This was about 2 days ago, a quite chilly day. I started my 96' Accord and heard this hard grinding... well not really grinding, like this buzzing noise a table saw would make, but less sharp/acute. It continued for about 30 seconds and went away. I continued to experince this problem during the next few starts. But now few days later, it all went away. Should I be worried? If it bad?

I went to my dealer and the service lady said that they can't really do anything if the noise went away. They need to hear the noise to diagnose the problem... right... I think that lady doesn't really know **** but I'm pretty clueless myself. Help. Thanks.

 

alternator belt slipping. Nothing to be worried about.

 

I just had the belts replaced like 5000 miles ago at 90k service. Isn't it too soon for a problem like this?

 

It could have been just the cold....when I cleaned my engine the other day it sqeeked a lil bit but went away....if it happens all the time get a new belt or tighten the tensioner, or if you notice more "draw" on your electrical system.

 

check the tension in the belt. sometimes belts are known to get a little loose once they wear in a little bit.

 

how many miles you have? 4or 6 cyl? Timing belts make most noise in the mornings especially on cold days. How many miles you have is important? Have you changed your timing belt? when? what mileage?

 

As stated above, my car is a `96 accord sedan with 4 cylinders. My current milage is around 97K and I had the 90K service (belts and everything) done at 92K.

 

since this noise came soon after the timing belt was replaced, i think maybe the timing belt may be a little too tight or too loose. Have the mechanic check tension. Also, did you put OEM belts. Was this operation done at HONDA dealership?
When i had my timing belt changed at 105k for my sixth generation accord, it squeaked continuously at idle only until they adjusted tension. I still believe timing belt noises are loudest in the mornings especially on cold days. Hope i helped you.
Also, sometimes the tensioner or idler will make noises on high mileage engines. These two items support the timing belt.