Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Chirping sound from serpintein belt area

I get this weird chirping sound that comes from the passenger side of the engine. I have changed the belt about 6 months ago, it doesn't show any wear. The noise it really noticeable when the AC is on and sitting at idle.

I did notice that when the AC kicks on that the belt seems to flutter which makes me think that the tensioner is not keeping the belt tight enough.

Is there a known problem with the tensioner on the Contours? 98' GL Sport 4 cyl.


Is there someplace to look up any TSB's or Recalls on the Contours?

Thanks for any help.

there are known problems with everything on the zetec, lol,
but its probably just a defective belt cause it happens alot on my dads f150 and its the belt every time

We had the same problem with our 96 when we got it. When we replaced the belt, the mech said to replace the tensioner too, since it costs no more labor to do it, and they are almost always bad. We did both and haven't had that problem since.

Thanks, I guess I'll go pickup a tensioner, and change that thing along with another belt.

Hey, if you are going for all the trouble - get the idler pulley as well. It went on my Tour as well as the tensioner.

I've had Ford replace my belt for the same reason. They first replaced it just before warranty expired, and then have replaced it 5 times since (every time for free) for the next 3 years. The problem goes away for a couple of months and then comes back. Problem completely disapears in winter (cold up here in Canada eh !).

I've mentioned to them that they should look at the tensioners, but they keep insisting that the last belt they gave me was faulty. Ah well, I'll bring it back in for my free spring belt in the spring ....

replace the tensioner, I had the same problem, did the serpentine belt and that together, no extra labor involved. . .