The alternator belt on the Mitsubishi Lancer model cars is called a serpentine belt. The serpentine belt on the Lancer not only controls the alternator but it also controls the other engine accessories as well. The crankshaft turns this serpentine belt around each of the accessory pulleys so that each one can function. The serpentine belt is held onto the accessory pulleys by an adjustable tensioner. If the serpentine belt is damaged or starts to crack, it must be replaced or it can and will break.
Open the hood on the Mitsubishi Lancer and secure it in place.
Inspect the top of the fan shroud for the serpentine belt routing diagram. If the diagram is not posted on top of the fan shroud, look on the hood locking latch and on the underside of the hood.
Inspect the front of the engine and locate the tensioning component that keeps the serpentine belt tight. The tensioning component on the Mitsubishi Lancer is a pulley with an adjustable bolt in its end. Use the adjustable bolt to release the tension from the belt.
Loosen the locking bolt that is in the middle of the tensioning pulley with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a socket. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it.
Move the ratchet and socket to the side of the pulley where the adjustment bolt is and turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to release the tension off the serpentine belt. Once the belt is loose enough, slide the belt out from around the tensioning pulley.
Pull the belt off the remaining pulleys and out of the engine bay. Route the new belt around the crankshaft pulley.
Route the new belt around the remaining accessory pulleys by following the directions on the serpenting belt routing diagram. Leave the tensioning pulley for last.
Pull the new belt around the tensioning pulley. Turn the adjustment bolt on the side of the tensioner clockwise with the ratchet and socket to tighten the belt. To check the tension of the new belt, push down on the belt with your hand. A properly tensioned new serpentine belt will have no more than one-half inch of slack in it.
Tighten the locking bolt in the middle of the tensioning pulley with the ratchet and socket. Inspect the new belt to ensure that it is properly routed.
Crank the Mitsubishi Lancer and let the motor run for about one minute. Inspect the new belt while the motor is running to make sure that the belt does not come off the pulleys. Turn the engine off.
