Ford Taurus Accessory Drive Belt: A Guide for 2013-2019 Models
Hearing a squeal or chirp from your engine? Your accessory drive belt may be telling you it's time for a replacement.
- Symptoms include squealing noises, visible cracks on the belt, and dimming lights or a battery warning light.
- On the 3.5L V6, a broken belt will NOT cause overheating but WILL cause a loss of power steering and battery charging.
- High-quality aftermarket brands like Bando, Mitsuboshi, and ACDelco offer reliable, cost-effective alternatives to OEM.
- Always inspect the belt tensioner when replacing the belt; replace it if it's noisy, wobbly, or has high mileage.
Is Your Taurus Belt Failing? Signs to Look For
An accessory drive belt is a wear item, typically lasting between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. When it starts to fail, it gives clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to the belt breaking, which will shut down your power steering and alternator, leaving you stranded. Look for these common symptoms:
- Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most frequent sign. A high-pitched squeal, especially on a cold start or when you turn on the A/C, usually means the belt is old, worn, and slipping on the pulleys.
- Visible Wear and Damage: Pop the hood and inspect the belt. If you see cracks, frayed edges, missing chunks of the ribs, or a shiny, glazed surface, the belt's material is degraded and it needs to be replaced.
- Accessory or Electrical Problems: If the belt is slipping, it can't properly power the accessories. You might notice the power steering feels heavy, the A/C isn't blowing cold, or your headlights dim at idle. A battery warning light on your dashboard is a serious sign that the alternator is no longer being turned effectively.
A Note on Recalls and TSBs
There are no active recalls or widespread Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Ford for the main accessory drive belt on the 2013-2019 Ford Taurus. You may find information online about recalls for an oil pump drive belt on other Ford models with smaller engines, but this is a different part and does not apply to your Taurus's main serpentine belt.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Belt for Your Taurus
You don't need to buy a dealership part to get reliable performance. For a part like a drive belt, high-quality aftermarket brands offer the same, if not better, performance as the original equipment (OE) part, often for less money. Here’s a look at the brands available:
Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent Quality
- Bando & Mitsuboshi: Both Bando and Mitsuboshi are well-known Japanese manufacturers that are the original equipment suppliers for many automakers, particularly for Asian brands. They are highly regarded for their quality and durability and are an excellent choice for your Taurus. Many mechanics consider them a top-tier option.
Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket
- ACDelco: As the official parts brand for General Motors, ACDelco has a long-standing reputation for quality. While not an OE supplier for Ford, their belts are a reliable and widely available aftermarket option that meets or exceeds factory specifications. They offer different lines (Professional, Gold) that provide solid performance.
Pro Tip: Inspect the Tensioner and Pulleys
The belt works as part of a system. When you replace the belt, it's critical to check the belt tensioner and any idler pulleys. Spin the pulleys by hand (with the engine off!). If they feel gritty, make a grinding noise, or wobble, they should be replaced at the same time as the belt. A weak tensioner is a common cause of belt noise and premature failure.
Cost to Replace a 2013-2019 Ford Taurus Accessory Drive Belt
The cost is relatively low, especially if you do the work yourself. The job is considered DIY-feasible for someone with basic tools. A shop will typically charge for about one hour of labor.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Belt | $16 - $45 |
| New OEM Ford Belt | $25 - $60 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $150 |
| Total (Shop Repair) | $125 - $210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my Taurus if the accessory belt is bad?
It is not recommended. While you can drive with minor noise, you risk the belt breaking at any moment. If it breaks, you will immediately lose power steering (making the car very difficult to steer) and the alternator will stop charging the battery, causing your car to die once the battery is drained. It's best to get it replaced as soon as you notice symptoms.
How hard is it to replace the belt myself?
For a DIYer with a basic toolset, this is a moderately easy job that takes about an hour. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the belt on a 3.5L V6. The main tool needed is a serpentine belt tool or a long ratchet to release the spring-loaded tensioner. On some 3.5L models, the coolant overflow tank may need to be unbolted and moved aside for better access. Always draw a diagram or take a picture of the belt's routing before you remove it.
🎬 Watch: Serpentine belt replacement walkthrough for Ford Taurus SHO models.Should I replace the belt tensioner at the same time?
It's highly recommended to inspect it. The tensioner is also a wear item. A weak spring in the tensioner can cause a new belt to slip and wear out quickly. If your car has high mileage (over 80,000 miles) or if the tensioner pulley is noisy or rough when spun by hand, you should replace the entire tensioner assembly along with the belt.
🎬 See how to replace the belt tensioner on your Taurus.How often should the accessory drive belt be replaced?
Most manufacturers recommend inspecting the belt at regular service intervals and replacing it between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, or as soon as it shows signs of wear like cracking or fraying. Check your owner's manual for Ford's specific recommendation.
Helpful Videos
![How To Replace Serpentine Belt on a Ford Taurus SHO [Garage Buds Team Video]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/VI7pk6XcoL0/mqdefault.jpg)
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: GB5Z-8620-A DA8Z-8620-G DA8Z-8620-A BT4Z-8620-C DA8Z-8620-B
The 2013-2019 Ford Taurus uses a multi-rib, serpentine-style belt. The exact length and number of ribs can vary depending on the engine (2.0L I4, 3.5L V6, 3.5L V6 Turbo) and accessory configuration. Always verify the correct part number for your specific vehicle's VIN or engine type before ordering.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Ford Taurus:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Taurus Belt Failing? Signs to Look For
- A Note on Recalls and TSBs
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Belt for Your Taurus
- Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent Quality
- Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket
- Pro Tip: Inspect the Tensioner and Pulleys
- Cost to Replace a 2013-2019 Ford Taurus Accessory Drive Belt
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off