TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE CAUTION
Note. CAMSHAFT DRIVE BELTS OR TIMING BELTS - The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling". Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules shown in this section reflect these changes. Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist
- Crack Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
| Application | Engine | Replacement Interval (Miles) |
|---|
| Metro & Firefly (Canadian) |
| 1989-96 | 1.0L 3-Cyl | 60,000 |
| 1995-96 | 1.3L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| Metro (Canadian) & Firefly (Canadian) |
| 1992-94 | 1.3L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| Prizm |
| 1989-96 | 1.6L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| 1993-96 | 1.8L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| Spectrum |
| 1985-89 | (2) 1.5L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| Sprint (Canadian) |
| 1989-91 | 1.0L 3-Cyl | 60,000 |
| Storm |
| 1990-91 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. (DOHC) | 60,000 |
| " | (2) 1.6L 4-Cyl. (SOHC) | 60,000 |
| 1992-93 | (2) 1.6L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| " | 1.8L 4-Cyl | 60,000 |
| Tracker |
| 1989-95 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. (Calif.) | (3) 60,000 |
| " | 1.6L 4-Cyl. (Exc. Calif.) | (3) 60,000 |
| 1996 | 1.6L 4-Cyl | (3) 60,000 |
| (1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. (2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. (3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. |
| (1) | Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. |
| (2) | Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. |
| (3) | Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. |
TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (1)
