Why is my Ford Ranger making a squealing noise while accelerating?

I recently purchased a pre-owned Ford Ranger and I noticed that it makes a high-pitched squealing noise whenever I accelerate. It seems to be coming from the engine area. What could be causing this and what steps should I take to address it?

It sounds like you may have a loose or worn belt in the engine. I recommend checking the belt tension and condition, as well as the condition of the pulleys and tensioner. You may need to replace the belt or one of these components to fix the issue.

Another possible cause could be a faulty alternator or power steering pump. It's best to have a mechanic take a look and diagnose the issue to ensure proper repair.