🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Intrepid

Year:

2003

Platform Code:

LH

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size sedan, considered a premium offering within the Dodge lineup

Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick Park Avenue

Design Philosophy:

Cab-forward design, distinctive styling, spacious interior

Target Audience:

Families, executives, buyers seeking a comfortable and stylish American sedan

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

2.7L V6 (EER), 3.2L V6 (EGA), 3.5L V6 (EGJ)

Transmission:

42LE Automatic Transmission

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Seating

Electrical:

Powertrain Control, Lighting, Instruments, Body Control Modules, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Types, Capacities, Intervals

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams

Repair:

Component Removal & Installation, Component Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500

Type:

Factory Authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual

Primary Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Print (Physical Book)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control, turbocharger (if applicable), cooling system

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission overhaul, valve body, torque converter, differential, axles, CV joints

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, springs

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, linkages

Electrical System Diagnostics:

Detailed circuit diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems

Body And Frame:

Frame construction, body panel alignment, door operation, hood, trunk, glass replacement

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant handling

Interior Trim:

Seat removal and installation, dashboard disassembly, door panel removal

Engine Repair:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, cylinder head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, oil pump service

Transmission Repair:

Fluid and filter changes, transmission removal and installation, internal component repair

Brake Service:

Pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, brake bleeding, ABS system diagnostics and repair

Suspension Alignment:

Alignment specifications, component replacement for steering and suspension

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes

Airbag System Service:

Safely deploying and replacing airbag components, SRS system diagnostics

Climate Control Repair:

Refrigerant system servicing (manifold gauges, evacuation, recharging), component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator)

Body Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, door and window mechanism repair

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump replacement, injector cleaning, fuel pressure testing

Diagnostic Tools:

Coverage of factory scan tools and diagnostic procedures, DTC interpretation

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all systems

Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic flowcharts for diagnosing common and uncommon issues

Component Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components like transmissions and engines

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed Book

Quality:

High-quality, professional printing with clear diagrams and text

Binding:

Durable perfect binding or spiral binding for lay-flat use

Paper:

Durable, semi-gloss paper stock designed for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.7L V6:

2.7L (167 cu in) SOHC V6, 200 horsepower @ 6400 rpm, 190 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm

3.2L V6:

3.2L (198 cu in) SOHC V6, 225 horsepower @ 6400 rpm, 225 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm (Discontinued for 2003, but manual may cover prior variants or diagnostics)

3.5L V6:

3.5L (215 cu in) SOHC V6, 234 horsepower @ 6400 rpm, 241 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Octane:

87 octane recommended (91 octane for optimal performance with 3.5L)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic (42LE)

Type:

N/A for 2003 model year

Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with overdrive

Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) for pan drop and fill

📐 Dimensions

Length:

201.0 inches (5105 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.0 inches (2870 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 106.6 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 16.2 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500 - 3700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg) depending on engine and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

★★★★ (4-star driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

Not rated for 2003 models, but side airbags were optional

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, optional front side airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point active front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems, AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity speaker systems, cassette player

Climate Controls:

Manual or automatic climate control systems

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system

Seating:

Power adjustable front seats, heated front seats (optional), leather upholstery (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended)

Transmission Fluid:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace fluid and filter as needed or at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) under severe use

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for conventional coolant, or follow specific extended-life coolant recommendations.

Spark Plugs:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30, API SM or SN service classification (or equivalent)

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (orange)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gaskets:

Some 2.7L V6 engines (EER) were prone to internal coolant leaks due to head gasket issues, especially at higher mileage. The manual provides detailed diagnostic and repair procedures.

Transmission Harshness:

The 42LE transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or slipping, often related to fluid degradation or solenoid issues. The manual details diagnostics for these problems.

Climate Control Actuators:

HVAC blend door actuators can fail, leading to improper temperature or airflow. The manual covers their location and replacement.

Power Window Motors:

Window regulators and motors can fail over time. The manual provides steps for their removal and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing powerful and stylish American vehicles, known for its performance heritage and distinctive designs.

Intrepid Generation:

This is the second generation of the Dodge Intrepid, introduced for the 1998 model year and significantly refreshed for 2000. The 2003 model represents a mature iteration of this platform.

Manufacturing Plant:

Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada

Production Years:

1993-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Past Awards:

While the 2003 model year itself might not have specific major awards, the Intrepid platform received generally positive reviews for its styling and comfort in its earlier years. The manual aids in maintaining these features.

Consumer Reports History:

Consumer Reports historically rated the Intrepid in the upper half of its segment for comfort and performance, though sometimes citing reliability concerns that this manual directly addresses.