Jeep Wrangler: VEHICLE MAINTENANCE / Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
WARNING!
- Do not attempt to inspect an accessory
drive belt with vehicle running.
- When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time regardless of ignition mode. You could
be injured by the moving fan blades.
- You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service
work for which you have the knowledge and
the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small
cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt, from rib to rib, are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace a belt.
However, cracks running along a rib (not across)
are not normal. Any belt with cracks running
along a rib must be replaced. Also have the belt
replaced if it has excessive wear, frayed cords,
or severe glazing.

Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)
Conditions that would require replacement:
- Rib chunking (one or more ribs has separated
from belt body)
- Rib or belt wear
- Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between
two ribs)
- Belt slips
- “Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain
correct position on pulley)
- Belt broken
- Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or
rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in
operation)
NOTE:
Identify and correct problem before new belt is
installed.
Some conditions can be caused by a faulty
component such as a belt pulley. Belt pulleys
should be carefully inspected for damage and
proper alignment.
Belt replacement on some models requires the
use of special tools, we recommend having your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sometimes known
simply by the name of its active component,
UREA—is a key component of Selective Catalytic
Reduction (SCR) systems, which help diesel
vehicles meet stringent emission regulations...
For best possible performance, your air
conditioner should be checked and serviced by
an authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test...
Other information:
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security
system:
Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is placed
in the OFF position.
Perform one of the following methods to
lock the vehicle:
Push lock on the interior power door lock
switch with the driver and/or passenger
door open...
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment.
This is normally a result of moisture from
rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on
the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze)
to enter the radiator...