A serpentine drive belt which is positioned at the front of the engine is very important for the operation of the engine and the various accessories that it operates such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and the ac compressor. Because of the belt's function and its build-up, it is vulnerable to wear and thus requires periodical check-up. With the engine not running start the hood and view both side of the belt to check for cracks, separation of skims, fraying and glazing. The ribs on the underside of the frame should be of equal thickness. The tension is adjusted by a spring-loaded tensioner which is not user adjustable, and the belt should be changed at fixed intervals or when worn out. To remove the belt, turn on the ignition switch, open the hood and lay back the inner fender well splash shield and the right-front wheel. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise, or toward the belt, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet or a breaker bar, to reduce the tension and, it is still needed, specific tools can be applied due to a limited amount of space. Take off the belt while memorizing its position and then gradually loosen the tensioner. After first making sure the new belt is the right length, run the belt over the pulleys, twist the tensioner to put in the belt and let go of the tensioner. Tensioner replacement entails the removal of the drive belt, detachment of the tensioner by means of the removal of it's mounting bolt and the reinstallation of the part is in the reverse manner with the mounting bolts tightened to the required torque.