Where to Find Your Vehicle’s Drive Belt Routing Diagram

You can usually find the drive (serpentine) belt routing diagram on a decal under the hood, in the owner’s manual or factory service information, and on reputable online parts and repair databases; if the sticker is missing, parts stores and OEM websites can provide the exact diagram for your VIN and engine. This article explains the quickest places to look, the most reliable online sources, and practical steps if you can’t locate a sticker or manual.

Check the Vehicle Itself First

Automakers often place a belt routing decal in the engine bay so technicians can service belts without extra references. A quick visual sweep can save time and ensure you get the exact routing for your engine and accessory layout.

• Radiator support or fan shroud: Common location on many cars and trucks, visible when you open the hood.
• Underside of the hood: Check near the center or on the driver’s side.
• Strut tower or inner fender: Look along the driver-side apron or near the accessory drive.
• Near the belt tensioner or timing cover: Some manufacturers place a small schematic close to the pulleys.
• Older vehicles or repainted hoods: The sticker may be faded or missing—use the alternatives below.

If you find the decal, snap a photo before beginning work. The diagram typically shows grooved vs. smooth pulleys and the tensioner path, which is crucial for correct routing.

Use Official Documents and OEM Sources

When the under-hood label is gone or unclear, official documentation provides the most precise routing for your exact engine code and options.

• Owner’s manual: Many manuals include the belt routing or a reference to accessory drive diagrams.
• Factory service information: Every brand maintains a paid service portal with belt routing illustrations tied to VIN/engine code and options (A/C, power steering, turbo, etc.).
• Dealership service department: Can print the correct diagram for your VIN and note any service bulletin updates.
• Haynes/Chilton manuals: Available in print or online; public libraries often provide access to OEM or professional databases.

Factory sources are the gold standard because routing often changes across trims, years, or mid-cycle updates—especially when accessory packages differ.

Reliable Online Databases and Parts Sites

Several trusted platforms host belt routing diagrams and part lookups. These can be accessed at home or through a local parts store, often at no cost.

• AutoZone Repair Help and O’Reilly/Advance online guides: Free account-based access to many factory-style diagrams and procedures.
• Gates, Dayco, Continental (ContiTech): Enter your vehicle details to view belt numbers and routing schematics; parts counters can print these for you.
• ALLDATA DIY and Mitchell1 ProDemand: Subscription services with OEM-derived diagrams; many libraries offer free in-branch access.
• Model-specific forums and YouTube: Useful visuals, but verify against an OEM or parts-site diagram before installation.

When using third-party diagrams, confirm your exact engine size, induction (NA vs. turbo/supercharged), and accessory set (with/without A/C or power steering) to avoid misrouting.

If the Sticker Is Missing: What to Do

If you can’t find a diagram, these steps will help you document the current routing or reconstruct it accurately using official data.

1. Capture the current setup: Take clear photos from multiple angles; sketch a quick diagram showing ribbed vs. smooth pulleys before removing the old belt.
2. Confirm vehicle specifics: Note the VIN (8th character often indicates engine), model year, engine code, and options like A/C—these change the routing.
3. Use a verified source: Pull the diagram from an OEM portal, parts brand (Gates/Dayco/Continental), or a trusted repair database.
4. Match pulley types: Grooved belt ribs run on grooved pulleys; the back of the belt runs on smooth pulleys and the tensioner/idlers.
5. Check belt length: Cross-check part numbers; belts too long/short will force incorrect routing or slip.
6. Label pulleys: Mark alternator, power steering, A/C, water pump, crank, idlers, and tensioner to avoid mistakes during install.

These steps prevent guesswork and ensure the belt tracks correctly, reducing the risk of squeal, charging issues, or overheating.

Safe Installation Tips

Correct routing is only part of the job—proper installation protects components and ensures reliable operation.

