Drive belt tensioner out of range

[Brandon505]

In service information for my 04 honda accord dx, if the drive belt tensioner indicator is out of range it says to replace the drive belt, im assuming because the belt has stretched. But cant i just adjust the tensioner?

[hakachukai]

I know that this is an old post, but for the sake of information...

No. You can't just adjust the belt tensioner. Modern belt tensioners are spring loaded and non-adjustable. Some even have grenade pins that you pull to release the tensioner once the belt is installed.

If the indicator is out on the low side:

#1. The belt is stretched or defective
#2. It's the wrong belt ( too large )
#3. Maybe one of the pulleys in the system is the wrong pulley, or another component is loose ( causing it to allow slack in the belt )

If the indicator is out on the high side:

#1. The belt is too small ( wrong belt )
#2. Wrong pulley size somewhere in the system
#3. Something is that belt system is improperly installed

To tell if the indicator is out on the high side or the low side, push on the belt with your hand or a NON-sharpened tool to tighten the belt.

If pushing on the belt makes the indicator worse, then your belt is too tight.
If pushing on the belt makes the indicator better, then your belt is too loose.