OEM 2003 Dodge Dakota Belt Tensioner

2003 Dodge Dakota Belt Tensioner Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service a Belt Tensioner on 2003 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Before handling the drive belt tensioner, first take out the accessory drive belt. Simply unplug the wires and cable from the ignition coil, then unmount the coil from its bracket using the bolts and leaving the bracket attached to the cylinder head. After that, loosen and remove the nut that holds the tensioner assembly to the bracket and unbolt the pulley from the tensioner. First, install the pulley and fasten it using the pulley bolt tightened to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Put the tensioner assembly on the bracket, so the indexing tab lines up with the bracket's marked slot and use torque of about 67 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) to tighten the nut tightly. Secure all wiring to the ignition coil and tighten the bolt bolts to the case so you do not damage the coil while keeping it fitted beneath the case. Fit the coil onto the coil bracket and tighten the bolts to 11 Nm (100 inch lbs.) using nuts and bolts or only to 5 Nm (50 inch lbs.) if tap screws have been used. After that, put the drive belt back and make sure the indexing marks on the belt are matching those on the pulley.