My 2010 ford escape makes a screeching noise when it starts and then goes away AND NOW it makes the same noise when I accelerate. Whatswrong?

My 2010 ford escape makes a screeching noise when it starts and then goes away AND NOW it makes the same noise when I accelerate. Whatswrong?

Check the serpentine belt.

Bad drive belts or drive belt pulleys.

You must know absolutely nothing about cars because this is one of the most common and easily diagnosed problems. It is a worn and slipping accessory belt. On the Escape it is a single belt called a Serpentine Belt. Watch and learn.

Your fan belt.

Loose or worn serpentine belt. Inspect it for damage. Tighten it or replace as necessary.

Drive or serpentine belt which is either worn or our of alignment.

Replace the serpentine belt and tensioner.

The fan belt (it is also called a V belt that connects to the alternator. It is TOO LOOSE. Loosen the bolt on the alternator that is connected to the slotted hole. Then get a piece of wood between the motor block and the alternator and pull on it so that the belt is tighter… And while you are pulling, with the other hand tighten the bolt. That ALWAYS DOES IT. Easy fix. Cost you maybe half a beer. Go and sit down and drink the rest.

You MAY not have a V belt. It may be a serpentine belt which flexes backwards and forwards and is more flatter. But the problem is the same and fixed the same way.

The tensioner is a spring loaded wheel that is more of a guide than a belt tensioner and they sometimes screech. They do not keep the belt tight enough… If it is too loose. More of a guide for a long stretch. They can be left alone in many cases. They are part of the "SWAMP" IMO

My guess is a loose belt. Try to pull the belts or pulleys without the engine running and if you can, the belt is loose. It will tighten after heating up, but will wear out even more. Replace it before disaster.

There's a belt needing some attention. The sound is the pulley slipping inside the belt. You hear it under load because that's when the motor is making maximum torque.