🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Intrepid

Year:

1998

Platform:

LH (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size sedan, competitor to Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Avalon.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive styling, spacious interior, available V8 engine (though not in base models for this year), strong focus on comfort and ride quality.

Design Philosophy:

American interpretation of European styling with cab-forward design principles, emphasizing interior space and aerodynamic efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Original Factory Document)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine management (PCM/ECM).

Transmission Automatic:

42LE automatic transaxle: disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, service, adjustments, torque converter.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, hydraulic system, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bar), rear independent suspension (multi-link), steering linkage, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, intermediate shaft, rack and pinion assembly, diagnosis and repair.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (climate control).

Climate Control:

A/C system components, refrigerant, operation, diagnosis, repair, heater core, blower motor.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system components, SRS module, seat belts, diagnosis and replacement procedures.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors).

Wheel And Tire:

Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, rotation procedures, wheel alignment specifications.

Body Hardware:

Door mechanisms, locks, handles, hinges, window regulators, mirrors, hood latches, trunk latches.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code lookup (OBD-II), circuit testing.

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures (where applicable), adjustments, calibration.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine, transmission, body, chassis, and comfort systems.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Listings of DTCs, their definitions, and diagnostic trees for resolution.

Depth:

Comprehensive, detailed, vehicle-specific. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes in-depth electrical troubleshooting and system diagnostics.

Component Rebuild:

Procedures for rebuilding major components like the engine (short block, long block), cylinder heads, and the 42LE automatic transmission, including specifications for clearances and wear limits.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

If digital (PDF), expect high-resolution scans of original pages, searchable text for quick information retrieval, printable pages.

Print Quality:

Original factory print quality, often with clear diagrams, schematics, and photographs.

Binding Type:

Likely a sturdy, professional binding suitable for shop use (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound, or original dealership binder).

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock designed for workshop environments, often with a matte finish to reduce glare.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

SOHC V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3500cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 81.0 mm (approximate)

Horsepower:

214 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

231 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)

ECU Model:

Chrysler SBEC or JTEC (refer to specific VIN for exact module)

Emission Controls:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Catalytic Converter, EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Transaxle Model:

42LE

Shift Modes:

Driver-selectable modes (e.g., 'Normal', 'Power' or similar, refer to owner's manual for specific mode names).

Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Fluid Capacity Qt:

8.0 quarts (refer to manual for dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

203.7

Width In:

74.0

Height In:

56.1

Wheelbase In:

113.0

Passenger Volume Cu Ft:

107.4

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

16.1

Curb Weight Lbs:

3500-3700 (approximate, varies by trim and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

4600 (approximate)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

4/5 Stars (Good/Acceptable, depending on specific test variant for the year)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

4/5 Stars (Good/Acceptable)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette player and AM/FM radio standard. Optional CD player, premium sound systems with amplifiers.

Display Screens:

Analog gauges and basic center stack controls. No integrated navigation or advanced color displays.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to basic audio and climate controls. No provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended), 3,000 miles (conventional oil, severe service)

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

100,000 miles (platinum-tipped plugs, refer to manual for exact type)

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

5 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill), then every 2 years or 50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change Miles:

60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for severe service intervals and ATF+4 specific change procedures).

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for colder climates, check manual for specific recommendations)

Engine Oil Capacity Qt:

4.5 quarts (4.3 Liters)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Engine Issues:

Head gasket leaks (particularly on earlier 3.3L and 3.5L V6), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, and oil pan gaskets. Timing belt replacement is critical; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Radiator and cooling system component failures can lead to overheating.

Common Transmission Issues:

42LE can exhibit harsh shifting or slipping if fluid is not maintained or if internal seals degrade. Valve body issues can also arise.

Common Suspension Issues:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and premature tire wear. Strut and shock absorber degradation.

Common Electrical Issues:

Faulty window regulators, power lock actuators, and HVAC blower motor issues are relatively common. Alternator and battery terminal corrosion.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Brand History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler (later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles. The Intrepid represented a shift towards more European-influenced styling and a focus on family sedans.

Intrepid Generation:

This manual covers the second generation of the Dodge Intrepid (1998-2004), which underwent a significant redesign from the first generation (1993-1997) with updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced interior features.

Manufacturing Location:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year are scarce, the LH platform generally received decent safety ratings for its time, reflected in its NHTSA scores.

IIHS Ratings:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) would have conducted crash tests; manual should detail findings if available for this year.