Where is the Serpentine Belt in a Car Located?

The exact location of the serpentine belt varies from vehicle to vehicle, however, you can typically expect to find it in front of the engine bay or towards its side. It can be found wound around numerous pulleys, powering parts of the engine such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It’s a good idea to consult your vehicle owner’s manual to learn the exact location of your serpentine belt.

Tips to Access the Serpentine Belt

It’s important to know how to remove and replace the serpentine belt properly because it’s a tricky component to deal with. Keep these tips in mind before attempting any repair work on this component.

• Don’t forget to disconnect your vehicle’s battery before accessing components found in or near the engine.
• Take care not to damage the plastic clips holding the engine cover in place. Always remove them slowly and carefully as you remove the engine cover.
• There is typically a serpentine belt routing diagram in the engine bay to show you how the belt needs to be routed. Pay careful attention to this diagram, especially when replacing the belt. You’ll need to match it perfectly.
• Don’t forget to relieve tension on the serpentine belt. You won’t be able to remove it safely otherwise.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find a belt routing diagram on the vehicle you’ll need to take a picture or find the right one online. Don’t try this without the right diagram, one way or another.

What Makes the Serpentine Belt So Important?

The serpentine belt is the component responsible for powering vital components of the engine. This includes the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and in some cases, the water pump.

If the serpentine belt fails, your vehicle will stop working entirely. You’ll lose power steering, and the lack of power delivered to the alternator means your vehicle won’t be able to charge the car battery. The engine becomes significantly more likely to overheat without a functional water pump. The broken belt might also damage other components in the engine. Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the condition of your vehicle’s serpentine belt.