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Oldsmobile Intrigue

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Comments

  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    6.1 litres?
  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    Hey, I've seen a few people post about oil consumption in the 3.5. Since it is similar to the Aurora V8, I thought you might find this interesting.

    With the Aurora, many people found their car was using oil. They tended to fill the car up until the dipstick read "full" and they'd find it would soon be 1/2 a quart low or so. As it turns out, they were overfilling the car. The engine takes 7.5 quarts, but many were filling with 8 or more. 7.5 shows about 1/2 a quart low on the dipstick, but it is definitely the correct amount. There is some info circulating that the oil should be checked hot. Not sure if that's true or not. But the 7.5 quart capacity definitely is. So what I do is fill my engine with 7.5 quarts, look at the dipstick, and mentally make that the new "full" mark. If you are overfilling the engine, you will definitely notice oil consumption. Plus, it isn't really very good for anything.

    Most of the people who started doing this noticed less oil consumption.

    The capacity for the 3.5 is listed as 5.7 liters or 6 quarts. http://service.gm.com/gmtechlink/arcv_pdf/5_02_e.pdf
  • focusfocus Member Posts: 225
    Thank you for the insightful information. i guess filling up oil is an art form now with trial and error.
    On page 6-67 of the 2001 intrigue manual, it indicate 6.5 quarts (6.1L), 1 U.S. quart = 0.9463 litre; don't know why GM has different spec. all over the places.
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    It was my Intrigue who had the cupped tires. I sure hope it's not the struts, though. As I bought it used, it was badly out of alignment and that caused the uneven wear on the tires. Apparently, the previous owner never had alignment performed on it before.
  • MartypaMartypa Member Posts: 50
    a clunck when steering, noticable more when the steering wheel is furthest from center?
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Welcome to the wonderful world of Intrigue ownership.
  • arnie82arnie82 Member Posts: 27
    The interior lights in my 2000 have failed. Has this happened to anyone else? All the dash lights work (and all fuses test good with an ohm meter) but I don't get that cool theater dimming effect. In fact there are no lights at all. Any ideas?

    To the guy with the cupped tires-
    The rear of the car is much lighter than the rear and, without any passengers or stuff in the trunk may tend to "float" at higher speeds. If the tires aren't rotated as called out for in the owners manual (7500 mi) they will become badly cupped. Once those tires go on the front, the ride is like crap and the only thing left to do is buy a new set of good tires, curse yourself for not following the recommended service intervals.
    I'd be surprised if the struts were bad unless you had high mileage.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Clunk in the steering? Sounds vaguely familiar. Is it more of a pop or a clunk? Sounds like you might need to have your intermediate steering shaft lubricated. That should fix the problem... for a while.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    I'd say your 87 Electra T-typre had the same suspension set-up my old 89 Olds Ninety-Eight Touring Sedan had(FE3 in GM speak). I never had a problem with cupped tires, but it was a rather stiff ride. Trouble back then was the chassis was not nearly as stiff as the ones they use today and you really felt the impacts. On a the open road though, the car rode supremely smooth. I'm not sure what type of seats the Buick T-type had, but the Olds T-sedan literally had thrones. They were high back buckets and were very comfortable with power adjustments for everything including the head resraints. Quite a feat for GM back then as their typical front seat in 89 was a split bench with a backrest that might have come up to your shoulders.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    I've always had the oil changed by the dealer and to date, the lowest it has every been was down to the "add 1 quart" mark on the dipstick and this was right at the time for another change. I check the oil periodically and it usually stays right at the full mark.
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    Strange... I always change the oil on my 99 GL 3.5 (I always get the moron of the service dept. if I trust them to do it) and have always filled up after draining and filter change with 6 quarts. Then I check level a couple of days later (cold engine) and the level is right on the full mark. Perhaps they changed capacity after 1999? I'll have to check my service manual...
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    I tested the shocks (rocking the car) and they seem to be OK.

