loud squealing and low coolant sensor

[archchicago07]

so far these are the only 2 probs i have on my 97 bonneville. what could they be and is there a way to fix the squealing quickly as its very loud and very annoying lol

[tpulliam79]

squealing= check your belts and tensioners
low coolant sensor= is your coolant low? if not the sensor is right in your radiator they are not cheap about 70 if i remember correctly. an easy fix though. if it is low on coolant is it leaking externally? if low and no leak then it a whole other issue, but we will cross that bridge if needed check your coolant level and let us know.

[JBMark33]

A squealing noise can also be a missing o-ring on the PCV valve.

Pull off the oil filler cap, does it suck your shirt in?

[willwren]

Check to make sure both o-rings are installed in the PCV valve for the squealing.



Coolant level sensors are prone to failure. If you level in the radiator is good, replace the sensor or simply disconnect it.

[lash]

Do you know whther it's a belt squeal or not?

[archchicago07]

just as an update i think the squeal might be from the polish crap the dealer put on the engine to make it all look shiny clean. and the coolant light doesn't come on all the time. i checked the level with the car cold and hot and theres a full amt of coolant so from what i read i assume its just the bad sensor (67$ from auto zone) if the squealing persists would any of you recommend changing the serpintine belt even though it looks new?

note: i just wanted to make sure it didnt involve the a/c as anyone near illinois knows its REALLY hot lol

[lash]

So, you've determined that the squeal is coming from the belt slipping?

Are you getting enough tension on the belt? Are there shiny spots on the belt from slippage?

It is possible that something the dealer used might have been carelessly sprayed on the belt also. If that is the case, then some very judicious and sparing use of belt dressing might solve your squeal.

[willwren]

A light spray of engine degreaser on the belt at idle, and a rinse spray a couple minutes after should take any residue off the belt. It may squeal more initially, but should get better quickly.

Remove the belt and start the car. Is the squeal gone (a couple minutes on a cold engine without a belt is fine, even with the water pump not turning, it won't overheat that quickly).

[archchicago07]

ive been told that baby powder put on it might help? is that suggested/recommended? and i believe it is also partly a tension issue but with further driving the sounds goes away quicker now and its not as frequent as it was.