2016 Jeep Cherokee Serpentine Belt Replacement Guide

This guide provides essential information for replacing the serpentine belt on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, covering routing, part numbers, replacement intervals, and signs of wear.

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine (see below)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PNs:
  • 2.4L Engine: 68146740AA (Mopar)
  • 3.2L Engine: 68250064AA (Mopar)
• Aftermarket Cross-References (2.4L Engine):
  • Gates: K060805
  • Dayco: 5060805
  • Continental Elite: 4060805
• Aftermarket Cross-References (3.2L Engine):
  • Gates: K060790
  • Dayco: 5060790
  • Continental Elite: 4060790
• Auto-Tensioner PN (2.4L Engine): 04892548AC (Mopar), Gates 38383, Dayco 89330, Continental Elite 49330
• Auto-Tensioner PN (3.2L Engine): 04892548AC (Mopar), Gates 38383, Dayco 89330, Continental Elite 49330
• Idler Pulley PN (2.4L & 3.2L Engine): 04892534AB (Mopar), Gates 36294, Dayco 89083, Continental Elite 49457

Belt Routing

Before you begin, always take a clear photograph of the existing belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

For 2.4L and 3.2L Engines:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley, located at the bottom center of the engine.
2. From the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically travels upwards to the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt may route to an idler pulley (depending on engine configuration).
4. Next, the belt wraps around the alternator pulley, usually located higher on the engine.
5. From the alternator, it often proceeds to the power steering pump pulley (if equipped and not electric).
6. Then, it may go to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt reaches the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains the correct tension on the belt.

Note: While the general path is consistent, minor variations can exist between engine sizes or specific accessory arrangements. Always refer to your photographic reference and the diagram often found under the hood.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing a serpentine belt on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee requires some basic tools and a careful approach:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening, typically 3/8" or 1/2", designed to accept a breaker bar or a serpentine belt tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8" square drive breaker bar into the tensioner pulley arm's square hole. Rotate the tensioner arm to release the belt tension. This usually involves pushing down or pulling up, depending on the tensioner's orientation.
4. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the released position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually the idler or a smooth pulley first).
5. Inspect: Examine all pulleys for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive play. Ensure they spin freely without noise. Also check the tensioner for proper spring action and smooth rotation.
6. Route the New Belt: Following your pre-removal photograph or the diagram under the hood, route the new belt around all pulleys, leaving one pulley (typically an easy-to-reach smooth pulley or the idler) for last.
7. Final Placement: Again, using your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar, relieve the tensioner and carefully slip the new belt over the final pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Once the belt is fully installed, slowly release the tensioner and visually confirm that the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test: Start the engine and visually inspect the belt for smooth operation, ensuring it doesn't wobble or make any unusual noises.

Replacement Interval

Serpentine belts on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are generally recommended for inspection at every oil change and replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or every 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first. However, driving conditions, extreme temperatures, and age can accelerate wear. It's always best to inspect your belt regularly for signs of wear.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to unexpected breakdowns as essential engine accessories will stop functioning. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common signs, especially on cold starts, when accelerating, or turning the steering wheel. It often indicates a loose, worn, or misaligned belt.
• Visible Cracks or Fraying: Turn off the engine and visually inspect the belt. Look for cracks, splits, fraying edges, missing ribs, glazing (a shiny, hardened appearance), or oil contamination.
• Accessory Malfunction: Since the serpentine belt drives accessories like the power steering pump, alternator, and A/C compressor, a failing belt can lead to:
  • Loss of power steering (difficulty steering)
  • Battery warning light on (alternator not charging)
  • Overheating (water pump not circulating coolant)
  • A/C not blowing cold
• Worn Tensioner: A faulty tensioner can cause the belt to slip, make noise, or even jump off the pulleys. Signs of a bad tensioner include:
  • Excessive belt vibration
  • A tensioner arm that doesn't move freely or is stuck
  • A tensioner pulley that wobbles or makes grinding noises
  • Belt appearing loose even after installation

Do not delay replacing a worn belt or a faulty tensioner to ensure the reliable operation of your vehicle's critical systems.

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