Market Position:
The Dodge Intrepid of the 2000 model year was positioned as a large, front-wheel-drive sedan, offering a balance of comfort, performance, and distinctive styling within Chrysler's LH platform. It aimed to compete in the mainstream sedan market against rivals like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, and Toyota Avalon, often emphasizing its bolder design and more powerful V6 engine options.
Competitive Analysis:
The Intrepid competed on styling and horsepower, particularly with its larger V6 engines. While it offered a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, it sometimes lagged behind competitors in perceived build quality and long-term reliability metrics. This service manual is crucial for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, addressing potential mechanical and electrical nuances.
Key Features:
Distinctive "cab-forward" design, powerful V6 engine options, comfortable interior, available premium features, and a focus on aerodynamic styling.
Coverage Areas:
Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Engine Mechanical, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Body and Frame, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical System, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Emission Control Systems, Exterior and Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Lighting, Body Hardware, Wiring Diagrams, Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Component Locations, Service Procedures, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Maintenance Schedules, Component Identifications, Exploded Views, Specifications and Tolerances
Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (estimated for a comprehensive service manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Manual Completeness:
Full Factory Service Manual equivalent, covering all aspects of maintenance, diagnosis, and repair for the specified vehicle.
Systems Covered:
Engine (3.2L V6, 3.5L V6), Transmission (Automatic Transaxle), Drivetrain (Front Wheel Drive), Suspension (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-Link), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Disc, ABS), Steering (Power Rack and Pinion), Cooling System, Fuel System (MPI), Exhaust System, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Climate Control (HVAC), Electrical System (Power Distribution, Lighting, Instruments, Body Electronics), Powertrain Control, Chassis Electronics, Body and Frame, Safety Systems
Procedures Included:
Scheduled Maintenance, Routine Inspections, Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Tire Rotation, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Coolant Flush, Transmission Fluid Change, Suspension Component Replacement (Shocks, Struts, Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends), Steering Component Repair, Driveline Service (CV Axles), Fuel System Diagnosis and Repair, Ignition System Diagnosis, Charging System Testing, Starter Motor Replacement, HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair, Electrical Troubleshooting, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Retrieval and Interpretation, Component Removal and Installation, Assembly and Disassembly, Torque Specifications for Critical Components, Wheel Alignment Procedures, Diagnostic Flowcharts
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, overhaul procedures, and complete vehicle teardown and reassembly. Includes wiring diagrams and technical specifications for accurate repairs and adjustments.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic trees and flowcharts for engine performance, transmission operation, ABS, HVAC, and electrical systems. Includes procedures for checking sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics covering all major systems including engine control, chassis electronics, lighting, power accessories, and safety systems. Includes connector views and wire colors.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and intermittent problems, including no-start conditions, rough idling, poor acceleration, braking issues, and electrical malfunctions.
Technical Specifications:
Includes precise torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine component clearances, fluid capacities and types, tire pressure recommendations, wheel alignment specifications, and electrical system voltage checks.
Component Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for the overhaul and rebuilding of major components such as engines, transmissions, brake calipers, and power steering racks, where applicable.
Infotainment System:
Factory AM/FM/CD Player with optional Cassette, optional Infinity Premium Sound System, standard Cassette Player with AM/FM Radio. Digital displays for climate control and radio.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Optional Traction Control System
Connectivity Features:
Limited by the era; typically no Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry (optional).
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges with digital odometer and trip computer. Available on higher trims: Digital odometer, fuel economy display, oil change indicator.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Service Intervals Transmission
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check level regularly; Replace fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color
Fluid Specifications Brakes
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Fluid Specifications Power Steering
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
ATF+3 or ATF+4
Known Issues Engine Sludge:
The 2.7L V6 engine (EER) is particularly susceptible to oil sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected or if the wrong oil is used, leading to potential engine damage. Regular, frequent oil changes with the correct specification oil are critical.
Known Issues Transmission
Known Issues Transmission Slipping:
Some owners have reported transmission slipping or hard shifting, often related to fluid degradation or internal wear. Proper fluid maintenance is essential.
Known Issues Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components, such as ball joints and control arm bushings, can wear over time, leading to clunking noises or handling issues.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Typical examples: Mopar MO-090, Fram PH3730, Wix 51515
Air Filter Part Number:
Typical examples: Mopar 4605010, Fram CA8796, Wix 42354
Spark Plug Type:
Platinum or Iridium (check specific engine variant; typically Champion or NGK)
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler and FCA), has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and practical family cars. The Intrepid represented a modern evolution of Dodge's sedan offerings in the late 1990s.
Model Evolution:
The 2000 Dodge Intrepid is part of the second generation of the Intrepid nameplate, introduced for the 1998 model year. This generation featured a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic profile, updated interior, and improved powertrains, building upon the foundation of the first generation (1993-1997).
Production Period:
1993-2004 (Intrepid)
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly, Brampton, Ontario, Canada