Chirps when cold---UPDATE

[gonefishie]

My truck makes a loud chirping like noise when the engine is cold. It stop after the engine warms up. It's a cold weather thing only. What's is the problem?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

The only thing that ever "chirped" on my truck was a worn (loose) belt, that would get grip when the engine reached operating temperature.

Just a guess...!

Happy boating!

 

[rbh]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

If it has a serpintine belt, check the tensioner pulley, bearing could be going but my first gues would be the belt as well.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

I agree it's a belt...b4 starting it cold next time , have a spray bottle ready with water in it and hood open, spray belt/ belts with water and if it stops chirping when you wet the belt , that will tell you its the belt slipping. If you have made no adjustments to belt tension ( non- serpentine belt drives) your next step is to replace the belt you find that is slipping. Good luck bro !

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

Check that your waterpump is not weeping.The symptoms are fairly common in that when the engine has been started cold the additional draw on the alternator will cause the belt to slip because it is moist but when the charge rate subsides the belt will stop squealing because the alternator turns easier after the charge on the battery has been replenished.Ron G

 

[v1_0]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

My truck makes a loud chirping like noise when the engine is cold. It stop after the engine warms up. It's a cold weather thing only. What's is the problem?

Your gerbils are cussin at you for making them get out of bed and start running around the wheel again.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

I looked at the belt, the only one going thru all the pulleys, it has small cracks all over it. How much of a PITA is it to replace it? I have only replace a belt once before but it was on a 81 grand prix. That thing has like 2ft of room between the radiator and the pulleys. There isn't a whole lotta room left in the Tundra.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

Your gerbils are cussin at you for making them get out of bed and start running around the wheel again.

I thought it was the crickets trying to scare off the gerbils.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

Check that your waterpump is not weeping.The symptoms are fairly common in that when the engine has been started cold the additional draw on the alternator will cause the belt to slip because it is moist but when the charge rate subsides the belt will stop squealing because the alternator turns easier after the charge on the battery has been replenished.Ron G

Yup what i was thinking. Also like others have said worn belt/pulleys

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

A low or weak battery could be causing the alternator to full field (max out) to make up for the low battery once it starts. Once the battery is back up to snuff, the alternator load is less.
This combined with a dryrotted, cracked or loose belt can make quite a squeal on a cold start.

Watch your battery volt or amp meter when you start, if the volts are low or the amps are high, then I'd look into the charging system.
Of course, if the belt is old and dryrotted, it's time for a new one just as stated above.

Chances are if it were a bad pulley, loose tensioner, or water pump leak, it wouldn't go away once it warms up.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

get a gates (gator back)belt,they are ribbed to prevent this problem.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

I looked at the belt, the only one going thru all the pulleys, it has small cracks all over it. How much of a PITA is it to replace it? I have only replace a belt once before but it was on a 81 grand prix. That thing has like 2ft of room between the radiator and the pulleys. There isn't a whole lotta room left in the Tundra.

It looks much more intimidating then it is to replace. Normally the diagram is posted right under the hood and it is fairly simple. You make sure you have the correct belt.....duplicate the diagram (which will make you scratch your head and contort your body into some weird positions ) and the final step is getting it around the tensioner pulley. I have seen some that require a wrench or a breaker bar to torque the pulley back and slip on the belt.

Easier IMO on a truck then on a front wheel drive compact car.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

It looks much more intimidating then it is to replace. Normally the diagram is posted right under the hood and it is fairly simple. You make sure you have the correct belt.....duplicate the diagram (which will make you scratch your head and contort your body into some weird positions ) and the final step is getting it around the tensioner pulley. I have seen some that require a wrench or a breaker bar to torque the pulley back and slip on the belt.

Easier IMO on a truck then on a front wheel drive compact car.

On some front wheel drive cars, it is easier to replace thru the wheel well from underneath , helps to have the car up on a lift......also, it is much easier to slip the belt over a smooth pulley , some tensioner pulleys apply tension to the ribbed side of the belt verses the smooth side of the belt...have fun ! and watch ya don't git yer fingers pinched !

 

[Stachi]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

One more thing, I always save the old belt and keep it in the vehicle, helps to have one available for roadside replacement if ya need one to get going again...

 

[joed]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

Good idea to repalce the idler pulley while your in there as well.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

STOP
Before you do anything, what year and model and size engine in the tundra.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

STOP
Before you do anything, what year and model and size engine in the tundra.

2002, SR5, 4.7L

 

[scipper77]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

I have seen belts that require a motor mount to be removed to replace. These are a PITA. If not it's simple to replace a belt. A little trick if you rout the belt and are having trouble getting it over the last pulley put a padlock around the belt and pull it over the pulley like a zipper. This really should be a simple job.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

2002, SR5, 4.7L

i'm having a brain fart right now.

There is a TSB for this cold chirp

Not positive on the year at this second. I'm not at work.

Call the local dealer and give them your vin number.

If it applies then it's a new tensioner and AC bracket.
your tundra could be to old for this to be applied but better be sure.

just thought i would let ya know..

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Chirps when cold

Re: Chirps when cold

I have replaced the serpentine belt on my chevy truck so many times its about a 3 minute job.
You will get used to it...not that hard on a V-8.
Mine would chirp when cold for about 30 seconds or so.

The cracks in the belt are a good sign that is where the noise is coming from..