As the title indicates, a "screeching" noise is emanating from the engine bay when initially starting my car in the mornings. It goes away within less than a second and usually does not repeat during the day.

It is the same sound made when our wives, or girlfriends, attempt to start the engine on our vehicles that are already started. I'm no mechanic, but it sounds like the starter.

Anyone else with this issue?

 

Is it only when you lean on the starter or is it a noise that tappers off after a few moments of the engine starting? If the latter, I would think it's your belt. Starters normally don't make much in the way of screeching noise even in their death throws.

 

The noise is very brief and occurs while turning the ignition key and continues for a brief second after starting.

 

A screeching drive belt upon initial startup could be caused by a failing belt tensioner, right? Though I wouldn't expect this to fail in an '04 car just yet. I've had them last 10+ years before showing any signs of failure.

But, if you've had any work on the front of the engine that required R&R of the belt tensioner, they could have re-installed it incorrectly--I've had this happen for sure.