2019 Jeep Cherokee Serpentine Belt: Routing, Length, & Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

For your 2019 Jeep Cherokee, serpentine belt specifications vary by engine. Most 2019 Cherokees come with either the 2.4L Tigershark I4 engine or the 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine. Ensure you identify your engine before purchasing parts.

For 2.4L Tigershark I4 Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 104.5 inches (2655mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: MOPAR 04892601AA (Verify with dealer)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K061045
  • Dayco 5061045
  • Continental Elite 4061045
• Auto-tensioner PN: MOPAR 04891734AB (Verify with dealer)
• Idler Pulley PN: MOPAR 04891735AA (Verify with dealer)

For 3.2L Pentastar V6 Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 106.3 inches (2700mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: MOPAR 04892953AA (Verify with dealer)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K061063
  • Dayco 5061063
  • Continental Elite 4061063
• Auto-tensioner PN: MOPAR 04891734AB (Verify with dealer)
• Idler Pulley PN: MOPAR 04891735AA (Verify with dealer)

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, it's crucial to take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation, especially since we can't provide a visual diagram here.

For 2.4L Tigershark I4 Engine:

The serpentine belt on the 2.4L engine typically follows this path:

1. Starting from the Crankshaft Pulley (bottom center, largest pulley, powers all accessories).
2. The belt then goes down and around the A/C Compressor Pulley (often located on the lower passenger side).
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt routes up to and over the smooth Idler Pulley (helps guide the belt).
4. After the idler, the belt continues over the Alternator Pulley (usually high on the passenger side, charges the battery).
5. Next, the belt goes to the Power Steering Pump Pulley (if equipped and not electric, often on the driver's side). Note: Many 2019 Cherokees use electric power steering, eliminating a belt-driven pump.
6. Then, it wraps around the Water Pump Pulley (typically near the top center or driver's side, circulates coolant).
7. Finally, the belt runs to the Automatic Tensioner Pulley (spring-loaded pulley that maintains belt tension), which then directs it back to the crankshaft pulley.

For 3.2L Pentastar V6 Engine:

The serpentine belt on the 3.2L engine generally follows this path:

1. Begin at the Crankshaft Pulley (bottom center, drives all accessories).
2. The belt wraps around the A/C Compressor Pulley (located on the lower passenger side).
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt typically goes up and over the Idler Pulley (guides the belt).
4. The belt then continues to the Alternator Pulley (high on the passenger side, generates electricity).
5. Next, it routes to the Power Steering Pump Pulley (if belt-driven, usually on the driver's side). Again, confirm if your specific model has a hydraulic power steering pump or an electric system.
6. It then goes to the Water Pump Pulley (often located on the driver's side or upper front of the engine).
7. The belt finishes its path by passing under the Automatic Tensioner Pulley (maintains proper belt tension), before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a manageable DIY job for those with some mechanical experience. You will typically need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8-inch drive breaker bar.

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 designed for a 3/8-inch drive tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square opening of the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner to relieve the belt tension. This usually involves pushing down or pulling up, depending on the engine.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (e.g., the alternator or idler pulley).
5. Inspect Pulleys: Once the belt is off, inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Spin each pulley by hand; they should turn smoothly and quietly. Replace any idler or tensioner pulleys that feel rough or noisy.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to the photograph you took earlier and route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley (or another easily accessible pulley) for last. Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all the grooves of every pulley.
7. Final Tensioning: Once the new belt is mostly routed, use your tool to relieve the tensioner again. Slip the belt over the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt remains properly seated.
8. Verify Routing: Once the tensioner is fully released, visually inspect the entire belt path to confirm it is correctly routed on all pulleys and seated in all grooves.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Allow it to run for a few minutes, then re-check the belt's position.

Replacement Interval

Most manufacturers recommend inspecting the serpentine belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or every 3-5 years, and replacing it as needed. However, it's common practice to replace the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear are observed. Aggressive driving, extreme temperatures, and dusty conditions can accelerate wear. It's good practice to inspect the belt regularly during oil changes.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Don't wait for a complete belt failure. Be aware of these common indicators:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common sign of a worn or improperly tensioned belt. It's often worse on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Missing Ribs: Visually inspect the belt. Longitudinal cracks, fraying edges, or chunking (missing pieces of the ribs) are clear signs it needs replacement. Shiny or glazed spots also indicate wear.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging: If the belt breaks, you will immediately lose power to all belt-driven accessories, including power steering (if hydraulic), the air conditioning system, and battery charging (alternator).
• Battery Warning Light: A lit battery light on your dashboard can indicate the alternator isn't charging, which could be due to a failing serpentine belt or tensioner.
• Wobbling or Misaligned Pulleys: A failing tensioner or idler pulley might wobble or make grinding/rumbling noises. You might also notice the belt not tracking straight on a pulley.
• Loose Belt: A loose belt, often caused by a failing tensioner, can slip and cause intermittent accessory operation or squealing.

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