Expert: Kevin - 10/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a problem with my serpentine belt constantly come off. This problem only seems to happen in the rain. If it's not raining it's fine but the instant it starts raining it pops off and will do it until it's dry outside. I have replaced the belt so that's not the issue. I was told it quite possibly could be the tensioner pulley. I can see that as the belt is rotating the belt is sliding across the face of the tensioner pulley but never coming off. What is my problem and how do I go about fixing it? If it is the tensioner pulley how do I replace it?

ANSWER: what kinda car is this?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry about that. It's a 99 Dodge caravan with a 3.0 engine

Answer
NO: 07-01-99
SUBJECT: Serpentine Belt Comes Off When Driving Through Deep Snow
DATE: Feb. 19, 1999
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a snow shield and if necessary, a new serpentine belt.

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L ENGINE.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Loss of power steering assist occurs when driving through deep snow (6 in. or more). Snow/sleet enters the engine compartment from underneath the vehicle and forces the serpentine belt off of the pulleys.

DIAGNOSIS:
If the vehicle operator states the serpentine belt comes off when driving in deep snow conditions, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty Part No. Description
1 05003480AA Shield, Tensioner Snow
1 04556218 Bolt, Tensioner Pulley
AR (1) 05281275 Belt, Serpentine


REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
Remove the right side underbody splash shield.
Visually inspect the serpentine belt, if the ribs of the belt are frayed or split, remove the A/C compressor drive belt.
Remove the serpentine belt.
Remover the serpentine belt tensioner, Figure 1.
Carefully clamp the body of the tensioner in a soft jaw vise.
Remove the M10 bolt that attaches the tensioner pulley to the arm of the tensioner and discard it.
If equipped, remove the small bearing shield from the tensioner pulley and discard it.
Apply Mopar Lock and Seal, p/n 04318031, to the threads of the revised M10 bolt, p/n 04556218 and install it through the snow shield and tensioner pulley. Install the shield/pulley/bolt assembly to the arm of the tensioner, torque the bolt to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.), Figure 2.
Install the tensioner to the engine, torque the attaching nut to 61Nm (45 ft. lbs.).
Install the right side underbody splash shield.
Lower the vehicle.
Re-install the original serpentine belt or if it is damaged, install a new belt, p/n 05281275. To ease installation, put the belt over the alternator pulley last.
If previously removed, reinstall the original A/C belt and adjust the tension to 80 lbs. using Special Tool Kit C-4162