I seem to have an intermittent strange noise coming from underneath that sounds something like a clutch squeal. The only thing is it only happens once after I have set off (from standstill) when the car has been stood for a while, say overnight. Normal driving is fine and clutch operation is fine with no noises. I have tried leaving the handbrake off but no difference. Not much to go on but anyone any ideas?
Thanks,
Chris
2007 2.2 TD4

Mine is currently in having a whine and intermittent noise investigated. The noise sounds exactly like the one you're describing. Dealer called this am to tell me they've found the problem which is a failed connector in one of the turbo hoses which is causing a whine and intermittent noise. Car ran fine apart from the intermittent squeal and whine which could only be heard when stationary or low speed. Worth getting it checked.

It's the accessories belt. After three years (in your cases) its rubber gets old and strechy. Even its tensioner looses a little its force.

After a night off and a start, the battery needs recharging. The current for charging it is generated by the generator (obviously ).
If the current draw is considerable, then the resistance opposed by the generator is considerable and therefore the belt (if not properly tensioned and/or high humidity in the air) slips a little on the generator pulley, making that noise.

Try to lighten a little other electrical loads immediatelly after a car start, for allowing the battery to charge a little. No lights, windshield/back defroster, heated seats, etc. Turn them on only after a few minutes, when the battery is a little refreshed (recharged).

You can verify it in the following way: make the opposite. When it makes the sound, in exactly the same moment, turn on as much electrical loads as possible: windshield/back defroster, lights, heated seats, etc. If the sound gets louder or the sound changes its pitch you can bet it is the belt and/or its tensioner.

But the proper cure is to change the belt and its tensioner. It's not so much for sure.

Thanks for the reply. The high humidity point makes sense. Very low humidity last night (compaired to previous nights) and no noise this morning, same yesterday PM when setting off from work.
Thanks,
Chris