1996 Dodge Intrepid electrical problems

Filed Nov 14, 2013 · Electrical · 131,937 miles · GA

After purchasing car from auction, we took for emissions testing in order to purchase a tag. We were told the test could not be done because the computer had not finished the tests. We were advised how to complete the driving requirements and to come back after that. After several trips the tests still showed incomplete. Now six years later the odbii still will not complete and actually restarts every time the car is started. After lots of research we discovered the problem has been widespread and a defect that requires the ecu to be flashed with updated program information. There is even a tsb #181897 which covered this. Dealers are either unaware of this problem or want to charge close to $100. We believe that they should do this service at no charge since it is s defect that they are aware exists. There are no codes being thrown and we have been unable to tag the car for many years.

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 170,000 miles · AR

The air bag light stays on constantly which affects the electric windows & the heating/AC component. When the air bag light came on the windows & heater/AC stopped working. Additionally, the steering wheel locking mechanism is defective because it does not lock the steering wheel at all when the ignition is in the off position. I had a 1993 dodge intrepid with the same airbag light problem described above, I was able to get the light to go off at times by adjusting the steering wheel which allowed the electric windows and heater/AC to work until the light would come back on. The difference is I cannot get the airbag light to turn off at all on the 1996 model, the difference being between the two models is that the 93 had the gear shifter on the floor console; while 96 is on the column. The fact that the 93 and 96 both have the same airbag light affecting the electric windows & the heater/AC is not a coincidence. I've been told by mechanics that one thing should affect the other, but my personal experience shows that to be untrue. In my opinion there is a safety issue with either the sensors or something in the ignition switch, or possibly the wiring within the steering column due to possibility of manufacturing issues. This does pose as a safety issue because the windows will not roll down and the heater/AC will not cool/heat the car and the defroster cannot clear the windows of condensation; which creates obstructed view. The nonworking heater/AC severely restricts the times you can drive the car, unless you would like to risk heat exhaustion during summer or frostbite during the winter.

Filed Nov 1, 2012 · Electrical · 176,000 miles · WV · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge intrepid. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, smoke started to emit into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that once she merged to side of the road the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted however, the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not inspected for the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 176,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · 75,000 miles · GA

My 1996 dodge intrepid received a clean air waiver in the years 2003 and 2004. The obd could not be read by the emissions stations. For the past two years I have tried to rectify this problem without resolution. The clean air force says the software is updated and should be readable and dodge insists it's the caf software. There is a technical service bulletin (18-005-01) for 1996 dodge vehicles failing for readiness. I keep failing for readiness, and the dealer nor clean air has further information. I have been without my vehicle for two weeks while a master mechanic tries to solve my situation. The length of time tells me a favorable reply may not be forthcoming. I was told I can not sell the car, as the emissions issue will always be my (the owners) problem. I can not get a tag for this car and therefore legally can not drive it. What can I do?

Filed Apr 20, 2005 · Electrical · 200,000 miles · KS · fire

Consumer was driving at 70 MPH, when vehicle started to fill with smoke. Consumer pulled over , then, saw flames coming from under the hood. The fire department responded, and the vehicle was totaled.

Filed Mar 11, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

The light gauges on the dashboard flickered on and off intermittently while driving. Driver applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor while approaching the intersection. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle by pulling over and turning off the vehicle. Then, driver restarted the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the electrical sensor needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 98,000 miles · NY

The rack an pinion bushing failed had to replace the whole rack and pinion.also the axle had to be replaced the ring for the ABS and tracion control come off the axle.theres a short in the igntion switch, the gauges dont work, and the car wont drive it gos in default.

Filed Jul 21, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 55,000 miles · FL

I have a 1996 dodge intrepid I bought in 1998 I have had numerous steering problems with this vehicle and have spent much money to fix this car. The bushings have been replaced,the bearings have been replaced, the power steering pump has been replaced, the steering hoses have been replaced,all this was done at under 55,000 miles and luckily gefore my fiance and my children were seriously hurt in an acident due to steering lose or control. These problems totaled around 2,500.to fix. Now we are having the same problems again with the car having 90,000 miles now the power steering pump is out again and the rack and pinion is out and it is impossible to steer. We are a low income family so trade the car in is out of the question and getting it fixed right away is sometimes not possible. Just by pure luck I was looking for prices of rack and pinions and I just stummbled across this web site and I am glad I did.

Filed Jul 1, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · IL

Consumer called complaining about electrical problems. Also, stated that the rear lights don't work as well as the panel and other things in the vehicle.

Filed Jan 28, 2003 · Electrical · 96,750 miles · NE · fire

The multifuntion switch that controls the headlights and wipers started to smoke and burned out. My winshield wipers came on and I lost my low beam headlight. In the process of replacing the switch I found the wiring and plug to be burned and melted. One wire had about 3/4 inch insulation missing. The multifunction switch and wire lume now have to be replaced at a cost of $200.