Can anyone tell me what this is likely to be - sometimes when I start up i get an awful sceeching sound, but it stops when I turn the air conditioning off. No other symptoms and it runs prefectly otherwise.

Sound familiar to anyone? Is there a quick cure?

:confused:

One of the belts will be loose, alomost certainly for the aircon pump. Could also be that the aircon pump is seizing.

I have this buut it goes when I turn the lights off. I decided to get all 3 belts replaced since I have to get the other 2 off to do the alternator belt..

 

The issue was the alt belt slipping when under load but goes when the car is warmed up etc.

Thanks, they all feel tight but will have another look

screeching belt noise is very common with all cars when the weather's cold. the more load you put on the engine (eg. high idling when engine cold or using aircon) the more the squeal. should disappear within 60 seconds tho

I had the aircon belt tensioner fail on my last Z, squeeled like a stuck pig.

 

Baz

Talcum powder may stop a belt squeaking - it's only really a temporary fix though.

It could also be the alternator looseing the plot. If the brushes are failling or the alternator is dieing then it will struggle to keep the battery topped up and will screech. As the battery is not being used when stood it will naturally loose a bit of charge. therefore when you start the car the alternator needs to top it up. This is when the screeching happens. Could also be a sign of the battery not being 100% aswell. the loose belt theory is the first port of call without doubt. The fact that it goes when you turn the air con off is probably because its using power and when switched off its not?