Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting squealing belt(s)

It's been very cold here and when I start my 1998 Contour SE Sport, I hear the belt(s) squealing for a bit then they will stop. Sorry to post this here since I know it's not a Contour thing, but I'm just wondering if that means I should change the belt soon? Not sure if it has a single belt or more. Too cold to look lately.

I still need to replace that resistor pack too, since my fan blower only works on high. I've read about it on here and hope to do that soon.

Prolly it is just from the cold, especially if you are in Canada. Depending on what engine you have, it could be a different belt. How many miles do you have, you might be due for a belt change anyways...

I'm in southern ontario canada, and it is quite cold and snowy right now. I have about 134,000 Km's, and it's the 2.0L 4 cyl. I just bought it used a month ago though so I know nothing about it's history.

It could be the timing belt, but most likely the serpintine. Sounds like you are due for a change anyways, I'd go for it. Unless you have a garage, pay someone to do it. Not a thing to be doing out in the snow.

Thanks I've been thinking about the timing belt too, but too cold to take the cover off to look. I will check on them soon then. I remember squealing on my old car a Dodge Omni, but it was the bearings on the power steering pump. I just took the belt off and kept driving it, which wasn't easy on my arms, but I didn't care much about the car. I won't be doing that with this one. : )

It was just worse this morning, but not doing it every day. We had a snow storm over night though. I really should read up more on this engine. I wish I had more of the history of repairs done on it.