timeing chain tensioner 1999 2.4 quad 4

[mike7430]

how do you reset the timeing chain tensioner on a 1999 2.4 quad 4 grand am the tensioner wont pop out to tighten the timeing chain I am afraid if I put the engine togather like this the chain will jump time

[justin0717]

well...on my 96, i just went in there, pulled the tensioner out, and tapped it with a hammer slightly. But hit it like towards the edge where the ridges are. Watch out though b/c its spring loaded and it will fly right out. It took me a while but i eventually got it. Once you get it out, you will see the teeth that hold the rod part of the tensioner in place. push in on this and then shove something in the little hole on the side to hold them out away from the rod. then instal the tensioner, and pull whatever you put in there out, and the tensioner should pop to where its supposed to be. Thats how i did it anyways. Even though in the end i ended up putting a new tensioner in. But thats another story.