    The car had 36000mls when I bought it and I think that the tires were never rotated: the front tires are at the end of their life while the rear tires are about 3/8 through, but cupped.

    I'd try to rotate the tires, but I'm afraid that the almost bald front tires in the rear would allow it to widen tight curves, a undesirable thing on public roads...

    I'll be replacing the tires in a few weeks and treat them well, for tires usually last 60000mls with me...
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,580
    If I had my choice, it would be in the color of the final 500, but in GLS trim, including, Bose and PCS. Midnight blue/Indigo Blue or Black would be fine, too. Also, a more aggressive final drive ratio: 3.50 vs 3.29?? The goal is to be even more responsive than the 3.29 offered with PCS. I have the 3.05 with my 2000 GL. It shifts at 6500 rpm in first gear to second at 51 mph! Though it is quick, (with a little flat spot in its response, it pulls quickly over 3500 rpm) it has LONG legs! It is very relaxed at speeds of 70+. I would gladly give up a little of this for better response. Since replacing the ignition switch, my car is running, P-ur-r fectly. I so like this car.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    There is an aftermarket 3.69 gear available.
    Also Quaife(among others) makes a limited slip differential.
  • one2oneone2one Member Posts: 626
    Who make the 3.69 tranny? I would be QUITE interested in that.
  • donp9donp9 Member Posts: 29
    My Goodyear LS's probably have another 10,000 kilometres of life left, however I have been checking out other tires. I was looking through a Michelin brochure and they state their MXV4 Plus tire are tops in giving a comfortable ride. Anyone tried these tires?. Let us know what tire you choose Evandro and how they perform.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Hey everyone, have a happy 4th of July!!
  • prashantbprashantb Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 99 GLS and found out that the nearest oldsmobile dealer is over 30 miles away. Is it ok if I go to any GM dealer for service or should I only go the to oldsmobile dealers for regular service.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I've been taking my Intrigue to the Chevy dealer whose used car lot it was purchased from. Other than not having the oil filter on hand the first time I went there, they've done just fine. Many of the parts are common with or similar to the Impala.
  • MartypaMartypa Member Posts: 50
    Any GM dealer should be able to service your Intrigue
  • tandertander Member Posts: 21
    Regarding service at the Chevey dealer, Ive taken my Intrigue to Firestone for a "$14.95" oil change to learn (when they were all done) that the internal filter cost and additional $8.00 and the jerks also charged $2.50 for the extra quart of oil necessary to top it off. I then took it to Conrads (in Cleveland) and they charged $15.00 out the door for everything. The dealer wants $29.95 for the same thing. Point being, the Chevey dealer may also have these addon on charges.
  • arnie82arnie82 Member Posts: 27
    I've been doing my own oil changes on my '00 since day one. All other service has been taken care of at the local Chevy dealer (formerly Olds/Chevy).
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    Just wanted to share with you that after the kind suggestions here and else where, I've decided on Yokohama Avid Touring based on price. I got them for $79 each, the works. I actually used http://www.tirerack.com to haggle the price down at Discount Tire.

    After a day, I'm impressed with the ride quality and low noise. Dry traction is fine and I'm still to check it on wet pavement.

    Thank y'all.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I purchased these a couple months ago and am very happy with them also.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Finally got around to cleaning up the black rocker panels on my Intrigue. The Mother's Back to Black solution works great. Washed up the car and it looked new again. Thanx to all who recommended it!!
  • ozznetozznet Member Posts: 81
    You can also us a foaming tire cleaner(I can't remember the name) not the glossy spray. I used it last week and it worked great plus it lasts longer than back to black.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    ozz : The tire cleaner will not get out the white wax marks I got on mine by mistake. Only regular dust/ dirt.

