Pontiac Repair: pontiac sunfire fanbelt, pontiac sunfire gt, twin cam engine

Question
I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L Twin Cam Engine
Driving it home the other day, it seemed to be losing power, my lights were starting to dim, the battery light came on and by the time I pulled into my garage, the engine died.  My battery was dead so I put it on the charger, standing there looking for what, I don't know I realized the fan belt had come off, it doesn't appear broken but I haven't tried to pull it out of there.  How long can I drive without the fan belt attached now that I charged up the battery and is it a difficult thing to reattach? do you think it would end up costing me more than this thing is worth?

Answer
Hi
There is USUSLLY a reason the belt comes off.... failed tensioner (COMMON on 2.4L), oil or coolant contaminated, age,  one of the drive components "locked" up..eg the Alternator, or Power steering pump.
I must also say, I have seen them just pop off also.
You SHOULD be able, with a fully charged battery and NO POWER ACCESSORIES on (radio, lights, wipers) go for between 10-20 mins DEPENDING on battery avalible reserve capacity.
I personally would not risk it, unless you have a service center like REALLY close in the neighborhood.
It can get pretty tricky to replace the belt, working in a very confined area.
I would REALLY recommend getting to a GOOD repair shop your familiar with or have had recommended. Have them check it all out.
Whatever is or was wrong, get it repaired.
All this I do not think could surpass costing more than worth...
I Hope this helps.
Follow post back, if needed.
Good Luck
Pawl