I am new to working on cars, I can use any help that I can possibly get. I am lost here...my serpentine belt broke a few days ago and I just figured out that it was the tensioner pulley. I had to go and buy the whole part instead of just the pulley, and now the new tensioner is a bit different. This new one has a PIN lock in it and I have NO idea what to do with it. I have questions like..what sort of tool do I use to move it if I need to move it at all? Also, I installed the tensioner part and I couldn't find how to lift it up in order to move it to make way for my new serpentine belt. What am I missing here...please help. Any help would be great, I need to make it back home to another state and I cannot afford to pay for a mechanic so I am extremely grateful for any info I get.

Hi, Shug, welcome aboard.

The pin is just to hold it in place while you install it. Once installed, put a wrench on the hex-casting part and press down enough to release pressure on the pin. Then remove the pin -- carefully -- and then carefully relax pressure on the wrench while being sure the belt is on and aligned. The spring in the tensioner will do its job and take up the slack.

Don't feel bad about having to replace the whole thing. The old design like you had was known for occasionally blowing up without warning, sometimes causing collateral damage (blown radiator, torn up hoses and wiring, etc.).

Good luck.