Serpentine belt - Tensioner issues in Corollas

[cor06]

I hear the squeaking noise from the engine and it is comming from the belt or the tensioner as it is off and on. No particular time of day. Comes and goes when I start the car and for a file miles and than goes away.

When i went to the dealership they could no hear so now I have to bring it when they can hear or leave the car overnight so that when they start next day they can hear as when the car warms up the noise goes away.

I have 3 month left in 3yrs/36k miles warranty so hopefully will get it fixed before that.

Just to inform others as I read some other places about this issue. If you have same problme and have warranty get it fixed for free ASAP.

now corollas are becoming GM

[huangxin]

most likely the belt. not a costly part if it's just the belt, but it gets a bit pricey when the tensioner is shot, but your car is a bit too new to have that problem though...

take it to the dealer and see what they say. the way i was taught, if you have warranty, why not use it

[hunterxaz]

I kind of have the same issue. I have a 2003 Corolla S, and it's coming from the tensioner or the AC pump pulley. I can spray from liquid wrench/wd40 on it and it'll go away but comes back a day later or so.

[JUNIOR347]

[quote=cor06;2798306]I hear the squeaking noise from the engine and it is comming from the belt or the tensioner as it is off and on. No particular time of day. Comes and goes when I start the car and for a file miles and than goes away.

When i went to the dealership they could no hear so now I have to bring it when they can hear or leave the car overnight so that when they start next day they can hear as when the car warms up the noise goes away.

I have 3 month left in 3yrs/36k miles warranty so hopefully will get it fixed before that.

Just to inform others as I read some other places about this issue. If you have same problme and have warranty get it fixed for free ASAP.

now corollas are becoming GM [/quote

I had the same problem and i changed the belt with a Goodyear Gatorback belt n problem solved you might want to try that and see if its stops

[cor06]

I left my car overnight at the dealership and the next day they heard the noise when it was started first time. The car was still under warranty so they replaced the belt and the tensioner for free.

Problem solved. I hope not to get any more issues with this car. By the way what are the general/main issues with corollas?

Thanks for suggestions.

[-jessica-]

I have 131,xxx on my 05 le and its kinda queaky when i drive it and when it starts up too. so to have the tensioner replaced, it only works if you have a warranty...? eventhough a TSB was sent out over it?? thanks for the info..

[cor06]

with 131,000 the car is out of warranty so you have to check with the dealership if they will do for free under TSB. Get a quote from them otherwise your own mechanic or some reliable place might do for less.

[-jessica-]

Originally Posted by cor06

with 131,000 the car is out of warranty so you have to check with the dealership if they will do for free under TSB. Get a quote from them otherwise your own mechanic or some reliable place might do for less.

Is there somewhere that I can find the TSB number for the dealership so they cant say the problem doesnt exist?

[mikered30]

Originally Posted by -jessica-

Is there somewhere that I can find the TSB number for the dealership so they cant say the problem doesnt exist?

TSB is EG021-07, but you are so far out of any warranty it doesn't matter, you will have to pay for it.

[JasonA]

Originally Posted by -jessica-

...so to have the tensioner replaced, it only works if you have a warranty...? eventhough a TSB was sent out over it?? thanks for the info...

That's correct. A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) doesn't authorize a repair. In fact, every TSB states that the item is to be replaced under warranty, but it also gives an hourly rate to charge if out of warranty. A TSB is only a tool to help with diagnosis. In other words, if the problem presented appears like such-and-such, try this first.

In addition, just because a repair is documented by a TSB, you can't necessarily go in and get it repaired if your car doesn't show a symptom. In other words, if your tensioner is not squeaking, you can't bring it in and have Toyota replace it (because they won't unless it's presenting a problem).

[cor06]

Even if you are paying for the repair let the mechanic hear the sound himself so that they know the exact problem. If squeaks come just in the mornings or random you might have to leave your car overnight at the dealership or garage. I agree with the above replies. TSB are just indicators of problems. You will be paying for this repair unfortunately but it is good if you get it repaired before it gets worse or damages something else. TSB can be checked at these two sites.

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/select.html
Put in your car info.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
On the left side (MENUE bar) is the Service Bulletin. It also give Defects and Recalls