Loud, no, LOUD screeching sound from I think the CD box
 

I went to start the car, and the usual high pitch sound from the CD box was a banshee yell. Car started and ran ok but what on earth is that sound? It stopped after about 3 min. It started before I started the engine. Just one click of the key. Is there something other than the cd box I should be looking at. And should i just replace it or is there something else that i can do.
Thanks.

Did you have the heater on or any of the fans???

Geof, you know, right after I read my own post I went out to give it another listen. This time no noise. But I did hear the heater fan blowing. And I thought maybe it's the fan. It did sound like bearings that need some lube. The heater was on. Is the blower motor lubable. Is lubable even a word? I do believe that is the problem.

Prob the crappy heater motor - went through 3 of those on the SC in 5 years.....sam sound 1st 2 times, then on the 3rd it just seized.

If you are sure it was in the back, it's the heater blower. If it's in the front, it's the fresh air blower... (very common) Mine does it for a second when it's really cold, then it's fine... Definately one of your blowers though...