Windshield wipers will come on by themselves while the switch is off, it will also turn off while in the middle of driving and stop in the middle of the windshield becoming in-operable & no visibility! I was driving on the freeway at 65 MPH during rush hour, in the pouring rain when they stopped on me! Air conditioner) whenever we start up the car, a mildew smell comes out of the vents. This could be a health hazzard for people with lung problems. (fuel) while the car is parked in our garage we smell fuel & the smell of fuel in the car sometimes while driving. The fuel gauge seems to be defective, one moment it registers it has a 1/3 tank, next moment it says you only have a 1/16 of a tank! This car is cursed and is just an accident waiting to happen!
1997 Dodge Intrepid: windshield wiper failure
11 of the 342 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Intrepid describe windshield wiper failure.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Windshield wiper failure by model year
What owners say
Windshield wipers worked intermittently. The multi function switch was replaced after being serviced on numerous occasions.
The last couple of months the headlights would go out without warning. Upon clicking the high beam switch they would come back on. Intermittent wipers starting not working also. High beam switch stopped working (not staying in place) day prior to meltdown. While driving home on 11/22/03 there was a smell of something burning. I checked under hood and around outside of car when I got home. Smelled nothing outside. Got back in car and at that point the headlights would not work. Brought car to mechanic and the inside of the steering column (module for high beam/signal/wiper and wiring harness) completely melted. I don't believe there was any fire. Please check into this.
Above 45 MPH, my 1997 dodge intrepid w/s wipers lift off the glass creating a dangerous situation while driving in the rain on highways at or above 55 MPH zones.
At night when headlights are on headlights will completely goout without warning. There was a malfunction in windshield wiper switch. Switch has been replaced 4 times. Please provide any further information.
Multi function switch located on left side of steering collar that controls turn signals, high/low beam selection ,and wiper blades has failed for the third time. The orignal switch was replaced by the dealer at a cost of 197.00 dollars on 21 jan 2000. 14 months later the switch failed again, part replaced on 6 march 2001 at a cost of 228.00 dollars with another serive center. 16 months later, again the switch has failed- awaiting repair. These switch failures result in a smoldering fire inside the steering colum resulting in smoke risinf from the left side of the steerng column. This is a serious safety hazard. Failure causes headlights to intermittantly go out during night driving, turn signals fail to work , and wiper blades are inoperable. To preclude complete destruction of wiring harness, fuses were pulled negating use of the previously mentioned controls.
Windshield wipers are very erratic. Fail to operate at times, stop in midstroke, almost impossible to get to operate in intermitent mode. Dealer replaced switch # 4760437 and relay # 1671168 on 6/29/99. The problem has returned. Manufacturer claims no problems. Dealer claims no problems. Yet, I've had it two times.
Windshield wipers could not be turned off. Dealer replaced switch and motor at cost of $800 before problem was fixed.
Windshield wipers quit mid cycle. Looked under hood, fiddled w/relay at junction box, wipers resumed operation. On trip operated very irratic. Stopped in mid cycle, failed to turn on, itnermittant cycles very irratic, no operation in 1st intermittant cycle. On 06/29/1999 dealer replace switch # 4760437 & relay # 4671168. Recently problem reoccurred. Called chrysler ti inquire about any recall or service bulletins. Answer, none. Aske dealer about any problems w/local customers. Answer, none. I find it hard to believe I, only, have this problem.
Intermittently windshield wipers become inoperable, obstructing view of driver. Dealer has been notified.
This vehicle is two years old, and the windshield wiper blades lift away from windshield whenever the vehicle reaches the speed of 50mph or higher. Dealer has been contacted.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Intrepid wipers
Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Intrepid?
11 of 342 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Intrepid (3%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge Intrepid?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge Intrepid
Ball joint 29Fuel leak 25Fuel smell 24Fire or smoke 20Headlights 14Stalling 12Harsh shifting 8No deployment 7Check engine light 7Power steering loss 7Overheating 6Airbag light 5Engine failure 5Transmission failure 5
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