2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine option
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN (3.6L V6): 53013725AA
• Aftermarket Cross-Reference (3.6L V6):
  • Gates K060965
  • Dayco 5060965
  • Continental Elite 4060965
• OEM Belt PN (5.7L V8): 53013915AB
• Aftermarket Cross-Reference (5.7L V8):
  • Gates K060950
  • Dayco 5060950
  • Continental Elite 4060950
• Auto-Tensioner PN (3.6L V6): 53013726AA
• Auto-Tensioner PN (5.7L V8): 53013916AB
• Idler Pulley PN (3.6L V6 & 5.7L V8): 53032899AB

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, take a clear photo of the current serpentine belt routing! This will be your best guide during reinstallation. The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee serpentine belt powers various accessories like the air conditioning compressor, alternator, power steering pump, and water pump.

The routing path can vary slightly depending on your engine (3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8), but the general process is similar. Always refer to the diagram—or your photograph—before and during installation.

General Routing (always confirm with your specific engine diagram/photo):

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley at the bottom front of the engine.
2. From the crankshaft, the belt typically routes under the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it will often go over an idler pulley.
4. Next, the belt wraps around the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it may route to the power steering pump pulley.
6. The belt then goes to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, it completes its path by routing around the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains proper belt tension.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a relatively straightforward job for the DIY mechanic. You'll need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" drive breaker bar.

1. Locate the Automatic Tensioner: It will have a square opening for your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar.
2. Relieve Tension: Insert your tool into the square opening on the tensioner and rotate it clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on the engine design) to release tension on the belt. This will allow you to remove the belt from the pulleys.
3. Remove the Old Belt: Carefully slide the old belt off all the pulleys.
4. Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, inspect all pulleys (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering, idlers, tensioner, water pump, crankshaft) for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive noise when spun by hand. Replace any faulty pulleys.
5. Route the New Belt: Following your previously taken photograph or a diagram, carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last. Make sure the ribs of the belt sit correctly in the grooves of each pulley.
6. Apply Tension: Once the belt is mostly routed, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to again relieve tension on the tensioner. Slide the new belt over the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the tensioner to allow it to apply proper tension to the new belt.
7. Double-Check: Visually inspect to ensure the belt is properly seated on all pulleys and that there are no twists or misalignments.
8. Start Engine: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Let it run for a minute or two, then shut it off and re-check the belt routing and tension.

Replacement Interval

The serpentine belt on your 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee typically lasts between 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first. However, it's good practice to inspect the belt annually or at every oil change for signs of wear, cracking, or fraying. If you live in extreme climates or regularly tow, you may need to replace it sooner.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a roadside breakdown as vital accessories cease to function. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators of a worn or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Visually inspect the belt for these signs of wear. A glazed belt appears shiny on the ribbed side.
• Loss of Power Steering: If your power steering suddenly becomes difficult, the belt may have slipped or broken.
• Overheating Engine: A broken belt means the water pump isn't circulating coolant, leading to engine overheating.
• Battery Light On/Dead Battery: Without the alternator charging the battery, your battery will eventually die.
• A/C Not Working: The A/C compressor relies on the serpentine belt to operate.
• Visible Belt Tracking Issues: The belt appears to be walking off a pulley or is not seated correctly.
• Tensioner Play or Noise: If the automatic tensioner appears to be wobbling excessively, is noisy, or isn't applying adequate tension, it needs to be replaced.

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