• Use the proper tool on the tensioner: A serpentine-belt tool or long-handled wrench provides leverage without prying on components.
• Seat the belt fully in the pulley grooves: Mis-seated ribs can shred a new belt within minutes.
• Spin pulleys by hand: With the belt off, check for roughness or wobble; replace noisy idlers/tensioners.
• Rotate the engine by hand one revolution: Confirms alignment before startup (disable ignition if needed).
• Avoid contamination: Keep oil/coolant off the belt; clean pulleys to prevent squeal.
• Replace worn hardware: A weak tensioner or glazed idler will shorten belt life and cause noise.

Taking a few extra minutes during installation can prevent repeat failures and costly accessory damage.

Brand-to-Portal Guide (Search by Name)

If you prefer official diagrams, search for the brand’s service information portal by name; short-term subscriptions are usually available.

• Ford: Motorcraft Service
• GM: ACDelco Technical Delivery System (TDS)
• Toyota/Lexus: Techinfo (TIS)
• Honda/Acura: Service Express
• Nissan/Infiniti: Nissan/Infiniti TechInfo
• Subaru: Subaru Technical Information System (STIS)
• Stellantis (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram/Fiat): TechAuthority
• Volkswagen/Audi: erWin
• BMW: AOS (Aftersales Online System)
• Mercedes-Benz: STAR TekInfo
• Hyundai/Kia: Official technical information portals (search “Hyundai/Kia service information site”)

Use your VIN on these portals to ensure the diagram matches your exact build, including mid-year changes and accessory configurations.

Non-Automotive Equipment (Mowers, ATVs, Motorcycles)

For power equipment and powersports, belt routing diagrams are also common—but their locations differ from passenger vehicles.

• Owner’s manual or quick-start guide: Often includes deck or drive belt routing by model and deck size.
• Under the mower deck or footrest: Some manufacturers apply routing decals on the deck housing or frame.
• Manufacturer sites: Look up by model and serial number for correct belt paths and part numbers.
• Dealer parts counters: Can print exploded views with routing for your exact model.

Because accessory configurations vary widely, always match the diagram to your exact model, deck width, and revision code.

FAQs

Here are quick answers to common questions about belt diagrams.

• What if my vehicle has multiple possible routings? Use the VIN/engine code and options (A/C, turbo) to select the correct one.
• Can I rely on a random image search? Use it only to guide you—always verify with OEM or reputable parts databases.
• Do I need special tools? A serpentine belt tool makes tensioner access safer and easier in tight bays.
• Why did my new belt squeal? Misrouting, misaligned ribs, contaminated pulleys, or a weak tensioner are common causes.

If in doubt, consult an OEM diagram and inspect tensioner/idlers before running the engine.

Summary

The most direct places to find a drive belt routing diagram are the under-hood decal, your owner’s manual, OEM service portals, and reputable parts/repair databases like Gates, Dayco, AutoZone, or ALLDATA. If the sticker is missing, use your VIN and engine details to pull the exact diagram, photograph the existing routing before removal, and follow safe installation practices to ensure proper alignment and belt life.

Does the direction of the serpentine belt matter?

In conclusion, we can safely answer the title question with a confident “no, it doesn’t matter”.

Where is the belt routing diagram?

Q: I want to change the serpentine belt on my engine, but am a little wary that I will not remember how to route the new belt. Where can I find a belt routing diagram for my engine? A: Commonly a belt routing diagram sticker is on the underside of the hood or in the engine compartment.

Where can I find routing info for a drive belt?

Vehicle manufacturers produce serpentine belt diagrams that are designed to aid with this task. Some vehicles have the serpentine belt diagram located on a decal somewhere in the engine compartment. But if your car does not have a decal, you can easily look up the diagram in a repair manual or repair database.

Where would you most likely find the routing information if the engines drive belt is worn and loose?

To find the routing information required to install a new engine drive belt, you would most likely check the diagram sticker located under the hood of the vehicle. This sticker provides a visual representation of how the belt should be routed around various pulleys and components in the engine.