Has anyone changed the serpentine belts? I have the A/C belt off, no problem, just remove the tire, plastic guard (Although plastic parts broke), loosen idler center bolt and then loosen take up bolt. The alternator and water pump belt is different. The plastic cover is off, cut the belt off, but cannot find a way to activate the tension idler. No square drive hole, or way to pry. Looking for a solution.

2012 Scion iQ
71,500 miles.

 

did you get it fixed?

 

We have two belts....and they are very hard to even see, much less work on. Last summer, while zipping down the interstate home from work, ALL of my warning lights came on and the A/C quit working....but the car still ran. I was only a short distance from the house so made it home. Brought it down the road to a mechanic the next morning and they said a thin metal cover over the belts must've came lose and shredded one of them so I had them replace both belts....they had to remove the right front tire to get in there. I didn't have them replace the stupid metal cover, they said it's fine without it. That's the only time my iQ has had any breakdown....she's getting ready to hit 90,000 miles so I'll be replacing the spark plugs soon....been watching some videos on all the stuff you have to remove to get to them but doesn't look too difficult.