GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Aids

If the drive belt repeatedly falls off the drive belt pulleys, this is because of pulley misalignment.

An extra load that is quickly applied on released by an accessory drive component may cause the drive belt to fall off the pulleys. Verify the accessory drive components operate properly.

If the drive belt is the incorrect length, the drive belt tensioner may not keep the proper tension on the drive belt.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This inspection is to verify the condition of the drive belt. Damage may of occurred to the drive belt when the drive belt fell off. The drive belt may of been damaged, which caused the drive belt to fall off. Inspect the belt for cuts, tears, sections of ribs missing, or damaged belt plys.

  2. Misalignment of the pulleys may be caused from improper mounting of the accessory drive component, incorrect installation of the accessory drive component pulley, or the pulley bent inward or outward from a previous repair. Test for a misalign pulley using a straight edge in the pulley grooves across 2 or 3 pulleys. If a misalign pulley is found refer to that accessory drive component for the proper installation procedure of that pulley.

  3. Inspecting the pulleys for being bent should include inspecting for a dent or other damage to the pulleys that would prevent the drive belt from not seating properly in all of the pulley grooves or on the smooth surface of a pulley when the back side of the belt is used to drive the pulley.

  4. Accessory drive component brackets that are bent or cracked will let the drive belt fall off.

  5. Inspecting of the fasteners can eliminate the possibility that a wrong bolt, nut , spacer, or washer was installed. Missing. loose, or the wrong fasteners may cause pulley misalignment from the bracket moving under load. Over tightening of the fasteners may cause misalignment of the accessory component bracket.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Notice: Do not use belt dressing on the drive belt. Belt dressing causes the breakdown of the composition of the drive belt. Failure to follow this recommendation will damage the drive belt.

DEFINITION: The drive belt falls off the pulleys or may not ride correctly on the pulleys.

1

Did you review the Drive Belt Symptom operation and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

2

Inspect for a damaged drive belt.

Did you find the condition?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Install a new drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .

Does the drive belt continue to fall off?

Go to Step 4

System OK

4

Inspect for misalignment of the pulleys.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for a bent or dented pulley.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for a bent or a cracked bracket.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for improper, loose or missing fasteners.

Did you find loose or missing fasteners?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  1. Tighten any loose fasteners.
  2. Replace improper or missing fasteners. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Does the drive belt continue to fall off?

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Test the drive belt tensioner for operating correctly. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis .

Does the drive belt tensioner operate correctly?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement .

Does the drive belt continue to fall off?

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Inspect for failed drive belt idler and drive belt tensioner pulley bearings.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Diagnostic Aids

12

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2