Key Selling Points:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful engine options, distinctive styling.
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Avalon, Buick LeSabre.
Design Philosophy:
Part of Chrysler's LH platform, sharing underpinnings with the Chrysler Concorde and Eagle Vision, known for cab-forward design.
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a comfortable, roomy, and stylish American sedan.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed breakdown of the 3.3L and 3.5L V6 engines, including specifications, disassembly, assembly, and component testing.
Engine Performance:
Ignition system, fuel injection (MPI), emissions control systems, cooling system, lubrication system, starting and charging systems.
Transmission:
42LE automatic transmission service, including diagnostics, component overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, hydraulic components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures, shock absorbers, struts, and control arms.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkages, and associated components.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, lighting systems, power windows, door locks, and accessory circuits.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, and component diagnostics.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, dashboard components, and exterior trim.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Chassis And Body:
Frame and body construction, door and lid assembly, window glass and mechanisms, bumper systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Component Replacement:
Detailed procedures for replacing major components such as engine parts, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, and electrical modules.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Complete overhaul instructions for engines and transmissions, including torque specifications and assembly sequences.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-quality wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Engine Timing:
Timing belt replacement (if applicable for the specific engine variant, though these V6s are typically chain-driven) or timing chain service, with specific procedures and component identification.
Depth Of Coverage:
Dealer-level diagnostic procedures, component testing, specifications, and repair procedures for all major systems.
Accuracy:
Vehicle-specific, exact same information used by dealership technicians.
Digital Compatibility:
While the product is likely printed, the information within is directly transferable to digital formats (e.g., scanned PDFs) for modern use.
Print Quality:
High-quality printing with clear diagrams and legible text, designed for workshop durability.
Binding Type:
Likely comb-bound or perfect bound, allowing for lay-flat use.
Paper Type:
Durable, high-gloss paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 1997 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1997 models)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pre-tensioner.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models, standard on ES.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 3-5 years.
Engine Oil Type 3.3L:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30, API Service SG or SH.
Engine Oil Type 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30, API Service SG or SH.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, heater core failures, power steering pump leaks, transmission solenoid issues (especially on 42LE), occasional PCM failures.
Diagnosis Strategy:
The manual is critical for diagnosing these issues due to detailed troubleshooting trees and component-specific tests.
Dodge Brand:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles.
Intrepid Introduction:
The Intrepid was first introduced in 1993 as part of the new LH platform, replacing the Dodge Monaco. The 1997 model is part of the first generation, receiving minor updates over its lifespan.
Manufacturing Location:
Bramalea, Ontario, Canada; Newark, Delaware, USA