squeaking noise on startup and bad gas mileage

[eriness]

Hi everyone,

I have a 1995 Tercel DX with about 110k miles on it. It's been giving me some problems lately, so any help that you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

First off, I had the crankshift sensor replaced about a month ago. About two days later, I was driving and the car started making this awful knocking/clanking noise when it was idle, like when I was at a red light. It wouldn't happen when the car was actually moving. This happened for about two days and then went away. Anyone know what this could have been?

About two weeks ago, the car started to make a really annoying/embarrasing squeaking noise when I first start it. It only happens when I first start it in the morning or if I haven't driven it for a while. So for example, if I turn off the car to run into the store for a few minutes, it won't make the noise when I come back out and start it up again. The squeaking noise lasts about 5 seconds at most and then goes away. The only other time it happens is if I hit the gas all of a sudden (not if I do it gradually). I also noticed that its worse when the AC is on, so I haven't been using the AC.

I really don't know much about cars, but my mom said it sounds like a belt that needs to be replaced. Does anyone know if my engine has a serpentine belt or individual belts? Also how much to belts usually cost to be replaced?

I've also noticed that my car hasn't been getting as good gas mileage lately. I just got an oil change about 500 miles ago.

God, it's times like these where I wish I would have taken auto shop in high school. :P

Thanks,
Erin

[jimmy[the]gent]

it could be a bad starter motor theres an explorer on my block that sounds like crap on start up its a realy loud screetch i hate

[excalvwbora]

The squeaky noise, is yor belts. Most likely you have ind. belts. Just look at the belt/s. Its either one Thick belt or 2 or 3 skinny belts.
Just go to Autozone.com put in your car info, and ill tell you what you got. The're like $5-13 each.

About your poor milage, When was the last time you did a tune up?
Could be the spark plugs, Fuel filter, ign Wire/Cap. Or at least try a fuel system cleaner, try a good one, like techron, or valvoline $10.

A tune up might fix your knocking, or try better gas, dont use 87 try at least 89 or 91. Check your timming too. Or could be a faulty knock sensor.
That should work, ive been in the parts bus. for 6 years. 4 Years for Toyota/Lexus.
Have fun

[uti-student]

fuel system cleaners dont do shit becides eat your pockets.

[97cavalier]

don't run 89 or 91 all this will do is build up more carbon on your valves cuz you car can not burn all of that gas off, it does not burn that hot.and some fuel system cleaners work well, i use chevron, it has the most chemical in it that actuly cleans out the fuel system.