My GTP threw the belt when the water pump failed. I put the belt back
on and tried to drive to the next off-ramp... but it threw the belt off
again in about 10 seconds.


"Chevguy" <gro34wser@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:9OmdnQx7-9kQwnTVnZ2dnUVZ_u2dnZ2d@posted.sasktel...
>
> <jamalsbro@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1b785a43-d371-4dbc-a73f-dc38b138f4b8@h2g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings to all,
>>
>> I am a first time poster here. My wife has a 96 Grand Am, we have
>> had relatively few problems with it and it has been a great car for
>> us. Today was another story. While I was driving I stopped to make a
>> u turn, when I did the car stalled suddenly. I restarted it with no
>> problem, however the power steering was gone and there was a red
>> battery indicator on the dashboard that was on. Realizing there was a
>> problem I began driving to a spot where I could safely stop the car.
>> While I was driving, which was no more than half a mile and a few
>> minutes I noticed the temp gauge climbing dangerously high. I stopped,
>> turned the car off and got out to find there was coolant leaking from
>> where appeared to be the overflow. I also noticed that the belt that
>> passes through the alternator was seriously loose, as in I could
>> remove it was little effort if I needed to.
>>
>> That is where we stand.
>>
>> I know that it not alot of info, but any ideas?
>>
>> Thank you to any and all who can reply.
>>
>> Jamie
> If it happens suddenly and the belt is still in tact, one of two things
> can happen:
> 1 - Idler pulley spring breaks. Solution: Have idler and tensioner pulley
> replaced.
> 2 - Belt spun off a pulley, and is caused by either a damaged pulley or a
> stretched belt. Solution: Replace serpentine belt and inspect pulleys.
>
> Regardless of which above problem it is, take it to a shop. Changing the
> belt for this vehicle is not for the faint at heart.
>