    3trigs : No I didn't clean the mirror brackets. They still look fine. As for no name cheap gas, I avoid it usually. Sometimes if up in cottage country though, that's all there is. Of course up there, it's not cheap.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Does the Intrigue have a turn signal relay, and if so, where is it? I was looking in my manual and I saw there are two fuse boxes, one on the passenger side dash and the other under the hood. But I did not see where the turn signal relay is. Both of my turn signal lights blink with my right signal on, and I can hear a secondary clicking coming from inside the dashboard. Also sometimes my left turn signal takes a few seconds to start blinking after I turn it on. Is the relay located under the dash near the steering wheel? I don't want to pay my dealer to diagnose and fix this if it's a part that costs a few bucks.
  • moonshadowmoonshadow Member Posts: 256
    the signal flasher is incorporated into the hazard warning button on the dash. If you place your fingers on the button when the signals are doing their thing you will feel it clicking..

    The old days, i fear, are gone forever.

    You can access this by pulling out the center air deflector. It is just snapped in. If i remember rightly there are several snap holder thingees, two on the bottom , at the left and right, in about an inch from the edge. Maybe one in the center. The top may have one in the center. Cannot remember. As always, it is very easily to see how it is held in after you have it out. haha

    I lifted up on the vent and slide a thin flat blade screwdriver near the clips to help assist. Carefull on the vinyl dash and the clip locks are only in about 1/4 inch. There is enough play in the vent hole that you do not have to pry hard at all. Just use the screwdriver to pull the vent out after each clip is freed to keep it from re locking. Do one clip at a time as you remove it, be patient and you should not break any.

    It is also excessable by removing the black bezel that surrounds the gauges. If i remember i found this to be a little trickier it that more parts had to be removed around the steering column to get at the bezel and there wasn't as much room to get your hands in there. Been a while. Sorry for the vagueness.

    Once your in there, there is a snap on the side of the plug with the wires and there is also a plug snap to hold the flasher card to the inside of the dash.

    This component is a circuit card with goodies that is inside a plastic black box affair and looks expensive. Did not price it as i was in there to quiet mine down as it was driving me and da wife crazy with the loud clicking. I ended up wrapping it with 1/2 inch felt insulation and cut the infernal noise by at lest half.

    If your lights are flashing well on one side and the other is intermittent slow startup on the other i would look closely first at the condition of the bulbs and sockets to ensure good contact.
    Sounds like you may have a bulb going bad or developing a high resistance in the filament or socket. Once the current starts to flow, the contact improves until it cools down again.

    If you have a ohm meter check for resistance in the bulb and compare it to an identical bulb, should be no more than a few ohms. The filament should be a fine coil with no pitting or oxidization like look to it.

    good luck and keep posting to your solution.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    If your lights are flashing well on one side and the other is intermittent slow startup on the other i would look closely first at the condition of the bulbs and sockets to ensure good contact.
    Sounds like you may have a bulb going bad or developing a high resistance in the filament or socket.


    My lights are all screwed up.

    If my headlights are on, and I depress the brake pedal my left rear amber turn signal light illuminates and my right rear brake light does not come on. This does not happen if my headlights are off, my brake lights work fine.

    If my headlights are off and my right turn signal is on, when I depress the brake pedal my left front turn signal flashes also, but at a slower rate. So both of my front turn signals flash. This does not happen with my headlights on.

    So what could cause my lights to act so screwy with my headlights on/off and brake pedal in/out? Some of you are probably thinking this sounds familiar, because I had this problem last summer and it went away but now it's back for good it seems.
  • moonshadowmoonshadow Member Posts: 256
    Holy crappers batman!

    Sounds like the car is possessed!

    I read your post a couple of times to find a common link and i know why your going crazy.

    Is this problem know constant and consistant?
     
    It would appear that you have a voltage crossover somewhere, say through a shorted switch, socket or perhaps a corroded plug.

    One thought may be a short in the steering column between the headlight/parking switch and the signal light switch. Had that one before, still trying to untangle the two hemispheres of my brain from that.

    Another thought is that these cars have battery saver mode which probably means a module somewhere. Somehow after a time limit, all lighting loses battery supply or ground to disable them. I have not really gone into any the schemas for this feature and i have not had anyone come to me with this problem yet.

