Belt Tensioner

The automatic drive belt tensioner can be checked as follows:
1. With the engine running, observe the drive belt tensioner movement. The drive belt tensioner should move (respond) when the A/C clutch cycles or when the engine is accelerated rapidly. If the drive belt tensioner movement is constant without A/C clutch cycling or acceleration, a pulley or shaft is probably bent or a pulley is out of round. In rare cases, excessive drive belt rideout (uneven depth of grooves in drive belt) can cause excessive drive belt tensioner movement. This condition can be checked by replacing the suspect drive belt with a known good original equipment drive belt and repeating the observation.





Drive Belt Tensioner-3.0L (2V)









Belt Tensioner-3.0L (4V)


Note: The drive belt tensioner wear indicator mark inspection is done with the engine OFF.

Automatic drive belt tensioners are spring-loaded devices which set and maintain the drive belt tension. The drive belt does not require tension adjustment for the life of the drive belt. Automatic drive belt tensioners have drive belt wear indicator marks. If the indicator mark is not between the MIN and MAX marks, the drive belt is worn or an incorrect drive belt has been installed.
If the indicator marks are difficult to see, locate the tab on the drive belt tensioner face plate. The tab should be approximately between the stops.