A drive belt or serpentine belt is important in every vehicle. The Dodge Intrepid has two separate belts instead of one dedicated serpentine belt. One runs the alternator and power steering pump and the other runs the air conditioner compressor if applicable. The 2.7L engine has two multi-ribbed belts, where the 3.2L and 3.5L models have one ribbed belt and one V-belt.
Identify which belts need to be replaced. If you are replacing the air conditioner belt, you may need to remove the alternator belt because of the way the belts are shared on the crankshaft pulley. As a result, some mechanics recommend replacing both belts together.
Loosen the lock bolt for the belt you are replacing using owner's documentation. The lock bolt will be near the belt tensioner component.
Turn the adjustment bolt to change tension on the belt. When the belt is loose enough, slip it off.
Use your memory or a belt routing diagram to install the new belt on all pulleys.
Adjust the adjustment bolt to replace tension on the belt. Tighten the lock bolt.
Make sure the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys and that the ribs fit into grooves on the pulleys.
Run the engine and check for any flapping or looseness that could indicate incorrect installation.
