How do you change the belt on a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Answer 1

Use a 3/8 inch breaker bar to push the tensioner in a counter clockwise direction(toward the passenger cabin). The tensioner has a square opening for the bar to fit in. This loosens the belt for removal. You may find it easier to pull the coolant reserve tank (2 bolts on the top)and use a 15 mm socket & wrench on the pully bolt. This allows you to push down while leaning over the fender as opposed to pushing forward and up while leaning over the front of the car, and is real handy when you find that you don't have a breaker bar. Put the new belt on, making sure to follow the belt diagram under the hood or above the front grill. Put the belt over the tensioner last, then return the tensioner to the original position. Run the engine for a few seconds to make sure the belt is on ok. I also keep the old belt in the trunk of my Grand prix to use as a spare if the new one breaks while I'm on the road.