2016 Ford Explorer Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

<H2>Quick answer</H2> <ul> <li>**Belt Length:** 80.5 inches (for 3.5L and 3.7L engines)</li> <li>**Rib Count:** 6-rib</li> <li>**OEM Belt PN:** <ul> <li>Ford (Motorcraft) JK6-805 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> </ul> </li> <li>**Aftermarket Cross-references:** <ul> <li>Gates K060805 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> <li>Dayco 5060805 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> <li>Continental Elite 4060805 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> </ul> </li> <li>**Auto-Tensioner PN:** <ul> <li>Ford (Motorcraft) BT-148 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> <li>Gates 38159 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> <li>Dayco 89270 (3.5L/3.7L)</li> </ul> </li> <li>**Idler Pulley PN:** <ul> <li>Ford (Motorcraft) YS-341 (smooth idler for 3.5L/3.7L)</li> <li>Gates 36173 (smooth idler for 3.5L/3.7L)</li> <li>Dayco 89007 (smooth idler for 3.5L/3.7L)</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <H2>Belt routing</H2>

Before you begin, it's highly recommended to take a clear photograph of the current serpentine belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

For the 2016 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L or 3.7L engine:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley, located at the bottom center of the engine. The belt will wrap around this pulley.
2. From the crankshaft, the belt goes up and to the left, wrapping around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt continues upwards to the smooth idler pulley.
4. After the idler pulley, the belt goes down to the left and wraps around the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, the belt then goes to the power steering pump pulley.
6. Next, the belt moves to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt routes to the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains the correct tension on the belt. The tensioner is usually the last point before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

<H2>How to replace the serpentine belt</H2>

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2016 Ford Explorer is a manageable job for the DIY mechanic. You will need a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8" drive breaker bar to release the tension on the automatic tensioner.

1. Locate the automatic tensioner: It will have a square slot for your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar.
2. Release tension: Insert your tool into the square opening of the tensioner and firmly rotate it counter-clockwise to release the tension on the belt. Hold it in this position.
3. Remove the old belt: While holding the tensioner open, carefully slip the belt off one of the pulleys, such as the alternator or power steering pump pulley. Once loose, you can remove the entire belt from the engine bay.
4. Inspect pulleys: Before installing the new belt, take this opportunity to inspect all the pulleys (alternator, power steering, A/C compressor, idler, water pump, and crankshaft) for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Also, ensure there's no oil or grease on the pulleys, which can cause belt slippage.
5. Route the new belt: Refer to your photograph or the "Belt Routing" section above. Carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the automatic tensioner pulley for last, or one of the easily accessible pulleys for the final step.
6. Tension the new belt: With the belt routed around all other pulleys, use your tool to again rotate the automatic tensioner counter-clockwise. Slip the new belt over the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt seats correctly in all the pulley grooves.
7. Double-check routing: Once the belt is installed, manually rotate the crankshaft pulley a few full turns by hand (if possible) to ensure the belt is properly seated in all grooves and that the routing is correct. Make sure no parts of the belt are twisted or off-track.

<H2>Replacement interval</H2>

Ford generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt on the 2016 Explorer every 15,000 miles or annually, and replacing it if any signs of wear, cracking, or fraying are present. While a specific replacement mileage isn't always given, many technicians suggest replacement around the 60,000 to 100,000-mile mark, or every 5-7 years, as preventative maintenance, regardless of visual condition. This is especially true if you live in extreme climates or put your vehicle through heavy use (towing, frequent short trips, etc.). Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date maintenance schedule.

<H2>Signs of a failing belt or tensioner</H2>

Timely identification of serpentine belt or tensioner issues can prevent more significant problems and breakdowns.

• Squealing or chirping noises: This is the most common sign of a worn or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley bearing. The noise might be more pronounced during cold starts, acceleration, or when the steering wheel is turned (power steering system)
• Cracks, fraying, or glazing on the belt: Visually inspect the belt's surface for these imperfections. Cracks on the ribbed side indicate wear, while a shiny or glazed appearance suggests slipping.
• Loss of power steering: If the belt driving the power steering pump is slipping or broken, you'll experience a sudden increase in steering effort.
• Overheating engine: A broken belt will stop the water pump from circulating coolant, leading to engine overheating.
• Battery warning light: If the alternator is not being driven by the serpentine belt, the battery will not charge, and the battery warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.
• A/C not working: If the belt to the A/C compressor fails, your air conditioning will stop blowing cold air.
• Wobbling or excessive vibration from the tensioner: A failing tensioner can cause the belt to vibrate excessively or appear to wobble as the engine runs. The tensioner arm may also not apply consistent tension, leading to belt slippage.
• Grinding or rumbling from pulleys: Worn pulley bearings (on the tensioner, idler, or accessory pulleys) can produce grinding or rumbling noises.

Note on engine variations: The information provided above is primarily for the 3.5L and 3.7L naturally aspirated engines commonly found in the 2016 Ford Explorer. Models equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost or 3.5L EcoBoost engines may have different belt lengths, routing diagrams, and part numbers. Always verify the correct parts for your specific engine.

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