PT Cruiser Issue

[banddork123]

I just purchased a used 03 non-turbo PT Cruiser Touring with 93,000 miles on it from a used car dealership. When I start the car and begin to accelerate, I hear a high pitched noise. As I accelerate, the pitch gets louder. Is this the timing belt issue that lots of Cruisers have? About how many miles do most PT Cruisers last for? Thanks!

[PTmodrod]

Originally Posted by banddork123

I just purchased a used 03 non-turbo PT Cruiser Touring with 93,000 miles on it from a used car dealership. When I start the car and begin to accelerate, I hear a high pitched noise. As I accelerate, the pitch gets louder. Is this the timing belt issue that lots of Cruisers have? About how many miles do most PT Cruisers last for? Thanks!

As it increases with speed and not revs, It will be part of the drivetrain. I do not know much more than that... The timing belt would increase in pitch as the revs go up in each gear (if it makes noise, I am not sure if it does...)

[Rey]

A timing belt should not make "noise" as it is buried in the motor. A more likely source is a loose "fan belt". I use the term "fan belt" loosely as there is no such thing on a PT. It is an accessory drive belt that drives the alternator, air conditioner and power steering pump. It is easy to tighten.

[CREWZIN]

Actually, there's an alternator belt by itself and a serpentine belt that runs everything else, but yes the noise could be coming from either one.