Screechy Sound On 2001 Malibu Cold Start

When I Start From Cold Start, There Is A Piercing Screechy Sound. What Does Anyone Think Is CausIing This Sound?

Welcome to AF. Possible belt problem or tensioner problem, have someone start the car and look under the hood.

Welcome to AF. Possible belt problem or tensioner problem, have someone start the car and look under the hood.
Thanks very much. I'll give it a try.

Mine does this below freezing only; it's the starter.

i have the same problem with my 01 malibu with 55k miles on it. usually happens when it's especially cold and has been sitting for a while. the mechanic at monro couldn't replicate the problem of course, because the car was warm and suggested i leave it overnight so they could start it up and hopefully hear it. which i still haven't done, but since it's warmed up outside i haven't had the problem.

the mechanic thought it might be coming from the water pump.

If its a sudden screaching sound at start-up and then goes away after a few seconds, it may be your belt like someone mentioned before. Check the belt to see if you start seeing cracking on the threaded side. Id recommend picking up a can of White Lithium Grease and spray up a little on the threaded side of the belt......should solve the problem

If its a sudden screaching sound at start-up and then goes away after a few seconds, it may be your belt

I thought that too, so I had the belts checked out and they were fine in my case.

Problem solved for me: the starter was apparently replaced before I bought the car. It wasn't shimmed. Now it is (with a new starter) and the noise hasn't happened since.