 2005
Location
Newark, Delaware
TDI
N/A
Mine does it in the cold as well. It sounds like a small buzzer/screech sound for 1-2 seconds and then goes away. I remember it doing this last year too.
 

TNTKNC

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2002
Location
Canton GA
TDI
2003 Jetta
Very common on the VW's even way back to my 92 ECO Diesel for the starter to make that weird noise.
 

Lug_Nut

TDIClub Enthusiast, Pre-Forum Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 20, 1998
Location
Sterling, MA. USA
TDI
2015 GSW 6M in S trim the other oil burners: 1967 two stroke Sonett 1988 Bolens DGT1700 1962 Quantum III
But if it's from the belt end, check the harmonic balancer. The 1Z/AHU are known to have the outer pulley flange come loose from the rubber to which it's bonded. High alternator load (glow plugs, coolant glow plugs, topping the battery after a start) can put enough resistance into the belt that the damper slips and spins making a chirp or squeal.
Is the ALH using a similar damper?
 

Surferchick2

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Location
Anacortes, WA
TDI
2003 Beetle, 2013 Golf
Mine was doing the exact same thing when starting on cold and after taking it to a guru, it was the alternator pulley. Once it was replaced, the squealing stopped.
 

85_305

Banned
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Location
Buffalo NY/FT Bragg, NC
TDI
1999.5 Jetta 5spd
surferchick- I have a brand new alternator/pulley in there, so I know its not that.

But as far as the starter comments go, thanks for that input. And as some have said, no need to worry about the noise? Even better news. Phewww thats such a relief. I thought i should be preparing to drop some more time and money into the car lol.

Thanks for the link to cleaning out the starter.
 

Surferchick2

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Location
Anacortes, WA
TDI
2003 Beetle, 2013 Golf
If the starter suggestion doesnt work, could it be the serpentine belt or tensioner? Those were other possibilities (even though he placed 90% on the pulley) so i had the belt replaced at the same time since there were a few rocks in it and shop who had replaced it before i purchased the car had used a cheaper manufacturer. The noise on mine started a few seconds then gradually increased and got louder over a couple of months so I didn't want to take any chances.
 

Farfromovin

Torque Addict
Joined
Apr 9, 2005
Location
Ventura, CA
TDI
03 Golf 2dr- PD150 6m
My friends car does this and it is his starter. We tried taking it apart but one of the bolts snapped so he just put it back in. You should be able to take it apart and clean it though.
 

85_305

Banned
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Location
Buffalo NY/FT Bragg, NC
TDI
1999.5 Jetta 5spd
Sound advice guys.

Keep in mind, it ONLY does this when in like the 20's (f) or so. Today I'm in VA, and its like 60's and it didn't do it even on the first start of the day.
 

85_305

Banned
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Location
Buffalo NY/FT Bragg, NC
TDI
1999.5 Jetta 5spd
Alright guys I figured out what it is. When I turned my key on to heat up the gp's for a few secs this morning, the squeeking started. It's the electric fans. They are stuck on all the time. Just thought I'd update on this.
 
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