If the belt is squealing or slipping, the problem is *not* usually a loose belt (because the tensioner takes care of that). The most likely culprits are:
* Worn belt: This is the most common reason. A cracked, frayed, or glazed belt needs replacement.
* Worn or damaged pulley: A pulley that's grooved, seized, or misaligned will cause slipping.
* Faulty tensioner: While rare, the tensioner itself could be malfunctioning and not providing enough tension. This usually involves a complete tensioner assembly replacement.
* Idler pulley issues: Similar to a damaged pulley, a worn or seized idler pulley can affect belt performance.
Therefore, if you have belt problems on your 1996 Ford Taurus, the solution is usually NOT adjusting the tension. Instead:
1. Inspect the belt: Look for cracks, fraying, glazing, or any other signs of wear. Replace it if necessary.
2. Inspect the pulleys: Look for damage, grooves, or anything unusual on all the pulleys the belt contacts.
3. Listen for pulley noises: If you hear any grinding, squeaking, or rumbling from the pulleys, they may need attention.
4. Check the tensioner: While you generally don't adjust it, a mechanic can determine if it's functioning properly.
If you're not comfortable performing these checks and replacements yourself, take your Taurus to a qualified mechanic. Attempting to adjust the belt tension on a system with an automatic tensioner can be dangerous and could damage the system further.
