Chrysler made the 2000 Dodge Neon available with various powertrain packages. No matter which powertrain your Neon is equipped with, the car relies on a serpentine drive belt to power the various engine accessories. The serpentine belt winds around the crankshaft pulley and then outward to the power steering, alternator, water pump, idler and serpentine belt tensioner pulleys. As the belt move across the crankshaft pulley, it turns the other pulleys in succession. If your Neon's belt is cracking, fraying or glazed and you possess basic auto repair skills, replace it yourself and save on the labor costs.
Open the Neon's hood and support it with the hood prop rod, located on the top of the fender.
Locate the serpentine belt routing decal, adhered to the fan shroud. This will illustrate the belt routing and location of each pulley, including the tensioner.
Plug the end of the serpentine belt tensioner tool into the tensioner body. You can purchase a serpentine belt tensioner tool at most auto parts stores or professional tool vendors.
Pull the tensioner off the belt, using the tool. Push the belt to the side and slowly allow the tensioner to return to its standard position. Make sure the belt is no longer in contact with the tensioner pulley when done.
Pull the belt off the accessory pulleys, one at a time, saving the crankshaft pulley for last. You may need to go through the passenger front wheel well to access the crankshaft pulley, depending on your physical size and dexterity.
Measure the new belt against the old belt to make sure the new belt is properly sized. Belts can stretch up to ¾-inch during their service life, but any greater variation in length means you have the wrong replacement belt. If your new belt is the wrong size, take it and the old belt to your place of purchase to size up the proper replacement belt.
Wrap the new belt around the bottom of the crankshaft pulley as shown on the belt routing diagram. Route the belt around each accessory pulley, referring to the routing diagram at each stage until only the tensioner pulley remains.
Pull the tensioner aside once more with the serpentine belt tensioner tool. Move the belt onto the tensioner pulley with your other hand and then relax the tensioner back into position. Remove the tool and close the hood.
