What is the easiest way to replace the serpenteen belt on a 2001 ford windstar?

For 2001 Ford Truck Windstar 3.8L SFI 6cyl

Fig. Accessory serpentine belt routing-3.8L engine (click for zoom)

Using a 15mm wrench attached to the drive belt tensioner pulley, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release the tension. Remove the drive belt from the pulley. When installing the new drive belt, ensure that the drive belt is routed correctly and note the position of the indicator mark on the tensioner.

Fig. Drive belt tensioner wear indicator marks

Hope helps (remember to rate thsi answer).

Hi, first you disconnect the battery. then you need to take the belt off by the back pulley. But you don't need to take it all the way off. Just so you get the alternator belt off. I just replaced the one on my 1997. Then you have three bolts, and one small nut to remove . Then put all back together the way you took them off.
Take care

Hi Water271,
I think you are looking for the location of the belt tensioner. Here are pictures of the routing and the tensioner position on both engines available on the Windstar.The top is for a 3.0L and the bottom is the 3.8L.If you need anything else,let me know. Thanks,Chuck

Best way is to take the whole door off its mounts. That way you'd have easy access to do whatever. Safety: that door is heavy, so you might need a friend's help.

how to replace a serpentine belt in a ford winstar

have your idle speed sensor cleaned,also checkd the air flow sensor located in the air cleaner housing,you best bet is to have it scanned for PCM soft codes(codes that wont turn on the check engine light on)

My sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I am personally going back to answer your unanswered questions.

I do not know if you still need this information, but I am going ahead and answering it anyway. You may want to Print the Diagrams for future use.

CLICK on the following LINK. It has the Belt Diagrams you will need.

The simple rule in removing the Belt: Rotate/Move the Tensioner Pulley away from the belt and towards the "open area" AND remove the belt off from one of the other more accessible Pulleys. They have serpentine belt remover bars/tools available at most auto parts stores and Harbor Freight.

If you would: Before Clicking: Let me know if this helped you, or if you have any additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!
Again my apologies...
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/2001/make/ford/model/windstar/2001_ford_windstar_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm

there is a diagram sticker under your hood...usually in front of the radiator or on the inside of the hood lid...there should also be a diagram in your owners manual

Silly question but did you replace the serpenteen belt.................

http://www.gates.com/common/part_locator/view_diagram.cfm?id=S7009