What Causes the Squeaking Sound When Starting a Jimny?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a Jimny may produce a squeaking sound when starting: Poor Oil Lubrication: After the car has been parked for a day, the engine's lubricating oil mostly flows back into the oil pan. During a cold start, the oil pump cannot immediately establish oil pressure and form an oil film between components. Especially the valves inside the cylinder head, which do not receive lubrication during a cold start, will have some valve clearance, whether they are hydraulic lifters or mechanical rocker arms, leading to abnormal noise. Charcoal Canister Solenoid Valve Noise: The function of the charcoal canister solenoid valve is to open the solenoid valve between the charcoal canister and the intake manifold after the engine starts. This not only reduces emissions but also lowers fuel consumption. However, abnormal noise may occur during its operation.
My Jimny recently made a squeaking noise when starting, like the piercing sound of metal rubbing, which made me nervous before driving. This noise is mostly caused by a slipping drive belt. If the alternator belt or air conditioning compressor belt on the Jimny is too loose or worn, it will squeal when the engine starts. It could also be due to worn bearings in the starter motor, where the balls lack lubrication or have rusted, causing a squeaking sound when rotating. A faulty water pump can also produce this noise. I’ve encountered this issue a few times, and each time I had to open the hood, ask a friend to start the car while I listened to locate the source—whether it was from the front belt area or the rear motor area. If not fixed promptly, a broken belt can cause the car to suddenly lose power, which is dangerous if stranded on the roadside late at night. I recommend getting it checked at a professional shop as soon as possible. Replacing a new belt or motor bearings doesn’t cost much but can prevent major trouble. Regular maintenance, such as checking belt tension every two years, can effectively prevent squeaking noises.