Squealing/Whining sound with screaching at start-up!! Please HELP!!

Hello guys!
I am new here and I have a question in regards to our van. As most 96 Grand Caravans we have had tons of issues with our electrical system and then our transmission...the transmission seems to be getting worse but recently we have heard a noise like the belts were squealing, then when the van would warm up it would go away! Now more recently, there is a new noise usually at start-up (but not always) but the squealing or a whining sound does not go away (only occasionaly), but it starts with what sounds like a grinding metal against metal or a rythmic screeching sound, then the squealing/whining. After it warms up it ONLY squeels or whines when you accelerate, if it's cold then it squeals or whines ALL THE TIME! We have been able to narrow down the proximaty of the noise, it is in the drivers side and appears to be lets say under the driver's seat. I would really appreciate you help with this. Oh also it has 124,000 miles on it!
Thanks!!!
Lynne

Sounds like the converter, have yuo made any oilchanges in the tranny?
Check for metallic debri in the trans oil.

Sounds like the converter, have yuo made any oilchanges in the tranny?
Check for metallic debri in the trans oil.

I second that. My Caravan eats transmission fluid. I'm always checking the transfluid.

Sounds like your torque convertor to me. I've heard what sounds like a belt squeal from them before. A sign of failure!

I'm almost positive your start up problem is caused by a dying alternator. It could even be a combination of "worn/wearing timing belt" and "seizing alternator" .

How do I know... Been there, done that ! :)

I have had that same start up problem happen to my 92 Voyager several times. One time after the van sat for a week (using company car), I started it only to have my alternator seized solid, had to put my ratchet on it to break it free and it's been working fine since. So it's presently running on borrowed time. It's output is a bit high 14.2v also.

On about 5 occasions over the past year when I start my van it was almost like it was only running on 2 or 3 cylinders with a nasty squeal and vibration. A couple a times I shut her right off and got under the hood. I found the serphintine belt was smelly (burnt rubber) and hot as was the alternator pulley was (burn fingers) hot too.

So it seems the alternator was causing some serious drag on the odd occasion.

Just a week ago my timing belt broke. And not the usual run off either... It broke ! She's been running and starting Great since the new belt tho.

Hope this help's

Just to add... Im talking about the belt/start up noise... The transmission noise under the driver side floor is another thing I've never experienced yet.

To get rid of the belt squeal you should replace the belt and tensioner together. The tensioners on these things like to sieze up. The other squeak when you accelerate is the exhaust gasket or "donut" that seals the exhaust manifold outlet to the converter pipe. If the donut is still in good shape then you could use nickel antisieze as a lubricant.
Which engine size do you have? Could be a water pump going as well. when you remove the belt try to wiggle the pump pully, and spin it by hand to see if the bearings are noisy.
RG