A few days ago I noticed a chirping/whining noise after starting. It had been sitting in our garage overnight (about 20-30 degree weather). It stops after 10-15 seconds. It has done this about 3 times.

I took it to our Toyota dealership for an oil change and asked them to check the belts...I explained what I had been hearing. They said the belt(s) looked good. The noise could be caused by moisture or dirt. Well, on the drive home I decided to stop at a car wash...to spray off salt grime (we had a snow storm). A few moments after driving away, it made the whine noise again. Possibly from cold water getting under hood?

I don't want to replace a belt if it isn't needed, but I don't want to be broke down with my young children either.

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks!

 

Sounds like a belt to me. How many miles? Are you still under the bumper to bumper warranty?

 

Oh, forgot to tell mileage....it has 48,000 on it. We just bought it 2 weeks ago.

I thought, for sure, Toyota would try to sell me a belt. I was surprised they said the belts looked good. The mech. said it was likely do to moisture and/or dirt. I was just wondering if anyone else experienced the same thing or if this sounds a little off.

I may just go ahead and have them replaced to be safe.

Thanks for your reply.

 

feed the mice and lube there wheel yeah it sounds like a belt

 

Ive seen my fair share of noisey alternators on Sienna's.

 

maybe some belt dressing if it is the belts?

 

Mice? Could be... ;-)

Thanks for all the replies.