Car dies while driving .....squealing noise (vehicle, buy, replace, Acura)
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How old is the serpentine belt?
If it is the original one, there is a strong likelihood that it is slipping, and when it slips, it would make a squealing noise.
Since the serpentine belt drives the alternator, it is possible that this could also lead to the engine stalling, and to the death of your battery. How the battery would be able to restart the engine in this scenario is a mystery to me, but I would strongly suggest that you have a competent mechanic (that means not going to a quick lube place, or to a chain-run operation) inspect your belt and the belt tensioners. Also have the battery's condition checked via a load test.
Do it...immediately...as I predict that you are going to wind up stranded tomorrow, and then you will have to pay for a tow in addition to the repair costs.
No need to go to a "mechanic" to get a belt looked at. That's like going to a mechanic to put air in your tires. While I don't like the "Quick Lube" places, they should be able to do it with ease. As would an auto part store.
High squeeling noise is most likely the belt slipping. Because it's slipping, the alternator is not properly charging the battery. This combo is causing your car do die on the road.
You can get a new belt at any auto part store for a couple bucks and they would probably even install it for you. It only takes a couple minutes. And get your battery checked. I bet it's having issues too. But a new belt may help the alternator keep it charged.
Car has died while driving.
Hear a high squealing noise.
There is a whole lot missing between these two events. Squealing noise has to be the belt but a slipping belt does not cause the car to die. Even with a slipping belt the battery gets charged. If it is a charging issue, your dash light must have come on. Belts usually squeal at start up. Oh, the serpentine belt is not “couple of bucks” and is not like the old alternator belt to slip off and on.
I would imagine if it was an alternator issue you wouldn't be able to start it right back up. When your charging system has issues your battery will mask them until it's dead, usually tipping you off to it's condition with slow starts before it dies.
From your description it's squealing before it dies, right? Or does it just squeal as the engine shuts off?
Having someone check the accessories would be a good idea, most shops will do so while replacing a belt. If you've had it 4 years and not replaced the belt it would be a good idea to have it checked out. I usually keep my old belts as emergency spares. If yours fails you could loose power steering which could be dangerous.
There is a whole lot missing between these two events. Squealing noise has to be the belt but a slipping belt does not cause the car to die. Even with a slipping belt the battery gets charged. If it is a charging issue, your dash light must have come on. Belts usually squeal at start up. Oh, the serpentine belt is not “couple of bucks” and is not like the old alternator belt to slip off and on.
I had a new alternator put in about 9 months ago.
No signs of alternator failing.
Or battery loss.
Yep, after driving today for about 5 minutes, car squealed then died.
Turned over engine, started up. Parked it for about 20 mn, I was at store.
Came out, fired right up and drove home for 5mn.
I would imagine if it was an alternator issue you wouldn't be able to start it right back up. When your charging system has issues your battery will mask them until it's dead, usually tipping you off to it's condition with slow starts before it dies.
From your description it's squealing before it dies, right? Or does it just squeal as the engine shuts off?
Having someone check the accessories would be a good idea, most shops will do so while replacing a belt. If you've had it 4 years and not replaced the belt it would be a good idea to have it checked out. I usually keep my old belts as emergency spares. If yours fails you could loose power steering which could be dangerous.
I might of been simultaneously.
More I think about it, it probably was.
They might be two completely unrelated events. When you say " car squealed then died”, how did it happen. Did it die suddenly as in switched off or sputtered and died?
Serpentine belt you are talking about?
Aren't they a little more complicated than that?
I'd be hard pressed to find a worker from an auto store to install it here.
Anyone at a "Jiffy Lube" type place can do it. Belts get old and stretch. The tensioner is usually spring loaded and when the belt stretches out, the tensioner can no longer add tension and the belt starts to slip.
Cost of the belt will be in the $20-$30 range + labor to install.
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