Belt Squeal on Cold Start

[Trainchaser]

Hey everyone, I’ve got a 2010 Corolla with 133k miles, I bought it used w/ 42k miles back in 2012. Ever since I bought the car, on a cold start, the belt will squeal for about a half second and then it stops. It seems to be worse/louder in cold weather. If I forget to turn the AC and fan off when I turn the car off, the squeal is worse than normal and a little prolonged on the next cold start. If the AC is left on high when the car is shut off, it will generally squeal on the next start until I turn the fan off, but then I can turn the fan back on and it’s quiet. Now, if the car has been running for a while, I can come out an hour or two later, start the car and there is no noise. I’ve changed the belt twice so far, and the noise diminishes or goes away for a week or so, but then it comes back. Any idea on if this is a belt issue, or possibly an AC compressor or some other issue? Thanks for any assistance.

[Brian R.]

Check the pulleys for belt debris or dirt etc in the V where the belt rides. Make sure the belt is tensioned correctly.