To remove the timing belt, first disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Place the transaxle in Park, apply the parking brake, and block the rear wheels. Remove the drivebelt and the spark plugs to facilitate turning the crankshaft, then position the number one piston at TDC. Loosen the lug nuts on the right front wheel, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the right front wheel. Take off the right front inner fender splash shield and the upper timing belt covers, detaching the wiring harness and removing the bolts. If reusing the belt, mark it to indicate the direction of rotation and ensure the timing marks are properly aligned. Wedge a large screwdriver into the driveplate ring gear teeth and have an assistant unscrew the crankshaft pulley bolt. Access to the driveplate may vary between models, and when the crankshaft pulley bolt is loosened, check and align the timing marks again. Remove the lower timing belt tower and slip the timing belt guide plate off the crankshaft sprocket, noting its installation. Obtain a long bolt to hold the timing belt tensioner in position without applying excessive force. Remove the idler pulley bolt and the timing belt, discarding the idler pulley bolt for a new one upon installation. The camshaft sprockets can be removed if damaged or to replace oil seals, and if worn or damaged, the crankshaft sprocket can also be removed. Inspect the sprocket teeth for wear and damage, check the timing belt for cracks or oil residue, and ensure the camshaft has no excessive endplay. Clean the timing belt area and sprocket teeth, then install any removed sprockets with their keys and tighten the bolts. Install the idler pulley with a new bolt but do not tighten it yet. Recheck the timing marks and install the timing belt in a clockwise direction, ensuring the arrow on the belt points in the normal direction of rotation if reusing the original belt. Install the outer timing belt guide over the crankshaft sprocket, tighten the idler pulley bolt, and remove the long bolt holding the tensioner pulley. Turn the crankshaft slowly six revolutions clockwise to seat the belt, then return to TDC and recheck the alignment of the timing marks. Install the lower timing belt cover, crankshaft pulley, and tighten the bolt while ensuring the crankshaft does not turn. Recheck the timing marks, and complete the installation in reverse order of removal. After running the engine, check for coolant or oil leaks, and if the CHECK ENGINE light comes on, have a dealer perform a crankshaft position variation learn procedure. If the tensioner has been removed, compress it in a press until a drill bit or pin can be inserted to hold it in the retracted position, then install the tensioner carefully and tighten the mounting bolts. After completing the timing belt installation, remove the tensioner locating pin.
