Chrysler Repair: 97 cirrus serpentine belt: adjusting, crankshaft pulley, pulley bolt

Question
My belt is slipping so much its not allowing the alternator to charge enough that the battery light comes on. To tighten the tension on this do I need to remove the idler pulley or what are the steps to do this? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Lindsay,
I assume this is the 2.5L V-6 engine.
The adjustment is via a bolt on the side of the housing that contains the shaft of the idler pulley which is the pulley between the generator and the ac compressor pulleys. You may find it easier to do this process if you first jack up and remove the right front wheel. Then remove the screws and push-pins (gently pry-out the center of each pin) that hold in place the splash shield between the wheel well and the engine and remove the splash shield.
You first relax the tension on the idler pulley shaft bolt located at the middle of the idler pulley. Then go around to the side behind the pulley, toward the front of the car, where you will see a second bolt which when turned in either direction will loosen/tighten the tension of the belt. Make the adjustment.  Then retighten the pulley bolt proper when you believe the tension is adjusted about right (80 pounds as measured with a tension gauge or test for deflection of the belt by pressing on the belt midway between the generator and crankshaft pulley and measure the deflection of the belt as compared to a straight edge). It should deflect about 3/8 inch when you press on the belt with about 10 pounds of force.
Roland