1. Purchase the correct serpentine belt:
Obtain a serpentine belt that is compatible with your Oldsmobile Cutlass and does not include the air conditioning compressor. You can find the correct belt size in your vehicle's owner's manual or by consulting with a parts store.
2. Locate the serpentine belt routing diagram:
This diagram is usually found on a sticker in the engine compartment, often on the radiator support or under the hood. It shows how the serpentine belt is routed around the various pulleys in the engine.
3. Remove the old serpentine belt:
Using a wrench, loosen the tensioner pulley and remove the old serpentine belt. Take note of how the old belt is routed so that you can install the new one correctly.
4. Bypass the air conditioning compressor:
The air conditioning compressor is usually located on the front of the engine and it has a pulley that the serpentine belt runs around. To bypass the compressor, you will need to route the new serpentine belt around the other pulleys, avoiding the compressor pulley.
5. Install the new serpentine belt:
Follow the routing diagram to install the new serpentine belt around the pulleys, including the tensioner pulley. Make sure that the belt is properly seated in all the grooves on the pulleys.
6. Tension the serpentine belt:
Use the wrench to tighten the tensioner pulley until the serpentine belt is tight and there is no slack. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended tension specifications.
7. Double-check the routing:
Ensure that the new serpentine belt is correctly routed around all the pulleys, especially avoiding the air conditioning compressor pulley.
8. Test the belt:
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate an incorrect belt installation.
9. Recheck the tension:
After a few minutes of running, recheck the tension of the serpentine belt and adjust it if necessary.
By following these steps, you can safely bypass the air conditioning compressor with a serpentine belt meant for a vehicle without one on your 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass. This will allow you to continue using your vehicle without the air conditioning functionality until you can repair or replace the compressor. Remember that bypassing the air conditioning compressor may affect the overall cooling efficiency of your car, especially in hot weather conditions.
