Safety First:
* Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting any work on the vehicle's electrical system. This prevents accidental shorts and injury.
* Wear safety glasses. Broken belts can snap with considerable force.
* Use the correct tools. Don't improvise; you could damage the engine or injure yourself.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Socket wrench and ratchet: The size will depend on the tensioner pulley bolt. A 13mm or 15mm socket is common.
* Wrench (possibly): Some tensioners require a wrench to hold the tensioner in place while you loosen the bolt.
* Gloves (optional but recommended): To keep your hands clean.
Procedure (General Steps):
1. Locate the serpentine belt tensioner: This is usually a pulley-mounted device that allows you to relieve tension on the belt. It's typically near one end of the serpentine belt. Consult a repair manual or online diagrams specific to your 1994 Chrysler New Yorker's engine for precise location.
2. Identify the tensioner's access point: There might be a bolt (usually on the side facing the engine) that needs to be loosened to release the tensioner. Some tensioners use a lever-type arm or other mechanism.
3. Loosen the tensioner: Use the appropriate socket wrench and ratchet to loosen the tensioner bolt. This will allow you to move the tensioner pulley, releasing the tension on the belt. You may need to use a wrench to hold the tensioner in place while loosening the bolt. This prevents it from spinning freely. Consult your repair manual for specific instructions.
4. Remove the serpentine belt: Once the tension is released, carefully lift the belt off the pulleys. Start by lifting it off the crankshaft pulley.
5. Re-installation (when needed): To reinstall, route the belt back over all the pulleys in the correct order (check a diagram for correct routing). Apply tension to the belt as you slide it onto the last pulley. Tighten the tensioner bolt and confirm the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1994 Chrysler New Yorker is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions, ensuring you avoid damaging anything. You can find these online or at auto parts stores.
* Engine Type: The 3.3L and 3.5L V6 engines in this model year may have slightly different tensioner mechanisms. The manual is crucial for correct identification.
* Diagram: Find a diagram showing the correct routing of the serpentine belt. Incorrect routing can lead to premature wear or damage.
If you're not comfortable performing this task yourself, it's always best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly removing or installing the serpentine belt can cause damage to your engine.
