Hello to all.
I recently purchased a 97 GEO Trackless (soon to become Trackmore) 2-dr soft-top 4x4 with 90k and in GREAT shape. The other day, at 91k, the check engine light came on, I'm assuming Timing belt service. Is there any info here that descibes the steps to replace it? Thanks!!!
Although it's a good idea to change the timing belt, I'd find out what OBDII code is causing the Check Engine Light to come on. The folks at your local AutoZone store can do that for free.
Changing a timing belt is pretty straighforward with the following important piece of advice:
1. DO NOT remove the bolt in the end of the crankshaft in order to remove the harmonic balancer! There are 5 small bolts that hold the harmonic balancer onto the crankshaft sprocket. Although they are somewhat difficult to get to (removing the fan shroud will give you more working space), If you break the cranckshaft bolt, you just bought yourself a Galaxy of trouble. Plus, removing the Crankshaft bolt isn't really going to help you get the timing belt cover off.
2. DO NOT rotate either the crank OR the camshaft pulleys during the installation of the belt. AFTER you have the belt installed with no slack on the right side, you can set the tension pulley and then turn the crank 720 degrees (2 revolutions) to make sure the tension pulley is set up correctly.
The Tracker/Sidekick Timing Belt replacement process is almost identical to that of the Samurai. There are several places on the Internet that have a downloadable copy of the Samurai FSM in PDF format. If you are using a dialup connection, you can get a Haynes or Chilton's manual at your local auto parts store to use as a guide -- assuming you follow the two points outlined above. A Chilton's Total Care Care CD - Import Trucks and SUVs is also a good (and inexpensive) source of service information.
Finally, check out my site (search
FSM) and to purchase your copy of the above-mentioned Chilton CD. The link is in my signature, below.
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