    Remembering that you have an air bag and not to touch or play or probe any bright yellow connectors you might try to disable/unplug some systems like say the plug on your brake pedal or perhaps the headlight switch plug to see if your signals behave properly. I hate airbags, from the servicing aspects.

    I think someone here had ordered a service book , maybe oldsman?, If i had access to a schematic, it may be possible to find a source for the systems crossing over.

     Check any bulbs that have dual filaments in which one may be shorted, feeding source voltage where it does not belong.

    If you feel energetic, you may try removing bulbs and leaving them out until some sanity returns to the controls. For instance, Each headlamp assembly has its own plug so the front can be disabled real quick.

    The above are ideas off the top of my head in no particular order, just thinking out loud.

    Does the problem happen if your headlights are on automatic?, ie. the headlamp/parklight switch off. Throw a rag or something over the sensor and get the auto s to kick in.

    You could try unplugging the brake bulbs and see what happens. For that matter, unplug low beams and see what happens, then the high beams etc. etc. The signal bulbs up front have a dual filament shared with with the DRLs.

    Can you get a free code scan to see if you have any body control codes?

    Have you ever had a dealer look at this problem? Did they have any idea? would it happen for them?

    If you could unplug the flasher unit i mentioned earlier, it would be interesting to know if your brake lights functioned normally with lights off and on.

    I lot of ideas and suggestions but some times it takes a stream of them to help you focus and keep you from running around in circles.

    Try to think of simple reasons first before you go head deep. Like my old boss liked to say, "give someone enough rope and they will end up hanging themselves"
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Is this problem know constant and consistant?

    Yep, this problem is constant now.

    Does the problem happen if your headlights are on automatic?

    The problem happens either way, auto or manual.

    Can you get a free code scan to see if you have any body control codes?

    Autozone will scan it for me for free, but would an electrical problem like this show up in the OBD?

    Have you ever had a dealer look at this problem? Did they have any idea? would it happen for them?

    I got the notorious "could not duplicate". However, at that time it was more intermittent, now it is constant.

    Thanks for the ideas. I'm going to try and pull some fuses and check my battery connection. I'll check the bulbs too.

    I have an extended warranty (Warranty Gold), but unfortunately I think their underwriter went bankrupt and they aren't paying claims. It'll probably be out of pocket unless I can get WG to reimburse me.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    If your wife needs something smaller than the Deville, I would check out the Caddy CTS. Heads and tails above the TSX, although a bit more expensive. I've seen the TSX and not impressed, typical dull boring Japanese styling and only 4 bangers. The 4 I've ever liked is the Saab 9-3. Almost started serious shopping on one, then decided to hold out for a CTS. And a bit of me wonders if Saab is going to be the next Oldsmobile. Many Saab loyalists are made as hell at what GM is doing with the brand(i.e. no more hatchbacks, an SUV, and a rebadged Subaru) and are already saying the brand is as good as dead. The telling will be whether traditionally non-Saab buyers(like myself) take to the brand's new products. It seems to be working for Cadillac but certainly didn't for Olds.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I have tried to get 3trigs into a CTS but have not been succesful.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Massive price difference.. Different class of car though I guess the 9-3 linear and TSX compare well on all but resale value.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    It is still a 4 and will not idle as smoothly as a 6 or 8.
    Every, and I mean every 4 cylinder Honda I have been in vibrates at stoplights with the car in gear.
    You would be happier with a V6 Accord I think.
  • winbrowinbro Member Posts: 235
    yes odometer flickers & the PRND21 section lights up like a movie marquee in rotating sucession. I tried to sell this 98 intrigue with 65k mi, but who would buy it with the flickering. also had lots of other problems over the years. was offered $2700 in trade on a new honda.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    $2700!!!
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Coming from the 3.5 liter in the Intrigue and the Northstar in your Caddy, I think you'll miss having the low end power with the Acura. Still though, it's not a bad piece for the price. IMO, it's what the Honda Accord used to be. I just can't get past the styling. And I have to wonder what kind of crap the kids will start putting on them in a few years when they start hitting the used market.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I still thinbk there are ongoing transmission problems with those cars.
    Jgriff had his problem and there are countless others.

