Starter or weird sound when i start mdx

[mdxer12345]

has anyone started their mdx and it starts fine but then for about 5 seconds, you hear a long squeaky sound?

[sgtglok]

Originally Posted by mdxer12345

has anyone started their mdx and it starts fine but then for about 5 seconds, you hear a long squeaky sound?

Pop the hood and stay outside after starting the engine, or have someone else start it. Identify the source of squeaky sound. Most likely, the A/C compressor belt.

Could also be the power steering belt. Simple diagnostic ideas (short of opening the hood and eyeballing the belts, which is a good idea):

- See if the squealing seems to synch with engine speed.

- Turn your A/C compressor off and on and listen.

- Turn your steering wheel both directions and listen.

Does the squealing start immediately, or only when you pull out of your spot?

When you open the hood, check the belts for any obvious signs of wear such as abraded edges or cracks on the underside. Look also for soot or grime on the belts; they might be in fine shape except for that, and you have other issues (leaking oil -> soot -> belt -> squeal).

The last section I cut-n-pasted from Internet post I found after searching for "engine squeak" (Google suggested: engine squealing noise when cold).

How many miles are on your MDX?

[phins2rt]

Check out this thread if it is the starter:

http://www.mdxers.org/forums/73-2001...ing-start.html

[mdxer12345]

could it be the starter?

[phins2rt]

Could be. Or it could be a belt, etc. Is it a squeak or a screech?

[mdxer12345]

screech about 3 seconds....

[Bill_de]

Sounds like a belt. A starter would more likely let out a grinding sound. But anything is possible.

[phins2rt]

I would guess the starter is sticking. Was it more noticeable as the weather got colder? What year is your car?

[dons04mdx]

I have the same problem - 2004, 138000 miles. I'm pretty sure it's the starter. My question - is the starter near failure? Should I plan to repair and/or replace it soon? I don't really care about the noise since it's only when cold and only a couple of seconds of annoyance but if it's on its way out I'd like to get it fixed before it leaves me and/or the wife and kids stranded.

[G. COLTON]

Originally Posted by dons04mdx

I have the same problem - 2004, 138000 miles. I'm pretty sure it's the starter. My question - is the starter near failure? Should I plan to repair and/or replace it soon? I don't really care about the noise since it's only when cold and only a couple of seconds of annoyance but if it's on its way out I'd like to get it fixed before it leaves me and/or the wife and kids stranded.

If the Bendix spring is keeping the starter engaged then it could damage the flywheel. You do not want that.

Get a mechanic to check NOW.

George

[phins2rt]

Originally Posted by dons04mdx

I have the same problem - 2004, 138000 miles. I'm pretty sure it's the starter. My question - is the starter near failure? Should I plan to repair and/or replace it soon? I don't really care about the noise since it's only when cold and only a couple of seconds of annoyance but if it's on its way out I'd like to get it fixed before it leaves me and/or the wife and kids stranded.

I greased mine about 16 months ago after waiting two winters to do it and it's been fine ever since.