Can't get ac,power steering belt tensioner off 2003 neon.

Two separate belts. Power steering has it's own belt. Either belt broke or pump went bad. Has nothing to do with the AC system. Just bad luck.

If the belt came off/broken you will have no power steering. If the fluid is low/empty you will have no power steering.

You may do better to work on your own vehicles

Look for a worn crank damper pulley or & all
pulleys, that the belt your having trouble with
rides on.

No reason at all for a belt to break & not check
why, before installing a new one

What your looking for is alignment & good spring
on tensioner

Check to see if you enough Steering Fluid. If the fluid was recently flushed, make sure they put right kind of fluid. I once had my fluid replace and they topped it with the wrong spec fluid. Had to reflush and put the correct fluid. Belt will usually make noise, not cause the steering to stiffen up. Hope this helps, let us know if a better answer comes along.

The serpentine belt routing diagram for 2003 VW Passat V5 2.3 liter


CS = Crankshaft
F = Fan pulley
Gen = Alternator
G = Guide pulley
T = Tensioner pulley
AC = Air Conditioning
PAS = Power Assisted Steering

you need to replace the serpentine belt and perhaps the belt tensioner. When a heavy load is put on the belt, like turning on the AC, the drag may stop the belt from turning. This would stop the power steering pump from turning causing a hard steer condition. The belt is not gripping the pulleys tight enough. This is due to a worn out serpentine belt or worn out tensioner. If the AC works( cools the car) then replace the belt. If this does not cure the problem then replace the belt tensioner as well.

Likely just a belt replacement. Its fairly simple if u have experience. Get the proper diagnosis & repair from your mechanic. (no big deal $)

No, the timing belt connects the engine to the cam-shaft (these lift and lower the valves). This belt normally has teeth on one side and is covered so you don't see it. This belt also drives the water pump.

The power steering belt and tensioner are a different type of belt. I don't remember exactly but it is either a v-belt or a flat/ribbed belt. check closely, you need drive around the AC, power steering and alternator. there will be a tensioner and the engine too. Does all this get covered with just one belt (not counting the timing belt).

a loose belt will not cause the engine to shut off. a loose belt will squeel. it almost sounds like the AC compressor might of locked up and it causing your neon to shut off. if your neon doesnt have ac or the ac is working properly then its something else.

This procedure involves correcting the tension on the power steering accessory and A/C compressor drive belt.

1. Loosen the power steering pump locking bolts A and B and pivot bolt C(Illustration 1 and 2 ) to allow adjustment of belt tension.
2. Using a 1/2" breaker bar, adjust belt tension by applying torque to the square hole "D" on the power steering pivot bracket. Adjust the tension as follows:

Belt tension with no belt replacement: A. Using the Belt Tension Gauge Special Tool Kit C-4162, adjust the belt tension to 100 lb.
B. Tighten in order, first tighten the locking bolt A to 27 Nm (20 ft. Ibs) then, bolt B to27Nm (20 ft. Ibs). Finally tighten the pivot bolt C to 54 Nm (40 ft. Ibs).
Belt tension with belt replacement:
A. Using the Belt Tension Gauge Special Tool Kit C-4162, adjust the belt tension to 135 lb.
B. Tighten in order, first tighten the locking bolt A to 27 Nm (20 ft. Ibs) then, bolt B to 27Nm (20 ft. Ibs). Finally tighten the pivot bolt C to 54 Nm (40 ft. Ibs).
C. Start the engine and allow the vehicle to idle for 15 minutes to allow the belt to seat.
D. Repeat the belt tensioning procedure, set belt tension to 135 lb.

click here for picture 1
click here for picture 2