    The VVT, lower 1st gear and lower final drive gives the CTS the punch off the line that the Intrigue didn't have.

    But if you have to pay 35K to get it how you want then there are other options.

    I think 3trigs wants to stay under 25K. So the small Acura is closer to that range, but I am not buying a 4 cylinder.

    Unless it is a Sabaru WRX STi with a smoother running boxer 4.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    winbro : I'll give you $2800 ;-)

    3trigs : Accord is a good car, but it's nothing special. That's my main issue with it (as well as the rear end).
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Seems like a no lose option at its price given its resale value. Might be some discounts available on it once the new TL comes out in the fall and steals some of its thunder though.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    I was a bit surpised when I checked out the Accord forum today and read messages from a few former Intrigue owners who ditched GM because their Intrigues were not up to par. Not sure I would get the sedan unless they make the rear end more like the coupe. Engine is a gem though. The TSX or the Mazda 6 will probably be next for me. Refinement and handling are tops on my list for next vehicle. I'd consider the 9-3 if I could be confident in its resale value. The mazda's wouldn't be great but its cheaper.

    Speaking of handling and refinement (I guess lack thereof in this case), I read that the next Stang will still have a solid beam rear suspension except for the Cobra model.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I think Olds sold about 80-90K Intrigues/year in 98 and 99. 2000 dropped to around 60K. 2001 was down to around 35K and I think only about 20K in 2002. Actual 2002 calendar year production was 13,243 according to Automotive News.

    So total is less than 300K in 5 years. 3.5 introduced in the 99 model year so best guess is about 150K 3.5 engines.
  • tinoman1tinoman1 Member Posts: 42
    1998 bought in aug 1997 (vin # seq # is 1035) - bought too soon?????

    had a laundry list of problems over the years - similar to what everyone else has.

    just traded for honda accord - got $4200 in trade for Olds (65k miles)

    PS - advertised the intrigue for 3 weeks in a row in the local paper; week 1 ($6500 OBO); week 2 ($5800 OBO); week 3 ($5500 OBO) - got a total of 5 call over the treee weeks and only one showed to look at it. paper reaches 100,000 +
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    These trade in values are really depressing.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Yeah I wonder if 98 Civics and Corollas are worth more than that.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I wonder, is the Intrigue really any worse than Taurus, GP, etc.? According to Kelly Blue Book my 2000 GX in good condition is worth $6500 in trade with 45K miles. A 2000 Taurus SE, same mileage, same options with 24v engine is worth $6135. A comparable GP SE with 3.8l is $6800.

    OTOH, a 2000 Camry CE with the same equipment but only the 4 cyl comes in at $9150 and a V-6 LE at $10,160. A 4 cyl Accord DX comes in at $8300 and a 6 cyl LX at $11K.

    So it would appear that the Intrigue is in the same ballpark, depreciation-wise, with its domestic competitors and that they all suffer in comparison to the competing imports.

    If one is buying with resale in mind, buying American is a mistake.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    If one is buying with resale in mind, buying American is a mistake.

    Maybe one day I'll wake up and realize this. Of course, I keep my cars for 6-7 years, so maybe it doesn't matter as much.
  • w5kapw5kap Member Posts: 32
    I was one of those guys dumping my Intrigue after 3 1/2 years for an Accord. I got $5k for a 99 GX in great condition with only 45K miles on it! Anyone wonder why I'll never buy American again? I have had Honda's and Toyota's before but always fell back into the GMC trap. Never again. If those resale values don't tell you how bad they are, well, I guess you're not paying attention. Thanks to all of you folks on this forum whose comments helped me know what some of the problems were before I took the car in. For what it's worth, I got an Accord V6 with Leather and navigation for under 27,000. I am a very happy camper. Thanks again guys!
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