Grande Punto Screeching noise when starting

[Jackspunto]

Hi Everyone.

We've had the Grande from new and it has been brilliant.
It's an 08 plate, 89000 miles and has suddenly developed a screeching noise when starting - but not everytime. I think it is worse in the cold. It sounds like a slipping belt or as if you are turning the key when it is already running.

Local, reliable, garage have changed starter motor, put new battery in and checked flywheel - all OK.

They've just phoned to say ' you;ll have to put up with it'. It's now my sons car and i don't want it to fail on him when he needs it most.

The car has, up to now, been great.

Help - what can it be. They've also checked the belts etc and they say it is fine.

 

[cmosfxx]

Why you replaced starter motor ?

Remove aux belt, turn by hand alternator pulley. It should not be hard and with no freeplay.

If it's ok, replace belt. When was the last belt service? (aux/timing)

 

[Jackspunto]

Recently serviced; cam belt done at 75000.
Starter motor was replaced because....the garage thought that was the problem.
Then they put a bigger battery in.
Could it be this T shaped tube thing to divert water away from the alternator ( it has a replacement alternator a few months ago - actually, that might be when the noise started - sorry, thinking as writing)

 

[cmosfxx]

Wow, they replaced a part that has nothing to do with the noise ! They could remove the belt and start the car to inspect if the noise it's from the starter or the belt...

Anyway. Check yourself if anything is touching the belt etc. if it's ok tell them to test alternator pulley / auto tensioner / replace belt.

 

[Jackspunto]

great advice - I will go tomorrow armed with your advice and see what they say.
They have been great in the past fixing stuff but maybe this is too fiddly ( ie not a straight replacement) and they make more £ from bigger jobs.
I did pay for the starter motor but not the new battery - I'm no mechanic but it does sound like a belt slipping.
I'll see what they say and report back.
Thanks - and extra thanks for the quick reply as i don't want any damage to car / leaving my 17 year old son stranded.
It's not worth loads but we've had it from new and it has been the best car I've ever had!!

 

[cmosfxx]

What engine by the way ?