Ok, so I understand this has probably been discussed 800 million times (and I've read the threads, just not sure my problem is the same-so I wanted y'alls thoughts before I spend $500 at the dealership to tell me it is what it is) but I am at Georgian, so generally, I don't have problems with cold weather starts, because, well, its never really that cold!

We've had lows in the teens recently in Atlanta, for about a week straight. My sweet car didn't get driven though (I had right knee surgery and not allowed to drive) just the occasional start to make sure she was still kickin. I got in my car this morning and the key wouldnt turn, I tried moving the steering wheel-still wouldnt turn...after about a minute of trying, it started, but really loud noise coming from the passenger side of the car-turned the radio and heat off, noise still there...turned the car off and turned it back on-noise gone.

Is this the same problem as the loose belt that everyone else has talked about, or is it different? I must also say that my car smelled like burning oil afterwards...Should I be worried?

Thanks yall!