GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.1L 🢒 Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis

Tools Required

J 23600-B Belt Tension Gauge

  1. Turn the engine ON.
  2. Run the engine, with no accessories on, until the engine is warmed up.
  3. Turn the engine OFF.
  4. Place the J 23600-B halfway between the generator and the power steering pump.

    5. Read the drive belt tension using the J 23600-B .

    Note the reading and remove the J 23600-B .

  5. Turn the engine ON.
  6. Run the engine, with no accessories on, and allow the system to stabilize for 15 seconds.
  7. Turn the engine OFF.
  8. Using a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar, apply clockwise force (tighten) to the drive belt tensioner pulley arm. Release the force, and immediately take a drive belt tension reading without disturbing drive belt tensioner position.
  9. Using the 3/8-inch drive breaker bar, apply a counterclockwise force to the drive belt tensioner pulley arm, and raise the drive belt tensioner pulley in order to eliminate all tension. Slowly lower the drive belt tensioner pulley to the drive belt, and take a drive belt tension reading without disturbing the drive belt tensioner position.
  10. Average the 3 readings. If the average of the 3 readings is not between 133-222 N (30-50 lb) and the drive belt is within the drive belt tensioner's operating range, replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement .