Well, only really noticed it for the first time this morning (mainly due to the radio being out of action at the moment) When cold, there's a fairly background/quiet fanbelt style squeaking coming from the alternator. Had a look under the bonnet when it does this and it all looks fine - scared me a little as I thought it was the cambelt at first. :eek:

Obviously my head says this is something to do with the battery move to the boot. When the car warms up and gets going, the noise lessens and when you park up you can only hear it squeaking a little when you're outside the car.

Alternator itself appears to be acting fine - I gave it the "wiggle the steering while stationary" routine and the lights dim the same amount as they always have done.

Any ideas or shall I just put it down to "one of those things" - I wouldn't be able to hear it at all if the radio were on...

Jason, I would check the aux belt.

Jason, I would check the aux belt.

Well - it's coming from that area. The belt looks to be solid and is not appearing to be damaged in any way. This could be ironic if the belt is starting to give out as I was planning on ripping out all my aircon and fitting a new belt from the ATD TDI fabia (but without A/C obviously)

I was thinking more of the tension....

Jase, put a touch of hand-cleaner paste on the belt - sound will dissappear like magic (old fanbelt trick out here)

I'd flick the belt of and see where the noise is coming from.

If it is when you first start the car up , it may be because the demand from the alternator is greatest. Starting has taken some of the batteries capacity in starting, causing the alternator to supply maximum current to recharge the battery. Sometimes this causes the belt to slip,and squeal . After a few minutes this will stop because the current demand on the alternator decreases. In cold weather demand on the electrics is greater , with lights , rear screen demister ,wipers and heater motor needing current.