Where to Find the Serpentine Belt on a 2012 Honda Pilot

The serpentine belt on a 2012 Honda Pilot is mounted on the passenger-side of the engine bay, running along the outer side of the transverse V6 engine near the right fender. It loops around the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, crankshaft pulley, and idlers, and is most easily accessed through the right-front wheel well after removing the splash shield. Below is a detailed guide to locating and identifying it safely.

Orientation: How the Engine Sits in the Pilot

The 2012 Pilot uses a transverse-mounted 3.5L V6 (J35-series). “Front” of the engine refers to the belt-and-pulley side, which faces the passenger-side fender. Knowing this layout helps you find the belt quickly and choose the best vantage point to inspect or service it.

• Passenger-side fender: This is where you’ll see the belt and accessory pulleys.
• Top-front area near the passenger headlight: You can spot the alternator and belt runs from above.
• Right-front wheel well: Removing the wheel and plastic splash shield offers the clearest access to the belt and automatic tensioner.
• Underside access: Limited but sometimes useful to view the lower crankshaft and A/C pulleys.

Together, these reference points provide multiple ways to confirm you’re looking at the correct belt and components without guesswork.

Exact Location and What You’ll See

Standing at the front of the vehicle and looking toward the passenger-side fender, you’ll find a single, long, ribbed serpentine belt looping around several pulleys on the side of the engine. The spring-loaded belt tensioner sits roughly midway down the belt path beneath the alternator. Its arm or pulley is designed to pivot when you apply a wrench or serpentine-belt tool to relieve tension.

Best Viewing Angles

Depending on your tools and lighting, different approaches make the belt easier to see and reach.

• From above: Shine a flashlight down behind the passenger-side headlight to spot the alternator and upper belt runs.
• From the wheel well: Turn the steering wheel left, remove the right-front wheel, then pop out the clips for the inner splash shield; this gives the best access to the tensioner and lower pulleys.
• From below: Use ramps or jack stands to get a look at the crankshaft and A/C compressor pulleys near the bottom front of the engine.

Using one or more of these vantage points will help you fully trace the belt path and reach the tensioner safely.

Identifying the Belt Routing

Many vehicles, including the Pilot, typically have a belt-routing diagram on a decal under the hood (often on the radiator support or underside of the hood). If that sticker is missing, you can still identify the path by recognizing the accessory layout.

• Crankshaft pulley: The largest pulley at the bottom—this drives everything else.
• A/C compressor: Low on the front of the engine, connected by lines running toward the firewall and condenser.
• Alternator: High and forward, with a heavy-gauge positive cable attached.
• Power steering pump: Upper rear area on the belt side (2012 Pilot uses hydraulic power steering).
• Idler pulley and automatic tensioner: Smooth-faced pulleys that guide the belt and maintain tension.

Confirming the components in this order ensures you have the correct routing, especially helpful if you’re replacing the belt and need to reinstall it correctly.

Basic Inspection Steps (Engine Off)

Before touching the belt, make sure the engine is completely off and cool. Good lighting and a mirror can help you inspect every belt surface.

1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and switch off the engine.
2. From the passenger-side fender area or wheel well, locate the belt and trace its full loop.
3. Check the belt for cracks across the ribs, fraying at the edges, glazing (shiny surfaces), missing chunks, or contamination (oil/coolant).
4. Gently press on a long run of the belt; excessive slack can indicate a worn belt or weak tensioner.
5. Spin accessible idler pulleys by hand; roughness, wobble, or noise suggests bearing wear.

If you find significant cracks, glazing, or bearing noise, plan on replacing the belt and possibly the tensioner or idler pulleys to prevent failure.

When Space Is Tight: Access Tips

The Pilot’s transverse V6 can be snug on the belt side. These tips make the job easier and safer if you’re inspecting or replacing the belt.

• Remove the right-front wheel and the inner splash shield for clear access to the tensioner and lower pulleys.
• Use a low-profile serpentine belt tool or a long-handled box-end wrench to rotate the tensioner.
• Photograph the existing belt routing before removal in case the under-hood diagram is missing.
• Work with the engine cool to avoid burns and to keep rubber pliable for easier removal/installation.

Following these practices minimizes frustration and reduces the chance of misrouting the belt during reinstallation.

