The Honda Odyssey uses a serpentine belt to turn the alternator, a/c compressor, power steering and water pump. A belt that is worn, stretched or shows damage can fail without notice, leaving you stranded. The engine may overheat, causing damage to the engine block and cylinder heads. A new belt is available from any auto parts store or through the dealer and you can change it at home in about 30 minutes.
Open the hood of your Honda and locate the negative battery cable on the battery. Loosen the clamp bolt on the battery cable end with a wrench and then remove the cable from the battery.
Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the front of the engine. On the Odyssey, the tensioner is located between the alternator, A/C compressor and crank pulleys. Place a socket and breaker bar on the bolt in the center of the tensioner.
Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to release the tension on the belt. Remove the belt from the pulleys and then rotate the tensioner back to the home position.
Install the new belt around all the pulleys except the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise with your breaker bar and socket again, and then slide the belt onto the tensioner pulley. Rotate the tensioner clockwise to tighten the belt. Remove the breaker bar and socket from the tensioner.
Install the negative battery cable to the negative battery post and tighten the retaining bolt with a wrench.
