For 1990-2009 cars

Complaint/Condition | Possible Cause(s) | Correction(s)
--- | --- | ---
Tension too High | Wrong belt. Belt routing and alignment on pulleys. | Replace belt, check belt, and pulleys for proper belt installation and alignment in grooves.
Wrong pulley. | Check pulley diameters against another vehicle or good parts.
Tensioner inoperative. | Replace tensioner.
Tension too Low | Wrong belt. | Replace belt.
Worn belt. | Replace belt.
Tensioner inoperative or broken internal spring. | Replace tensioner. Do not attempt to repair
Wrong pulley. | Check pulley diameters against another vehicle or good parts.
Belt Chirp | Wrong belt. | Check belt tension.
| Check pulley alignment.
Belt installed incorrectly. | Check for belt alignment in grooves.
Tensioner inoperative. | Check belt tensioner motion.
Tensioner partially seized. | Check tensioner movement.
Intermittent Squeal or Whistle Noise Important: Diagnosis is difficult. Requires accessory drive belt removal and engine cold starts to validate concern. Do not run engine for more than 3 minutes with accessory drive belt off. | Tensioner inoperative. | Check belt tension.
Tensioner/idler pulley bearing. | Check tensioner/idler pulley bearings.
Tensioner inoperative. | Check belt tension.
Tensioner/idler pulley bearing. | Check tensioner/idler pulley bearings.
Wrong belt. | Check for proper belt.
Worn belt. | Inspect belt for wear and check tension.
Excessive pulley radial/axial runout. | Replace pulley.
Belt misaligned. | Check pulley alignment.
Water pump, power steering pump, generator, A/C compressor, tensioner or idler bearing/loads. | Check all accessories for bearing/component seizure.
Oil pump pressure regulator. | Replace oil pump pressure regulator valve.
Accessory Drive Growl with A/C On During Acceleration and/or Growl from Belt Tensioner. | Belt tensioner (internal). DO NOT DISASSEMBLE BELT TENSIONER. | Check belt tensioner movement. Check belt tension.
Water pump, power steering pump, generator, A/C compressor, tensioner, or idler bearing. | Replace faulty component.
Hoot or Growl Noise | Idler pulley bearing. | Replace idler pulley bearing.