I have a 2001 dodge 2500 cummins diesel pickup. Engine runs fine, BUT ... when I turn the engine OFF, I hear a short, but loud, sharp "squeal" sound. It almost sounds like a "sucking" sound, but it's closer to a belt squeal. It does NOT make this sound when starting the engine or when running. It makes this sound almost everytime I turn the ignition off. The transmission is in PARK. It makes the same sound whether or not the air conditioning is on.

I assume this is not normal. I bought the truck used a few months ago. I can't really remember if it always made this sound or not.

I don't know much about diesels and I'm NOT a mechanic. I'd appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks,

- Simon

 

I'm pretty sure what you are referring to is the engine shutting down. I believe this is due to the high compression ratios that our engines run and is pretty normal. Basically when it stops, it stops. Mine does that too.

 

Mine does it too, especially if the A/C is on...in fact I think there was something in the manual which said to not be alarmed about the squeak. I think I read here that, like waldersha says the engine stops pretty quick, and some of the accessories will keep turning causing a squeak.

 

Don't worry, it is nothing, just the belt slipping when the engine decides to come to a 'scretching' (don't mind the pun) halt. My '99 did it and my '02 does it when it is hot and the belt can slip a little. Just act like it is the car next to you when you shut down at Sonic and everyone looks at you like your truck is a POS. They'd never understand the 'high compression' explanation so we just let them think that. Good Day....

 

If you've got any eye-candy in the engine compartment, the belt chirp is a great excuse to pop the hood and watch the jaws drop....

 

CLICK HERE

i had the same question, the link above explains everything, COMPLETELY NORMAL!

 

Thanks to all who responded so quickly to my post about the engine squeal. This is my first diesel truck ... I've got a lot to learn.

- Simon

 

well, i'm glad that we could all help you out too and now you have nothing to worry about with the belt. did my link answer your questions?

by the way, welcome here, i think you'll like it here, i'm personally addicted but be careful, this site will put lots of ideas in your head. i mean look at me, i started out with a bone stock truck, and was fine with that, but then i found this site, and i found the classifieds on this site and so on and so forth, i mean just look at my signature, and that's just the beginning!

oh also, don't forget to fill out your signature so we can see what you have at a glance. like mine below.

 

It is normal. All mine have done it. Belt stopping suddenly.

 

Normal, but there is a belt that you can get that almost eliminates the squeel. I believe it's the Good Year Gatorback.

 

yea, its a noraml thing, ive kinda like the little churp it makes

 

mine quit chirping... should i beware somthing is wrong?

 

no don't worry about a thing. how many miles are on your belt though? it's probably just gotten loose and well broeken in by now. i think there's a idler pully you could tighten the belt up with, but it might be automatic tightening though, not sure (like spring loaded) but it's all good, but remember it is always good to inspect the belt for cracking and such as well.

 

I am so used to it now, that today when I shut the truck of it DIDNT squeal, I popped the hood because I thought something was wrong!!
Started it back up then shut it off it squealed so I shut the hood and went into the house with a smile on my face.