Toyota Yaris, 2001, squealing noise

quenching

An elderly relative has a 2001 Toyota Yaris 1l petrol manual. Recently its been making squealing noises when started from cold, not always but more so on damp/wet days, goes away after a few minutes but can come back sometimes. Noise is there when stationary. I haven't actually heard it myself its just been described to me by the owner. Sounds like typical timing belt issues but I believe this car has a chain. However, I'm sure there are other rubber belts in there that could be loose or slipping (car has air con but its rarely on).

Any ideas?

ednwireland

alternator belt most likely needs adjusting or replacing car tends to need more power when cold and if you've got heaters and stuff running

i could make mine go on and off by switching the rear window demister on and off (before i got it fixed !)

ironclaw

Most, I'm almost sure all, the 1.0L Yaris are timing chains. One reason of many they are ridiculously reliable as an engine. My guess would be an alternator belt.

quenching

Thanks folks, makes perfect sense, I'll make sure its checked.

biko

Squealing belts are a pain in Yaris, sometimes even a new one won't help.
It's not very expensive to change it though so start there.

There is no tensioner in Yaris but you can make your own.
http://www.jacoballred.com/diy/belt-tensioner-for-my-toyota-yaris/

de Ville

Could also be power steering pump

quenching

I've now driven the car and the squealing comes and goes as described, doesn't seem to coincide with steering movement. However, as of this evening the warning light for "engine malfunction" has come on, the manual says this comes on when the fuel tank is completely empty or when the is a malfunction somewhere in the engine, it advises to take it to a Toyota dealer "as soon as possible". The fuel tank is not empty so the problem lies with an "engine malfunction", nice and vague!

The "charge" light does not come on when the engine is running, car starts fine and seems normal to drive (apart from the intermittent squealing)

Does this tally with a loose serpentine belt?
How urgent is the visit to the dealer?
Would it be a very bad idea to drive it 100 motorway miles? Think I already know the answer to this one!

JohnBoy26

de Ville wrote: »

Could also be power steering pump

As it's a 2001 it could be either jap built or French built. If it's French built it will have electric power steering. My money is on the aux belt.

quenching

Just to follow up, the serpentine belt was loose, mostly because the water pump was about to fail - the bearings were worn and the pulley gone wobbly. One new pump and belt later and all is well again. Seems the ultra reliable Yaris was just doing its job and informing us about a wear and tear issue that could have resulted in a breakdown. So, if warning lights come on its best to pay attention and get it looked at.