Ok, I'm checking my timing belt because my car will not start. I've tried everything else and have been avoiding this, but it's finally time to do it. Do I need to remove the lower timing belt cover as well, or just the top? I am planning on doing these steps. Are they the correct steps to take in order to check the timing belt?

1) Remove valve cover.
2) Remove bolts on top timing belt cover.
3) Remove the top timing belt cover.
4) Stick a socket wrench through the hole in the driver side fender well and turn the crankshaft pulley (counter-clockwise).
5) Continue doing this until the TDC mark (white dot) on the crankshaft pulley meets the pointer on the timing belt cover.

Then...

6) Check the camshaft timing belt pulley to see if the TDC marks are aligned with the cylinder head's upper surface.

Now, if all that is done and it matches up, then is the belt fine? Or do I still need to something else to check if the belt is in the right position?

 

im not sure if i understand your question, what your stating is that your timing belt is installed correctly. if thats what youre asking then yes it sounds like its fine. if you are asking about the condition of your timing belt then NO, from my experience they can look brand new till the day they snap.