The serpentine belt tensioner for the 1997 3.8 Caravan can be found on the passenger side of the engine, towards the front. The tensioner is responsible for keeping the serpentine belt tight and in place, and it is an important component of the engine's operation. To access the tensioner, you will need to remove the engine cover and the air filter housing. Once these items are removed, you will be able to see the tensioner. It is a black or silver-colored part with a spring-loaded arm. To release the tension on the belt, you will need to use a wrench to turn the tensioner arm clockwise. Once the tension is released, you can remove the serpentine belt.
Here are the steps on how to replace the serpentine belt tensioner on a 1997 3.8 Caravan:
1. Remove the engine cover and air filter housing.
- To remove the engine cover, use a screwdriver to remove the plastic clips that hold it in place.
- To remove the air filter housing, loosen the hose clamp that holds the air filter in place and remove the air filter.
2. Locate the tensioner.
- The tensioner is located on the passenger side of the engine, towards the front.
3. Release the tension on the belt.
- Use a wrench to turn the tensioner arm clockwise until the tension on the belt is released.
4. Remove the old serpentine belt.
- Once the tension is released, you can remove the serpentine belt.
5. Install the new serpentine belt.
- To install the new belt, start by routing it around the pulleys and over the tensioner arm.
- Once the belt is in place, use the wrench to turn the tensioner arm clockwise to apply tension.
- Double-check that the belt is tight.
6. Reinstall the air filter housing and engine cover.
- Reverse the steps you took to remove the air filter housing and engine cover.
_Note: If you are uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, you can take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic to have the work done._
