I've a '97 Fiat Punto 55sx. It was last serviced last week...

The problem I have is that starting the car up is fine, the choke kicks in and no problem. Then when the engine is off cold, but not yet warmed up, say after a mile or two, there is this high pitched "squeal" which jumps in at around 2,000 rpm, and goes up in pitch as the engine increase rpm. When the engines at 2,500 rpm, the noise stops. Then, say changing from 3rd upto 4th, when the rev counter drops into that range again, the noise starts up again.

When the engines warmed up, (say driving at constant speed for 3 or so miles), the noise fades off an stops altogether in town driving.

I asked the mechanic where my car was serviced and he said that the Fiat probably came with a valved choke system, and that may be the problem, adding that I shouldn't worry too much about it. Had it serviced at the beginning of March too and only told that mechanic about it afterwards, it had been happening for a week or so then, and he thought maybe the alternator was dropping correctly? (I know nothing about the mechanics of a car by the way!)

Anyway, the last week it's gotten worse and will come in again after 3,000 rpm and cut out again at 3,750 (or so) rpm. It also lasts a lot longer and have noticed that it's still been there after even 8 miles of driving on a motor way.

Any ideas?
Is it something serious?
Costly?

Thanks for your feedback, in anticipation.
Dan.

Probably it is a systom of worn out bearing. Check the bearing of alternator, alternator tensioner bearing & a/cond tensioner bearing.

However tightened all the belts first. Good luck

subija

Hi there i had a 60 and a squeal probably the same it came from the timing belt tensioner, after about 80k mine started to squeal but it did another 12k before i part ex' it.

most likely is an over tentioned alternator belt. worth getting it checked as it can cause premature belt or even worse alternator wear.
does it go if you dip the clutch?if so could be wear on the clutch thrust bearing
it could be the cambelt tensioner and in no way would ui recommend goin another 12k on one as if they break up they can cause a lot of damage.least of all your breaking down and need the timing belt,tensioner etc done

check the alternator belt 1st

check all pulleys and belts.a misaligned pulley will do this.look at the belts.if any are shiney or the teeth look abit worn or abit fraid on the edge,replace.take it to another garage for an opinion.it could also be a cam tensioner on the way out.this could seize,snapping the cambelt and damaging the head.get it seen to pronto!!!

I had the same problem, now ive got a burnt out alternator, I think it might be something to do with an alternator, i just bought a new one off ebay for a tenner