Component Test(s)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Accessory Drive Belt
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should the accessory drive belt, tensioner or pulleys have any fluids or belt dressing applied to them as damage to the belt material and tensioner damping mechanism may occur.
NOTE:
Do not rotate the tensioner by the pulley bolt.
- 1.
Check that the belt length indicator on the belt tensioner is in the acceptable belt installation and wear range. If the indicator is in the belt replacement range, either an incorrect belt is installed or the belt is worn beyond the service limit. Install a new belt as necessary.
- Belt length indicator
- Acceptable belt installation and wear range
- Belt replacement range
- Belt tension relief point
NOTE:
Incorrect Installation
NOTE:
Correct Installation
- 2.
With the engine running, check accessory drive belt tracking on all pulleys. If the edge of the accessory drive belt rides beyond the edge of the pulleys, noise and premature wear will occur. Make sure the accessory drive belt rides correctly on the pulley. If an accessory drive belt tracking condition exists, proceed with the following:
Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner
- 2.
Using a suitable, commercially available serpentine belt tensioner release tool, release the tension on the belt and detach the accessory drive belt from the tensioner. Carry out the following tests:
- Using the release tool, move the tensioner from its relaxed position, through its full stroke and back to the relaxed position to make sure there is no stick, grab or bind, and to make sure that there is tension on the tensioner spring.
- Rotate the tensioner pulley by hand and check for a binding, contaminated or seized condition.
- Inspect the area surrounding the accessory drive belt tensioner for oil leaks or contamination and repair any leaks.
- 3.
If the accessory drive belt tensioner does not meet the criteria in the previous step, install a new tensioner. If the accessory drive belt tensioner meets the criteria in the previous step, proceed to testing the tensioner dynamically in the next step.
- 4.
Using a suitable, commercially available serpentine belt tensioner release tool, install the accessory drive belt onto the tensioner. With the engine running, observe the accessory drive belt tensioner movement. The accessory drive tensioner should move (respond) when the A/C clutch cycles (if equipped), or when the engine is accelerated rapidly. If the accessory drive belt tensioner movement is excessive without A/C clutch cycling or engine acceleration, inspect the accessory drive belt for uneven depth of grooves. Excessive uneven depth of grooves in the accessory belt can cause excessive accessory drive belt tensioner movement. To diagnose uneven depth of grooves in the accessory drive belt, install a new accessory drive belt. If excessive accessory drive belt tensioner movement still exists, install a new accessory drive belt tensioner.