Chrysler Repair: drive belt tensioner pulley release: 3.3/3.8L minivan, drive belt tensioner, crank pulley

Question
i need to know how to loosen the idler pulley on a 2005 grand caravan 3.8 liter in order to change the alternator and any other info that might be helpful

Answer
Hi Pete,
I am working from the '02 manual but I suspect it applies to your '05. After lifting the van and removing the shield for the belts, look at the tensioner and notice a tab on the side (what the manual calls a 'lug' that sticks out from the side. If you put a wrench on the lug and rotate the lug counter clockwise it released the tension and remove the belt then return the lug to its relaxed position. To install the belt, thread it around all the pulleys except the crank, then rotate the tab again and while holding in the released position put the belt on the crank pulley and slowly release the tab.