The engine in a Ford Festiva uses a series of V-belts to turn each engine accessory. The advantage of this system is that when one belt fails, the remaining accessories can still function. The disadvantage is that there are multiple belts to maintain. In the case of the alternator belt, if it goes out for one reason or another, then you're left without electrical power for the vehicle and you won't be able to drive the Festiva until it's fixed. This should take about 30 minutes to do.
Pop the hood. Locate the bolts holding the alternator to the engine block. Loosen the bolts, using an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Use your hand to push the alternator towards the center of the engine bay until the belt gets loose. Pull the belt off the alternator pulley, then pull it off the central pulley and away from the vehicle.
Install the replacement belt on the central pulley and the alternator pulley. Pull the alternator away from the center of the engine and tighten the alternator mounting bolts, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench.
Push down in the center of the belt between the alternator pulley and the central pulley. If the belt deflects more than 1/2-inch, then pull loosen the mounting bolts again and pull the alternator further away from the center point to tighten the belt up further.
