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According to GM, the alternator fix didn't work because of their not checking the released parts before they were released. Is this sounding like Rossarian in Catch 22??
I am now on the list for the really, really, honest-to-gosh, FINAL version of the alternator. The bizarre thing here is that the final GM part number for the alternator is the same as the part number for the one that was replaced a month ago.
I've seen posts here from the 3800 engine owners saying that they don't have this problem. They wouldn't have this problem because this is a 3.5 engine malady, and not something 3800's would see.
I'll let you know about the fix when it is fixed.
Aloha from Social
Back to the dealer tomorrow. You know what they'll say too, "Well, what would you like us to do about that?"
FIX THE DAMN CAR!
And all the customer service center has to say about it is "WE UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION."
While I'd like to believe they really feel bad for me about the number of times my Intrigue has been in for service, so far I'm just not buying it.
I think it is time for a new car.
Oh wait, the trade in values really suck these days, don't they! I can't imagine why!
Flicker can be fixed, but wait till the dealer gets the correct alternator. There is a service bulliten for this. Dealer should know that. If not... bad dealership.
* Chevy Impala LS
* Honda Accord EX
* Toyota Camry LE
* New Volkswagen Passat
* Buick Century
* Buick Park Avenue
* Olds Alero
* Pontiac Grand AM GT sedan
* Ford Taurus LX
* Chevy Malibu LS
* Olds Aurora 3.5
* Nissan Maxima SE
Of all these cars, the show accomodators had to basically *beg* people in that section to test drive the following cars: (Were parked in a corner the most often):
* Olds Intrigue
* Olds Alero
* Chevy Malibu LS
* Ford Taurus LX
* Toyota Camry LE
* Buick Century
The rest of the cars had long waiting lines and they never seemed to stop to take a *break*. The Impala LS generated an incredible amount of interest, same as the Pontiac Grand AM GT, Buick Park Avenue, The Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima and the Volkswagen Passat.
Personally cars that I enjoyed the most on that section of the test track were the Buick Park Avenue, The olds Aurora, the Grand AM GT, the Impala LS, the Olds Alero, The Passat and the Maxima.
What's really neat about these test drive events is that you can really take a *pulse* of the market and what people likes/dislikes on an open and completely free environment.
I won't go into the nasty comments generated by the Pontiac Aztek over at the SUV test track area....let me just say that this truck was parked, abandoned most of the time by the public participants and most people hated it due to its bizarre looks.
I drove its sibling, the Buick Rendezvous and it is light years away in styling (In and out) and the car just looks and feels much nicer than the Aztek. I suspect that between the Rendezvous and the upcoming Pontiac Vibe, the Aztek will be soon out of production.
Intrigues interest me and thinking about getting a 2002; for the end of the model run should be 100% perfect!!!
I notice this board has some Aurora fans; the 99 Auroras on the auction deals are selling about $3,000 less than a used 01 4.0 under 10k miles..
3.5 Auroras are bringing about 21K, 4.0s about 24.5k and the old classic 99 around 21k..
I had a choice of the 3800 or 3.5 engine when I bought my 99 and I chose the 3800 because:
a) I needed the low end torque it provided and...
b) I would not buy a first year engine any more than I would buy a first year car model. In fact I would wait even more than one year on the engine because expensive problems like premature cam wear, bearing and gasket failures etc. don't usually show up right away. After hearing about the alternator problem I'm especially glad I got the 3800.
Thanks...
Put a high flow exhaust system on, and speed-rated tires; limit the top end to 130 mph. Get back to the 2 valve setup and it's good alternator..
For everyday driving, I take the 3800 V6 over the 3500 V6. Low end torque is essential for our style of driving. The day the government decides to raise the speed limits to 100MPH or remove them altogether, then a high wind DOHC should make much more sense.
Low end torque always wins.
lee18: I'll take highway passing over low end torque any day. That's just me though.
GM's V-6 multi-valve engine ventures have not been too successful in retrospect..I don't know whether one would consider the Ford V-6, Duratec a success????? I think it is a whimp..
My *Beef* with the N-bodies, continues to be the very poor safety ratings and spotty reliability. If it weren't for the latter, I am sure my wife would be happy on either Alero/Grand AM, but as it stands, she rather wait for their respective replacements hopefully within the next year or so.
The Northstar family of engines, on the other hand, I think they have been a very successful venture for GM. They might have thir problems but the Northstars kick some serious butt. I would like to see the next generation of these engines and what would they bring in terms of refinement, performance, efficiency, durability, etc.
By the way, do you drive a 1971 Chevelle SS? (Love that car!)
Yes, the 3.5L is slower off the line than the 3800. I have been beaten many times through the intersection by geriatrics in Lesabres.
My 3.5L has the 3.29 gear while the 2000 and later non PCS cars have the 3.05 gear.
I reiterate that its midrange and passing power is incredible. I will give up some low end to get refinement and piece of mind when passing on a two lane road.
