Positioning:
The Dodge Intrepid in 2000 was positioned as a mid-size sedan, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and distinctive styling within the Chrysler Corporation's sedan lineup.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Maxima.
Design Philosophy:
Part of the second-generation LH platform, emphasizing a more refined and integrated design compared to its predecessor.
Target Audience:
Targeted individuals and families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and relatively powerful American-made sedan.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine systems, including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair for all available engine variants.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, sensors, actuators, PCM operation, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed coverage of the automatic transmission, including overhaul, component testing, fluid services, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive systems, including transaxle, CV joints, axles, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, front and rear brake components (discs, pads, calipers), and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive electrical diagrams, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, lighting systems, and component testing.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, including refrigerant handling, component diagnostics, and repair.
Body Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, airbags, and door mechanisms.
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk lid, doors, glass, and seals.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics, deployment, and related sensors and modules.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic trouble code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures using scan tools, multimeters, and specialized test equipment.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment angles, fluid capacities, electrical values, and engine/transmission data.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electronic system diagnostics.
Engine Option 1:
2.7L SOHC V6 (EER engine code)
Engine Displacement 1:
2736 cc (167 cubic inches)
Engine Horsepower 1:
200 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine Torque 1:
195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Option 2:
3.2L SOHC V6 (LPS engine code)
Engine Displacement 2:
3231 cc (197 cubic inches)
Engine Horsepower 2:
225 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine Torque 2:
226 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Option 3:
3.5L SOHC V6 (GTS engine code - likely for ES/ES Plus trims)
Engine Displacement 3:
3497 cc (213 cubic inches)
Engine Horsepower 3:
235 hp @ 5700 rpm
Engine Torque 3:
245 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded gasoline (91 Octane recommended for 3.2L and 3.5L engines for optimal performance).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 1999 model year, representative for 2000)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1999 model year, representative for 2000)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars (for 1999 model year, representative for 2000)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (for 1999 model year, representative for 2000)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Standard dual front airbags. Optional side airbags were available on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
At 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using recommended long-life spark plugs (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 2.7L and 3.2L; 4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) for 3.5L.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4) - Mopar P/N 05013457AA
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) for a filter and pan gasket replacement.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant - Orange color (P/N 04318050AC or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 12.0 US quarts (11.4 liters) - varies slightly by engine.
Engine Sludge 2.7L:
The 2.7L engine is prone to oil sludge formation if maintenance intervals are not strictly followed, potentially leading to engine damage. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil are critical.
Transmission Slippage:
Some owners have reported early transmission wear or slippage. Ensuring regular fluid and filter changes with the correct ATF+4 fluid is recommended.
Window Regulator Failure:
Power window regulators can be a common failure point.
Heater Core Leaks:
Heater core leaks can occur, requiring significant labor to replace due to its location behind the dashboard.
Dodge Sedan History:
Dodge has a long history of producing sedans, often targeting a more performance-oriented or value-driven segment compared to its sibling brands within Chrysler.
Intrepid Generations:
The 2000 model year represents the second generation of the Intrepid (1998-2004), which featured a significant redesign and platform upgrade from the first generation (1993-1997).
Platform Sharing:
The LH platform was shared with other Chrysler Corporation vehicles like the Chrysler Concorde, LHS, and the Eagle Vision.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.