Market Position:
The Dodge Intrepid was a flagship sedan for Dodge, positioned as a near-luxury, front-wheel-drive competitor in the large sedan segment, offering distinctive styling and a comfortable ride.
Design Philosophy:
The second-generation Intrepid was designed to compete more directly with mainstream import sedans, emphasizing a more refined driving experience, advanced (for the time) features, and a distinctive American style.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against domestic rivals like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, and later the Buick LeSabre, as well as import contenders such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in their larger iterations, and various European sedans.
Key Features:
Distinctive cab-forward design, spacious interior, powerful V6 engine options, available premium features, and a focus on ride comfort. The manual covers the early iterations of this platform which aimed to revitalize Dodge's sedan offerings.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS), Body & Frame, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams), HVAC, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance Schedules, Troubleshooting Guides.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod removal/installation, crankshaft removal/installation, camshaft timing, valve train adjustment, oil pump and pan service, block inspection and machining specifications.
Fuel System Diagnostics:
Fuel pressure testing, injector flow testing, fuel pump diagnosis, fuel filter replacement, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system service.
Electrical System Wiring:
Comprehensive color-coded wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems including engine control, lighting, power windows, power locks, ABS, HVAC, audio, and instrument cluster. Includes component location charts.
Body And Interior:
Repair procedures for body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim panels, seat upholstery, and dashboard assembly. Includes information on door lock mechanisms and glass replacement.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant handling (R-134a), compressor service, condenser and evaporator service, blower motor replacement, HVAC control module diagnosis, blend door actuator replacement, and heater core service.
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Service & Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, HVAC System Service, Body Panel Repair, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation, Component Testing, Torque Specifications, Lubrication Points, Component Removal & Installation.
Engine Timing Belt Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for setting and verifying engine timing marks for both 3.3L and 3.5L engines, including removal and installation of timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys.
Brake System Repair:
Front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service and replacement, brake line and hose inspection and replacement, ABS component testing and diagnosis (wheel speed sensors, hydraulic control unit).
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, sway bar links, struts/shocks, and power steering pump/rack and pinion service. Wheel alignment specifications provided.
Engine Mount Replacement:
Specific instructions and torque values for replacing engine mounts and transmission mounts to reduce vibration and noise.
Technical Depth:
In-depth technical information suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic trees and wiring schematics.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Detailed listing of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for engine, transmission, and ABS systems, along with diagnostic procedures for identifying the root cause of illuminated check engine or ABS warning lights.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical torque specifications for engine components, suspension parts, brake assemblies, drivetrain components, and body fasteners.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Extensive flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for diagnosing common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, and transmission performance concerns.
Component Replacement Times:
Many procedures include estimated labor times (in hours) which are valuable for estimating repair costs and assessing technician efficiency.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Likely 4-star rating (based on contemporary NHTSA data for similar vehicles, specific data for this year/model may vary).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Likely 4-star rating (based on contemporary NHTSA data for similar vehicles, specific data for this year/model may vary).
Active Safety Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (on some models).
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, child seat anchor points (LATCH system introduced later), seatbelt pretensioners.
Seatbelts:
Three-point active seatbelts with shoulder belt height adjusters in front, three-point rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific engine oil viscosity recommendations based on temperature.
Engine Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. Use HOAT coolant for best results.
Transmission Fluid Service Interval:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific temperature ranges and API service classification).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) - Orange/Yellow color. A 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. (Some models may use ATF+4).
Known Issues:
Interior plastic degradation (dashboards, door panels), HVAC blend door actuator failures, premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), occasional electrical gremlins, potential for transmission fluid leaks or overheating.
PCM Failure:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures were not uncommon, leading to various drivability and starting issues. The manual provides diagnostic procedures to help isolate PCM issues from other components.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 51515, Fram PH3500, Mopar MO-090
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 49010, Fram CA8005, K&N E-3332