If I want to be a redneck and burn the tires off the back from a stop i will drive the Z28. Which is a blast to drive around town, but can't hold a candle to the intrigue above 60 mph.
bz4----Is the Intrigue still in the clinic???? Did they furnish you with loaner???? The low end grunt isn't needed for the drag strip is not the Intrigue's forte..
Master's golf weekend and the temp by Sunday is to be near 85 in the sunny South..wow
Uh-uh.
The first time I drove the 3.5 and put it in gear the car was so powerful it was eager to get moving. A year later I drove it again. I passed a guy on a two lane road uphill and was at 85 and still climbing before I knew it. The last time I felt that was when I rented a Lincoln TownCar and opened it up on the Interstate.
No, the 3.5 doesn't snap your neck back. But take it on a REAL test drive. Over here in the Philly area there are (poorly designed) on-ramps where you basically have to go from a complete stop and merge with traffic going 50 mph and higher. The 3.8 makes you feel like you're going to leave approaching cars in your mirror but you quickly realize that ain't the truth. The 3.5, on the other hand, takes about all of one second after flooring it to hit its stride. Then the cars behind you quickly begin vanishing.
I've driven both (the 3.8 extensively) and the 3.5 is smoother, quieter and an overall better performer than the 3.8. etharmon a few posts back drove a 3.5 for an entire day. When he picked up his 3.8 Intrigue he described a big difference. And he's a fan of the 3800. I think that " **REAL** world example" says it all.
Had the oild changed, new airfilter and tires rotated for $58.11. Not bad.
The rest of the items were warranty items. They are:
Car blows blue smoke upon start up. Smoke is water vapor. No Problem Found.
Noise in front end going over bumps. No abnormal noise found. I guess all intrigue noises are normal. No Problem Found.
Engine starts rough or does not start. No Problem Found.
Rear door hinges loose. No Problem Found.
Car groans or shudders when backing and turning wheel. No Problem Found.
Engine Accessories noisy at times. No Problem Found.
Popping sound when turning right.Replaced right side control arm. They almost got away with doing no work.
Like I said before 1415 states that they will rebuild the whole front end. Even though i asked them to lube the jounce bumpers they didn't do it.
To answer 71ss question. It is easier for me to drive the camaro when the intrigue is in the shop because the loaner they give is a rental and i have to sign paperwork etc. So i just have the courtesy shuttle drive me home.
I went by and paid the bill and will go get the car tomorrow. I will guarantee you that the control arm did not fix the noise.
Before i went to the dealership i found out that the bravada is on lock down due to front suspension problems. So i was not able to drive it.
I recv'd one of those "Newly Designed" replacement alternators that the TSB calls for a month ago. Well, I reported to the service manager today that I'm having the same problem again! She really wasn't too surprised and noted that others with the new alternator are still having this issue. It goes in next week - I'll keep you posted.
To date, here are the other issues I've had with my 99 Intrigue w/ 42K:
(1) Replaced CD/Tape Deck
(2) Replaced Passenger Side Blower Fan Motor
(3) Replaced Right Headlight Assembly
(4) Replaced Air Deflector
(5) Replaced a few plastic interior pieces that kept falling off
(6) Replaced Alternator
(7) Replaced Battery
Some problems that have developed lately that I'm not going to deal with until I have to because the dealer doesn't know how to fix them:
(1) Slow, hesitant starts when warm
(2) Burning Oil, actually had the "Low Oil" light come on 3500 miles after my last oil change.
(3) Groaning feeling/sound when turning in reverse
(4) Gas door never opens in the winter
(5) Front end is feeling lose
(6) All illuminated controls hot to touch
Does anyone know what kind of trade in value the GL is going for these days (midwest)?
By the looks of it, Intrigue sales may slip below Aurora levels on its way down to zero. Alero is the only bright spot in the Olds lineup. From what I've been reading, sounds like Bravada sales will have to wait till they figure out how to put it together a little better.
GM Sales Numbers
timmyv----Lucky you didn't fry the 3.5L for they are designed to digest oil to keep those 215 horses cooking on command. At 3500 miles the 3.8 would be full of oil; but I think people tend to sock it to 4 valve jobbie.
Just some passing thoughts!!
David161, glad you are liking your Intrigue. Seems of lately we've had more complainers on here. As for the back thing, I have one friend who complains that the car has too much lumbar support. Personally, I think it is just right. What she might want to try is to recline the seat slightly. Also, if yours has the power adjustable seat, she may want try different positions with that.
I still think the Intrigue is a tight, fine handling automobile, and tastfully styled. The interior is about as close to perfect as I've seen in a GM. (I think the dashboard "cruise disable" button is a silly afterthought, though.)
I've got the headlight flicker, (although not so bad that it bothers me. I just notice it once in a while.)
The brakes are holding up well. But I'm a smooth braker by nature, and could get 80,000K on a set of pads in my Mazda.
