A single serpentine drivebelt, located at the front of the engine, plays a crucial role in the operation of the engine and its components. It drives the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor (if equipped). Due to its function and material, the belt is prone to wear and requires periodic inspection. With the engine off, open the hood and use your fingers (and a flashlight if necessary) to check for cracks, separation of the belt plies, fraying, and glazing, which gives the belt a shiny appearance. Both sides of the belt should be inspected, which means you will have to twist the belt to check the underside. The ribs on the underside of the belt should all be the same depth, with none of the surface uneven. The tension of the belt is checked visually. Locate the belt tensioner at the front of the engine on the right (passenger) side, adjacent to the lower crankshaft pulley, then find the tensioner operating marks. If the indicator mark is outside the operating range, the belt should be replaced. To replace the belt, lift the tensioner at the bolt. The tensioner will swing down once the tension of the belt is released. Remove the belt from the auxiliary components and carefully release the tensioner. Route the new belt over the various pulleys, again rotating the tensioner to allow the belt to be installed, then release the belt tensioner. Ensure the belt fits properly into the pulley grooves - it must be completely engaged. Most models have a drivebelt routing decal on the upper radiator panel to help during drivebelt installation.
