Recently, when first starting, especially on a cold day, my Mk I Octavia VRS has started to issue a high-pitched metallic squealing sound.

The sound begins about 5 seconds or so after the engine has been started and only lasts for 2-3 seconds.

Thereafter everything is normal.

She's a 2004 model with about 28,000 miles on the clock.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be the cause?

Cheers,

CC.

Mine had the same, was the a/c compressor clutch

Thanks for the reply, Babs.

Over the next week or so I'll start the car each day with the air conditioning switched off. Then I'll revert to starting with the air conditioning switched on. And see what I find.

Cheers,

CC.

It's more than likely the starter motor tbh.

Have search many cars suffer mine included

HTH

AFAIK it's always "engaged" as such, but mine got seized a little and started screaming. Luckily replaced under warranty... £700 job on the invoice!

Just had mine sorted after this noise started; was the starter moter, though an easy fix by dropping out the starter and oiling it :-)