2003 Mitsubishi Lancer noise at startup

Hello

To better assist you can you tell me if you have the regular Lancer or the Lancer Evolution?

Next, please try to describe the noise at start up….is it a squeal or what exactly and how long does it last. Does it only do it at start up or when you race the engine?

Next, please go to Auto Zone or O’Reilly’s and for free they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don’t get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for free also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

Next, take a spray bottle of water and while the engine is running spray all over the plug wires and let me know what you find.

Please do the above and get back with me.

I have the regular, not evolution lancer. No indicator lights have come on at all. The noise, which is loud, appears to be coming from the right side of the hood and does not continue once the engine has started. There is no problem with starting the engine. Occasionally I will hear a slight grinding noise when driving. Once the car is in motion at higher speeds, the sounds are rarely there.
The sound does not persist when the engine is raced.

Hello –

Thanks for the quick reply. Based on what you are saying and with the number of miles you have on the vehicle, I believe the noise you hear at start up may be your belts. If you haven’t changed them I would suggest looking at them really good, changing them and ensuring they are properly tight. They are on that side of the vehicle you are describing the noise from.

For no indicator light. The light doesn’t have to stay on and can throw a code. To ensure we assist you as best as possible, if possible I would still like to you do as suggested to help eliminate certain things. This includes the spray bottle etc. These things help us look at the slow accelerating, slight vibration etc.

When was the last time your plugs and plug wires were changed?

Once you have accomplished the requested items, please ensure to get back with us with all the results and answers so we can ensure we provide the best served possible.

I have done all routinue maintenence and the belts were changed at about 121000 as were the spark plugs.
As for the spray bottle, I assume you want me to do that with the engine running, or not?.
I will be taking it in to be checked either Thursday or Friday morning and ask for a computer check and get back with more information at that time unless there are any other things you need to know.

Thanks for your assistance so far!

PS the vast majority of the miles have been highway, about 75 to 80 percent.

Great to hear back....thanks for the update, yes with the engine running.

thanks again