How do you release the tension to change the drive belt?

I believe you are referring too the Accessory Drive Belt for the Alternator...See attached drawing



To Remove:

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the engine splash shield.
3. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to release the drive belt tension.
4. Remove the drive belt from the alternator.
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner.
6. Remove the drive belt from the accessory drive pulleys.

To install:

1. Install the drive belt to the accessory drive pulley.
2. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise.
3. Install the drive belt to the alternator.
4. Ensure the drive belt is properly aligned and seated into the grooves of the accessory drive pulleys.
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner
6. Install the engine splash shield.
7. Lower the vehicle....saailer

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_6df67de3b14de867

Should be a diagram on hood.or at radiator .

1. Drain the cooling system until the coolant is below the level of the water pump.
2. Loosen the water pump pulley bolts.
3. Rotate the drive belt tensioner to release the tension on the drive belt.
4. Remove the drive belt from the right idler pulley.
5. Carefully release the drive belt tensioner spring tension.
6. Remove the water pump pulley bolts.
7. Remove the water pump pulley.
8. Remove the water pump bolts.
9. Remove the water pump.
10. Remove the water pump gasket.
11. Clean the water pump mating surfaces.

To install:

Fig. Remove the mounting bolts (3) to remove the water pump (1) and gasket (2).

1. Install the water pump gasket (2).
2. Install the water pump (1).
3. Install the water pump bolts (3). Tighten the bolts to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
4. Install the water pump pulley. Loosely install the pulley bolts.
5. Insure the drive belt is properly centered on all the pulleys except the right idler puller.
6. Rotate the drive belt tensioner away from the drive belt.
7. Install the drive belt to the right idler pulley.
8. Release the tensioner allowing the drive belt tensioner to come in contact with the drive belt.
9. Inspect the drive belt to insure the belt is properly centered on all the pulleys.
10. Tighten the water pump pulley bolts. Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
11. Fill the cooling system.
12. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Note the drive belt routing, usually there is a sticker under the hood with the routing. using the right socket and a breaker bar, rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to relieve tension. remove belt and slowly release breaker bar tesnsion. for V8, Install on all pulleys except generator, loosen tension and install on generator. for 4.2L install belt over all pulleys except tensioner, relieve tension and install over tensioner, slowly release breaker bar tension.

2002 Honda Civic SI 2.0L MFI VTEC DOHC 4cyl

1. Place a long-handled, boxed-end wrench or a belt tension release tool (A) on the drive belt auto-tensioner from above the engine. Slowly turn the wrench in the direction shown to release the tension, then remove the drive belt.
   WARNING This is a hydraulic type auto-tensioner; you must turn the wrench slowly.
2. Install the new belt in the reverse order of removal.

Fig. Removing the serpentine belt-2006 Civic with 2.0L engine shown




Fig. Move the auto tensioner (A) to remove the serpentine belt (B)-S2000



Fig. Move the auto-tensioner (A) using the belt tension release tool to relieve tension from the drive belt (B), and remove the drive belt-Accord with 2.4L engine



Fig. Move the auto-tensioner (A) using the belt tension release tool to relieve tension from the drive belt (B), then remove the drive belt-Accord with 3.0L engine

I hope helps with this. Good luck.

serpentine belt tensioner tool is best because you have such a small amount of space between the tensioner and the vehicles body/frame.

Removal & Installation

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
   
2. Remove the engine splash shield.
   
3. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to release the drive belt tension.
   
4. Remove the drive belt from the alternator.
   
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner.
   
6. Remove the drive belt from the accessory drive pulleys.
   

To install:

1. Install the drive belt to the accessory drive pulley.
   
2. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise.
   
3. Install the drive belt to the alternator.
   
4. Ensure the drive belt is properly aligned and seated into the grooves of the accessory drive pulleys.
   
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner
   
6. Install the engine splash shield.
   
7. Lower the vehicle.
   

Accessory drive belt routing—1.5L engine


Accessory drive belt routing—2.0L engines


Accessory drive belt routing—2.4L engines


Accessory drive belt routing—2.5L and 2.7L engines


Accessory drive belt routing—3.0L and 3.5L engine

Removal & Installation

1. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the drive belt.
   
   WARNING Never suddenly let go of the tensioned idler pulley. The force of the spring pressure suddenly released may damage the idler pulley mechanism. Always release the spring pressure gradually.
   

Rotate the belt tensioner to relieve tension on the belt—4.6L engine shown, others similar

To install:

1. Route the belt over the pulleys making sure all the grooves in the pulleys and the belt line up correctly. Refer to the accessory belt routing section of this manual.
   
2. Rotate belt tensioner clockwise and slip drive belt over idler pulley on tensioner.
   

2003 Hyundai Tiburon 2.7L MFI DOHC 6cyl

Inspection
Inspect the drive belt for signs of glazing or cracking. A glazed belt will be perfectly smooth from slippage, while a good belt will have a slight texture of fabric visible. Cracks will usually start at the inner edge of the belt and run outward. All worn or damaged drive belts should be replaced immediately.
Removal & Installation

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the engine splash shield.
3. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to release the drive belt tension.
4. Remove the drive belt from the alternator.
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner.
6. Remove the drive belt from the accessory drive pulleys.

To install:

1. Install the drive belt to the accessory drive pulley.
2. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise.
3. Install the drive belt to the alternator.
4. Ensure the drive belt is properly aligned and seated into the grooves of the accessory drive pulleys.
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner
6. Install the engine splash shield.
7. Lower the vehicle.

Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-3.0L and 3.5L engine




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.5L and 2.7L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.4L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.0L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-1.5L engine




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-3.0L engine




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.5L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.4L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-1.8L and 2.0L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-1.5L engine




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.4L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-2.0L engines




Fig. Accessory drive belt routing-1.5L engine


I hope help you with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.

Call your local National Guard Armory, Fire Station, State College auto program or High School Auto Shop and ask if they have somebody that would come put it on for you. Ask you pastor who the "auto guy" in the church is, if you don't have a church call the biggest church closest to you and ask the receptionist if they have an "auto guy" that would help you. The local senior center or VFW hall have "auto guys" . If you were within 50 miles of 83501 I'd come do it for you.


Removal & Installation Raise and support the vehicle.

Remove the engine splash shield.
1. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to release the drive belt tension.
2. Remove the drive belt from the alternator.
3. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner.
4. Remove the drive belt from the accessory drive pulleys.

To install:

1. Install the drive belt to the accessory drive pulley.
2. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise.
3. Install the drive belt to the alternator.
4. Ensure the drive belt is properly aligned and seated into the grooves of the accessory drive pulleys.
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner
6. Install the engine splash shield.
7. Lower the vehicle.

It's O.K. to ask for some help.