Drive Belt Auto-Tensioner Inspection

Special Tools Required 

Belt Tension Release Tool Snap-on TK9317*, commercially available

*: Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program 888-424-6857.

1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode, and make sure to turn the A/C switch OFF, then turn the ignition switch to LOCK(0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
2. Check that the position of the auto-tensioner indicator (A). Start the engine, then check the position again with the engine idling. If the position of the indicator moves or fluctuates a lot, replace the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT  ).
   Fig 1: Checking Position Of Auto-Tensioner Indicator

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. Check for abnormal noise from the tensioner pulley. If you hear any abnormal noise, replace the tensioner pulley (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT  ).
4. Remove the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT  ).
5. Move the auto-tensioner within its limit using the belt tension release tool (TK9317) in the direction shown in illustration. Check that the auto-tensioner moves smoothly and without any abnormal noise. If the tensioner does not move smoothly, or you hear abnormal noises, replace the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT  ).
   Fig 2: Moving Auto-Tensioner Within Its Limit Using Belt Tension Release Tool (TK9317)

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. Remove the auto-tensioner. (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT  )
7. Clamp the auto-tensioner (A) by using a 10 mm bolt (B), an 8 mm bolt (C), and a vise (D) as shown in illustration. Do not clamp the auto-tensioner itself.
   Fig 3: Clamping Auto-Tensioner Using 10 mm Bolt, 8 mm Bolt, And Vise

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Attach a torque wrench (A) to the pulley bolt. Measure the torque when the tensioner is turned counterclockwise. If the torque is less than the specified value, replace the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT  ).

   Auto-tensioner Spring Torque 77 N.m (7.9 kgf.m, 56 lbf.ft) 

   Fig 4: Measuring Auto-Tensioner Spring Torque

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Install the auto-tensioner in the reverse order of removal.