GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Firefly (Canada) 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 1.0L 🢒 Timing Belt Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the crankshaft pulley. Refer to Crankshaft Pulley Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  2. Remove the retaining clips and the engine wiring harness from the timing belt cover.
  3. Remove the coolant pump pulley.

    4. Object Number: 177850 Size: MH
  4. Remove the 8 bolts and the 1 nut that secure the timing belt cover.
  5. Remove the timing belt cover (1) from the vehicle.

    6. Object Number: 177851 Size: SH
  6. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the timing marks are aligned.

    7. Important: Before disassembly, align the timing marks on the camshaft gear (1,4) and on the crankshaft gear (2,3) by turning the crankshaft before removing the timing belt.


    Object Number: 177852 Size: SH

    Notice: After timing belt is removed, never turn camshaft and crankshaft independently. If turned, interference may occur among pistons and valves, and parts related to pistons and valves may be damaged.

  7. Loosen the tensioner bolt (6) and the stud (3).
  8. After completely pushing up the tensioner plate (1) by finger, remove the belt from the crankshaft timing gear and from the camshaft timing gear.
  9. Inspect the timing belt tensioner for smooth rotation. Replace the belt tensioner as necessary.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 177854 Size: SH
  1. Ensure that the plate (1) movement in the direction of the arrow causes the tensioner (3) to move in the same direction. If the tensioner does not move in the same direction, remove the tensioner and the tensioner plate, and reinsert the tensioner plate lug in the timing plate tensioner hole.

    2. Object Number: 639667 Size: SH
  2. Ensure that the timing mark on the camshaft timing gear is aligned with the V mark on the cylinder head cover.

    3. Object Number: 177858 Size: SH
  3. Ensure that the punch mark on the crankshaft timing gear (2) is aligned with the arrow mark on the oil pump case (1).

    4. Object Number: 177852 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Match the arrow mark on the timing belt with the rotating direction of the crankshaft, when installing the timing belt.
       • With the timing belt in this position, the number 1 piston is at the top dead center of the compression stroke.

  4. Push up the tensioner plate (1), and install the timing belt (2) on the two pulleys in order to remove slack from the drive side of the belt.
  5. Install the tensioner spring (5) and the spring damper (4). Tighten only the tensioner stud by hand.

    6. Object Number: 177859 Size: SH
  6. After you install the timing belt, turn the crankshaft one and a half rotations clockwise . This will take up slack in the timing belt.

    7. 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.

  7. Tighten the timing belt tensioner stud (1).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the timing belt tensioner stud to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  8. Install the timing belt tensioner bolt (2).

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the timing belt tensioner bolt to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 177851 Size: SH
  9. Turn the crankshaft a half rotation clockwise in order to confirm that the two sets of marks are aligned.
  10. Ensure that the camshaft marks (1,4) are aligned correctly.
  11. Confirm that the crankshaft marks (2,3) are aligned correctly.

    12. Object Number: 177850 Size: MH

    Important: Ensure that the seal is between the coolant pump and the oil pump case, before installing the timing belt cover.

  12. Install the timing belt cover (1). Secure the timing belt cover with the 8 bolts and with the 1 nut.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the timing belt cover nut and the bolts to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  13. Install the coolant pump pulley. Secure the coolant pump pulley with the four bolts.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the coolant pump pulley bolts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

  14. Install the crankshaft pulley. Refer to Crankshaft Pulley Replacement in Engine Mechanical.