When my car is idling, it makes this squealing noise. It sounds like plastic rubbing against each other. I lifted up the hood and it looks like it's coming from the engine area, where the belt is moving. What could cause that noise? How do I fix it?

 

Sounds like a belt slipping. Just tighten it up a bit, or get new ones. Could also be your water pump going out on you.

 

Is it this squealing primarily at low(er) rpm's? Or is it consistant throughout the rpm range?

 

When I'm driving on the highway, I don't hear it. The only time I hear the squealing is when it's idling or when it's stopped. When I hit the gas I don't hear it.

 

Take a piece of heater hose and stick it in your ear and probe each of the accessories. Water pump, alternator, power steering. Try to isolate it.

 

I went to my car to check the belt tensioner indicator and it looks a little wierd. I don't know what to make of it, so I'm attaching a file with a picture of what I see on the indicator. Let me know what you think.

 

Does anyone have any insight to my picture above?