Re: 3.5 vs 3.8. I love the 3.5-- it gives me such satisfaction now to be able to "get ahead" of traffic anytime I want. At 5000 RPM I swear the thing sounds to me like what a "racing engine" should sound like in my mind.
But I do have some buyer's remorse for not getting PCS. The 3.05 gearing in a 2000 puts all the passing power in the 50-80mph range. Stomp on the gas at even 70, and there's a double downshift to second... Apparently there is *plenty* of power to spare, so I get the feeling the 3.29 gearing is probably a more natural fit.
My only serious gripe is the quality of glass in the windows. I've noticed distortions on the left and right edges of the windshield, and the left rear passenger window. None of my previous cars had this problem. (Although I've heard this is becomming more commonplace on modern cab-forward designs with those big windshields.)
Would I be going overboard to try and have the windshield replaced under warranty? My gut instinct tells me to leave a winshield alone if it isn't leaking or cracked. But it *is* annoying.
My wife's Cadillac has a rear window distortion but she doesn't notice it; so I don't bring it up.
Glad you like the car.
bz4-----Lower control arm is a good size casting if I remember correctly; so what made it rattle???? Did a bushing let go????
$58.11 is a little high for rotation, oil change, and air filter. I paid $44.69--air filter is 12.37 and rotation is 9.95..It's a Cadillac dealer to boot!!!!
timmyv : You got a lemon I guess. Did you buy used or new? Sounds like an old rental car.
vcjumper : Alero and Aurora are the only cars I see GM trying to save. I see Aleros everywhere these days, it's amazing. Intrigue is a dead duck. I totally see production ceasing in early 2002. Sad because I think it's the best mid-size sedan GM ever made.
You are an important client at the dealership.
Enjoy and keep us informed.
The $44.69 for the 99 Intrigue included oil change, tire rotation, and air filter.. 3.5L engine..
The local Caddy dealer is not an Olds guy; however the my Olds dealer is also a Caddy dealer..
You owners are getting "stroked"; sure would dread having something major done at your dealer.. I can picture a brake job on an Intrigue for turning only at $500.00.. Scarey people with a "license to steal".
Ken
Note to those who suggest the car should have kept/get back the 3800- if you believe this them GM has many other cars for you, and you are not the target market anyways. This car is/was mean't as an import conquest model, in a market where said imports (esp. European) typically have more refinement than any others. Argue this has been a failure perhpas for Olds, but in fact the car is competitive with other sports sedans from overseas ands otherwise. A GTP or GS is what you want anyways, where some refinement is given up for raw power. Gotta say though, those 3800 SC's sound awful going away. School Bus anyone?
Was in the store for only a few minutes. Walked up to my car and unlocked it with the key fob.
Put the key in the ignition and turned it. Nothing. Looked down and the car was still in drive. Put the car in park and turned the key. Nothing. Tried it again . Nothing.
Got out of the car and locked the car with the fob, then turned it off again. Tried the key. Nothing.
Locked the car with the key. Unlocked it with the key. Put key in ignition and turned it. Nothing.
I am not a happy camper. I remember about olds customer assistance and call them on the cell phone.
She tells me that because the car was left in drive and that i moved the gearshift lever after i tried to start it, it thinks that someone is trying to steal it.
She said that i should wait 20 minutes, and try to start it again, everything will have reset itself. I go into blockbuster to kill time. Come out twenty minutes later, unlock the car with the fob, put the key in the ignition and it starts right up.
This car may not have an alarm, but it has antitheft.
Ketch, I wouldn't go so far to say the 3800 sounds like a school bus(if only school buses sounded that good) but it's certainly not a joy to hear at high rpms. The 3800 works best in a larger and better isolated car like the Bonneville or LeSabre where you don't hear it. It's one of those engine that is best seen(in this case felt in by the seat of your pants) but not heard. On the other hand, the 3.5 is an engine you might actually want to hear when revved up. IMO, it sounds better at 6000 rpms than pretty much anything on the radio these days.
BTW: I have a 98 'Trig with the 3.8. I just rented a 3.5L model from Avis and drove 450 miles on it (as if I were in Nascar). Will have more comments about it in a little bit . . .
Noticed today in the Toronto Star... 1.9% no limit financing on all 2001 Oldsmobiles. C$26,998 for a GL with no charge heated leather/ PCS. C$35,998 for a 3.5 Aurora. I'm sure one could negotiate down another 5-6%. I wish I was in the market now! I'm stuck with 4.9%.
Sometime in the next week or two, the name of this discussion will be changed dropping the "VII" designation.
Now that we have moved to our new platform, we no longer have a requirement to stop and restart discussions after a certain number of posts have occurred. Therefore, this discussion can be regarded as the permanent home for Intrigue conversation. The "part number" designations on all of our discussions will probably eventually confuse new members, so we will be gradually dropping them from the titles.
We'll also be altering original discussions in the Archives to differentiate between the first and the current.
I just wanted to give you a heads up - and by the way, if you are subscribed to this discussion, a name change will not affect your subscription.
Thanks.
Pat
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