Intermittantly when I start my car it screeeches for a second or two (this has been going on for about 6 months). I intially thought the starter was hanging up and on the way out and figured on just waiting and if it went before I needed a new clutch I'd replace it then or vica versa; but now after hearing about all the IMS/RMS problems am very worried. How do I tell the difference or any other thoughts on what it might be. It is a 2004, C4S with 67,000 miles.

 

Loose belts(?)

 

+1

 

so it screeches only when you start the engine? once it's running, any screeching?

 

Only screeches for a moment, sometimes (about one out of three) when I start the car, never had it when running or any other time. Doesn't sound like belt screech but will have it checked (wish it were). Sounded more mechanical, thats why I thought the starter may be hanging up. Not like a rattle.

 

Does it screech while starting (When the starter is engaged) or once the engine has caught?

 

Just as the engine catches.

 

probly the starter then... they are known to go bad after a while.

 

I had a bad idler pulley that started out like that. Eventually it got pretty loud.

 

if it's a pulley, i'd think the screeching would happen all the time?

 

Mine did eventually, but it started out making the noise only when cold. I think that pulley is a fairly common failure, according to my indy.

 

When I had a pulley go it started to make noise when the engine compartment was really hot. In short order it was making a horrible racket all the time. Truely aweful bearing screeching. Sounded like the engine was self destructing

 

Thank All! I'm hoping its the starter and was able to get a reman for a reasonable price. The cost of the starter and install won't be much more than the cost of a "Porsche" diagnosis, so I'm going to gamble that this is it and if nothing else I'll have a new starter.

 

my car had the same problem a couple years ago. it was a bad starter, haven't heard it since it was changed.

 

Well just had the starter replaced and Oh Yes it was bad. My Tech showed me how little pieces were falling off on the inside. Hope that does it, but so far no more screeeech!!!!

Thanks all for your input.

Regards, Mark