My check engine light is on. There is a squeaky cricket noise when the car is in motion; it is not a loose belt. I don't want to take it in and be overwhelmed with major engine problems. Any ideas what it may be?

Hi Alan,

Would help if you could pull that fault code out that generated the CEL to come on.

Anyway, I would start by checking out the turbo, MAF sensor and catalic converter are common problems for the 4JJ1 engine.

Check these......................


Diagnosing Belt Noise squeak or squeal on Serpentine Belt

How to Fix Squeaky Belt figure out where the squeak is coming from

it could be one of the belts. if you put a little wax or brake fluid on the belt in a couple of places and the squeak goes away then you either have a loose belt/s or the belts/s need replacing. if no change it could be the timing belt making the noise.

Spray same water on the belt to see if whistle goes out that means loose belt. 2nd remove belt and check shaft for any gaps in and out and up and down start for a minute to see if the squeaky noise cam from there.if is noise stop is your alternator bearings to Replace then fit the belt and adjust .

Your alternator bearing can make that noise when it is going bad. Open the hood and find the alternator. Search on the internet to see what it looks like. That is easier than trying to explain it. Take a metal rod or a 3/8" drive 12" to 18" extension and with the engine running, carefully place one end of the rod on the alternator case and the other to your ear. BE VERY CAREFUL TO NOT TOUCH ANY ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS OR MOVING PARTS. IF YOU DO'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DOING THIS, TAKE THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. You can check the water pump with this same technic which could be making the sound but I would bet it's the alternator. Replacement is how to fix it.

worn belt or too loose/tight. possible problem with the belt tensioner. replace belt first and recheck under cold start condition

More than likely the belt is glazed or it is a pulley bearing that is lacking grease. Easiest way to figure this out is to use a can of WD-40 and, with the engine running, spray the pulley area of the alternator, then the waterpump, then power steering and A/C....then the belt last. Do one at a time....this should narrow down your troubleshooting......but sounds like a glazed belt.

yes, it could be the idler pulley going bad.
check it out

or the belt itself is almost done.

replace belt every 50,000 miles

drive belts could be loose.

Replace the serpentine belt tensioner. Expect to pay approx $150.00 if installed by a mechanic.