My car (2001 Saturn SL-2) just stalled and wouldn't start for a few minutes. When it finally started up, the brakes were stiff and it would rumble before it finally get some gas and go. There was also a squeaky sound as I was driving. This same problem occurred in Flagstaff while I was up there going to school. I figured it was the cold weather, but I'm now in southern AZ and there's no cold weather going on here.How do you know when your fan belt needs changing?A squeaky noise may indicate a loose fanbelt or a fanbelt encountering too much resistance.
In this case the sound will be like: Whinnninnninnninnnn!!!
If you have a serpentine belt (a belt that winds around engine components like a snake), you don't necessarily have to replace it. It may be just loose. Snug it up. There will be an adjusting bolt somewhere most likely near the alternator. Buy a Haynes manual for your car at an Autozone ($12.00). It will show you exactly where the bolt is if you can't find it.
If you have one belt that wraps around the crankshaft pulley, the air conditioner compressor, and the alternator
(a more simpler setup to the serpentine), there will be an adjusting bolt right in front of the alternator. Snug it up if the belt is loose.
Does it happen when you are steering? Turn the car on and steer the wheel lock to lock. If you hear a whining sound, you need power steering fluid. Un cap the reservoir and fill it. The Haynes manual will show you where it is.
Does the problem only occur when the AC is on? Switch it on and off with the engine running. It it comes and goes, and the belt is not loose, your AC compressor needs oil. Buy a can of R134a AC gas with compressor lubricant and inject it into the input port. The port looks like a tire valve at the top of one of your AC lines. Again, your Haynes manual and the directions with the R134a can will tell you the details.
Good Luck! This should only cost you around $20-25 including the manual cost.How do you know when your fan belt needs changing?Its not anything to do with the belt, Take it to your Saturn dealer and get it diagnosed and repaired. I would say a independent shop but most parts that I think would cause the problem are available at Saturn dealers only.How do you know when your fan belt needs changing?One problem has nothing to do with the other.
You can tell the fan belt needs replacing by two different ways. 1st visual, the spec for replacement is 50 cracks per inch in the belt, or the cracks exceed 1/2 the thickness of the belt. 2nd audible, A belt squeal that is constant and worse when wet. If the belt looks in good condition... a temporary solution is to put some silicon spray or lube on the belt... the noise will instantly stop.
Your problem about stalling, hard to restart, and running rough... is most likely a ignition problem. I would recommend taking your vehicle to a mechanic you trust. If the engine is not acting up when the mechanic is looking at it, they will most likely recommend a tune-up. It may or may not solve your problem.How do you know when your fan belt needs changing?I look at my belts, and if they have and cracking, or dry rot,I change them. I also like to carry spare belts since they are inexpensive. (usually)How do you know when your fan belt needs changing?If you drive the highways, I hope you have a cell phone and a tow company to call when you break down. %26quot;Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later%26quot; is a saying that means if you don't take the time to learn about your car and maintain it, the pain, aggravation and costs will catch up with you sooner or later. %26quot;An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure%26quot; is very true with automobile maintenance. Find a friend who maintains their own car and take that person to dinner. Let them suggest what's best to do now with your car. You could join a car club or something where they help you maintain your car.
