⚙️Serpentine Belt
Pontiac Firebird Serpentine Belt
Find serpentine belt routing diagrams, part numbers, and replacement instructions for your Pontiac Firebird. All years covered.
Quick Answer
The Pontiac Firebird serpentine belt routes around the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump. Belt length and routing vary by engine — see diagrams below.
1997-2002
1997-2002Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1991-1996
1991-1996Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1985-1990
1985-1990Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1979-1984
1979-1984Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1973-1978
1973-1978Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1967-1972
1967-1972Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I replace the serpentine belt on a Pontiac Firebird?
- Release tension on the automatic tensioner with a breaker bar, slide the old belt off, route the new belt per the diagram (usually on a sticker under the hood), and release the tensioner onto the new belt. The job takes 15-30 minutes.
- How do I know if my Pontiac Firebird serpentine belt needs replacing?
- Signs include squealing at startup, visible cracks or fraying on the belt, loss of power steering or A/C, and the battery light coming on. Most belts should be replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles.
- What happens if the serpentine belt breaks on my Pontiac Firebird?
- If the serpentine belt breaks, you lose power steering, alternator charging, A/C, and (on some engines) the water pump. Pull over immediately — driving without the water pump will cause overheating and engine damage.
- Where is the belt routing diagram on a Pontiac Firebird?
- Most Pontiac Firebird models have a belt routing diagram on a sticker under the hood, near the radiator support or on the inner fender. If it's missing, check the service manual or see the diagrams below.