The Chrysler Neon has a 2.4L engine equipped with an auto tensioner serpentine drive belt system. The tensioner is a spring loaded assembly that applies tension to the belt to hold it on the pulleys. The tensioner performs this task through the use of a spring loaded arm. As the tensioner ages, the spring slowly loses its ability to apply proper tension. Once the tensioner can no longer perform its job, you'll need to install a new one. Anyone with good auto repair skills can perform this repair.
Turn the steering wheel as far to the right as it will go. Place the wheel chocks against the front and rear tread of one of the back tires.
Lift the Chrysler's right-front corner into the air with the floor jack. Support the front corner on a jack stand.
Open the hood and support it with the Chrysler's hood prop rod. Examine the belt routing diagram on the fan shroud to locate the auto tensioner, which mounts on the left side of the engine's front cover.
Rotate the Chrysler's auto tensioner clockwise with the serpentine belt tool just far enough to allow you to slip the belt off the tensioner with your other hand. Slowly allow the tensioner to rotate back into position and then remove the tool.
Reach in through the right front wheel well and unbolt the auto tensioner from the engine cover using your socket set. Pull the auto tensioner out by hand and place the new one on the cover.
Thread the bolts through the new auto tensioner and into the engine cover by hand to avoid cross-threading them. Tighten the new auto-tensioner bolts with the socket set.
Rotate the new auto tensioner clockwise with the serpentine belt tool. Slip the belt onto the new tensioner's pulley with your free hand. Allow the auto tensioner to rotate back into position.
Remove the serpentine belt tool and close the hood. Lower the Chrysler off the jack stand with the floor jack. Move the wheel chocks away from the car.
