1997 Dodge Intrepid: engine overheating

6 of the 342 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Intrepid describe engine overheating.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

2004
7
2003
4
2002
17
2001
18
2000
10
1999
14
1998
6
1997
6
1996
17
1995
1
1994
6
1993
4

What owners say

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Electrical · 105,450 miles · GA

I kept smelling something hot when the headlights were on. When the low beams quit working, I removed the cover from the steering column since that is where the smell seemed to originate and it often felt hot. I found the wire to the low beam terminal of the dimmer switch had overheated burning off about an inch of insulation and damaging both the switch and the connector on the wiring harness. I have purchased a new switch and am preparing to repair the connector.

Filed Sep 10, 2003 · Engine · CO

Vehicle over-heated took to my mechanic. Flushed system, changed thermostat and checked water pump. Vehicle still overheats mechanic then advised me of head gasket problems.

Filed Jan 2, 2001 · Engine, Steering · TN

Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power for no reason. It failed to go over 30mph. Took it to a private mechanic & was informed a drum broke off in transmission. Part holding drum had sheared off. Transmission needed complete overhaul. Also, had rear tie rods replaced/thermostat was replaced twice for overheating, and 02 sensors replaced twice due to engine check light coming on.

Filed Nov 18, 1999 · Engine · NC

The problem with the coolant system is related to the water pump, specifically the o ring seal. My vehicle has overheated on 5 different occasions. Each time, I pulled to the side of the road as soon as I noticed the temp needle in the red or the idiot light illuminating. Once cooled down, I refilled the coolant resevoir and went along my way. Each time, I verified operation of the thermostat and the condition of the hoses. It's finally been narrowed to a bad o ring seal. I am very concerned about latent heat damage internal to the engine. The window seal problem is very irritating. The wind noise at speeds above 50 MPH is obnoxious. I've had it checked, but nothing was ever done under the warranty (to my knowledge). The window lock problem was due to a dislocated spring lock. I repaired it myself by repositioning the spring and reinstalling the assembly. Finally, the weather seal problem is worrisome to say the least. There is a musty smell indiciative of a water leak within the vehicle. I have not found it yet and I am very concerned about mold/mildew/rust damage to the entry and pooling sites. Please advise me as to any recalls/service bulletins that apply to these problems. Thanks.

Filed Aug 12, 1999 · Engine · NE

I took my car in to have it serviced and have the check engine light looked at for the second time. I picked up the car and the service tech told me the check engine light was coming on because of a loose spark plug wire on cylinder 2, again. That was the reason they gave me the first time also. The oil had been changed and the fluid levels checked at this time. I drove the car approx. 30 miles over the week-end. Sunday 7/18/99, while setting in a mcdonalds drive thru line I noticed my car, I thought it was smoking, it was probably steaming. I pulled over to a parking place and shut the car off. I left it set for 3-4 hours. This was the first indication of overheating that I had ever had. The temp. Indicator light did not come on until the car pouring steam from under the hood. Drove it home and it was getting hot in that short distance. Took it to the repair shop on monday 7/19/99 and it remains today 8/12/99. The heads on this vehicle were warped. Tried milling them to 8 this is the max recommended by the company, it did not work. Tried to get used heads, found 2 different sets, and both pairs were warped and the service tech would not install them. Order refurbished heads and those are being installed today. I had this car serviced regularly and there was no indication of fluid leaking. I believe there is a problem with this type of overhead cam and the aluminum heads. I also noticed on the federal safety agency consumer site there were alot of complaints about water pumps going out on this year of intrepid. My vehicle had a water pump replaced in oct of 1998, and it has also been replaced as a result of this incident. It is not even 12 months old yet. I am sure there is a connection to this incident, and since the water pump is under warranty I feel the extreme damage is cause by the make up of the vehicle itself. I also feel mislead by the rave reviews this vehicle is receiving in the media. Thanks for your time.

Filed Mar 2, 1999 · Engine · MI

Every two months the car overheats. We have brought it to two different mechanics and they can't seem to find the problem. Have replaced thermostats and sensor to no avail.