Michael Benno

Can someone please help me understand how the belt warning system is used or defeated with the use of the PK-tensioner?

Today, my belt tension warning lamp came on in my 88s4 and stayed on after run up to 6K rpm. I shut of the car and inspected and found nothing. I restarted and warning light was off. The PK tensioner was installed 2-years ago with the TB/WP job by a local dealer. I seem to remember reading about how this system is bypassed with the use of the PK tensioner, however, there is no mention is the current version of the installation instructions.

I am thinking this is an issue with a loose wire, or something in the respective harness. I am also noticing my cooling fans don't seem to be going on (Temp II sender) although I am not sure if it was warm enough. I may have broken the wires in the harness with all my fussing with that area for AC work and plug wire routing. I know how to test the cooling fans but not the belt tension system.

Thanks in advance
Mike Benno

Michael Benno

I found this image on the PK website. Looks like the warning system is a ground interrupt fault. So if the ground it broken the warning light goes off. With the use of the PK tensioner, the warning system is always grounded and thus defeated. Can anyone confirm?


Assuming this is the case, then a disrupted connection would be causing the warning light to go off

bureau13

When you install the PKT the tension warning circuit is simply grounded. If you saw the light, then it must have become ungrounded, at least momentarily. Note that, grounded or not, it won't come on immediately when you start the car. There was always a built-in delay before the lamp would be lit.

PorKen

Ground is via a L-terminal on the water pump. There may be a loose connection somewhere.



Forgot to include the ground instructions in the PKT-S manual. Will update.