Safety and Replacement Notes

Never put fingers near the belt with the engine running. If you hear chirping or squealing after a new belt is installed, recheck the routing and inspect the tensioner and idler bearings. Always use the correct belt size for the 2012 Pilot’s 3.5L V6 and verify fitment if your vehicle has any aftermarket accessories.

Summary

The 2012 Honda Pilot’s serpentine belt is on the passenger-side of the engine bay, along the outer side of the transverse V6. It’s easiest to access via the right-front wheel well after removing the splash shield, where you can clearly see the belt, automatic tensioner, and lower pulleys. Use the under-hood routing diagram or the component guide above to identify each pulley and inspect or replace the belt safely.

Does a Honda Pilot have a serpentine belt?

You may also notice cracking in the belt. First start by Opening the hood the belt is located on the left side of the engine. Bay. Next is removing the engine cover this will help gain some.

How do I know my serpentine belt is bad?

You know your serpentine belt is bad if you hear squealing noises from the engine, see cracks or fraying on the belt, notice your power steering or air conditioning isn’t working, or see warning lights on the dashboard. A bad belt can also lead to an overheating engine, flickering lights, or a dead battery because it drives key engine components like the alternator and water pump.
 
Audible Signs

• Squealing or Chirping: A loud, high-pitched squeal or chirp, especially when starting the engine or accelerating, often means the belt is slipping. 
• Grinding or Clicking: If you hear grinding or clicking noises when you spin the pulleys during inspection, it could indicate a bad pulley or tensioner. 

Visual Signs

• Cracks: Look for deep cracks in the ribs or any straight-line cracks, which are serious signs of a failing belt. 
• Fraying or Splitting: The edges of the belt may be fraying, splitting, or coming apart. 
• Glazing: A shiny or smooth surface on the belt’s back or ribs shows excessive wear. 
• Wear on Edges: Wear around the edges can point to pulley misalignment or burrs on the pulleys. 
• Looseness: Excessive play or looseness in the belt indicates it may be stretched too much. 
• Contamination: Oil, coolant, or other fluids on the belt can cause it to degrade and slip. 

Performance & System Signs

• Dashboard Warning Lights: The Check Engine light or battery light may illuminate due to alternator malfunction. 
• Power Steering Failure: Loss of power steering assistance makes the steering wheel harder to turn. 
• Air Conditioning Issues: The AC may stop blowing cold air or stop working altogether. 
• Overheating Engine: If the belt drives the water pump, a failing belt can cause the engine to overheat. 
• Electrical Problems: Flickering headlights, dimming lights, or erratic electronic behavior can signal issues with the alternator’s charging. 
• Smell of Burnt Rubber: This can indicate the belt is overheating and slipping. 

What to Do

• Inspect the Belt: Carefully examine the belt for the signs listed above. 
• Check the Tensioner: Make sure the belt tensioner is functioning correctly. 
• Listen to Accessories: Turn on the AC and headlights at idle to see if they dim or strain. 
• Get a Professional Inspection: If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have a mechanic inspect your belt and the entire serpentine system. 

Where is my serpentine belt located?

The serpentine belt is typically located at the front or sides of the engine bay, wrapped around various pulleys that drive engine accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It’s a single, long belt that connects to the crankshaft pulley and snakes around these other components. 
This video demonstrates how to locate the serpentine belt and tensioner on a Chevy Traverse: 58sSSLFamilyDadYouTube · Nov 28, 2016
More details:

• Location: The serpentine belt is usually visible when you open the hood of your car, positioned at the front of the engine. 
• Function: It’s a crucial part of your vehicle’s system, driving essential components like the alternator (which charges the battery), the power steering pump (for easier steering), and the air conditioning compressor (for cooling). 
• Accessing the belt: To access the serpentine belt, you’ll need to open the hood of your car. 
• Belt routing: The specific path the serpentine belt takes can vary between vehicle models, so it’s a good idea to consult your owner’s manual or take a picture of the existing belt’s path before removal. 
• Tensioner: A belt tensioner is used to keep the belt tight. You’ll need to relieve the tension on the tensioner to remove or replace the belt. 

You can watch this video to see how to relieve tension on the belt tensioner: 54severythingdiyYouTube · Apr 30, 2015

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a 2012 Honda Pilot?

The average price for a 2012 Honda Pilot Serpentine and V Belt at Advance Auto Parts is around $57.97, with a range that starts at $36.49 and goes up to $113.99.