Oldsmobile Intrigue

vcjumper

I get it too in the same spot.

moonshadow

The #135 post I referred to was from the Intrigue Owners/ problems & solutions thread here at Edmunds.

top of the page and "select oldsmobile intrigue owners club" or the link below . Hope the link works, first time trying the link up.

benny1345 "Intrigue Owners: Problems & Solutions" Jul 24, 2003 1:17pm

pat

But here is the link to the exact message: moonshadow "Intrigue Owners: Problems & Solutions" Nov 27, 2002 6:26pm.

In order to link a specific post, you right click on the highlighted message number and choose "copy link address" (or similar text depending on your browser). Then you go to the message box and just right click and paste.

It will look odd in the message box, but when you post, it will look like what you see here - name of poster, name of discussion (if different than the current discussion, if the message you are linking is in the same discussion in which you are posting, the discussion name will not appear), and date and time of post.

Moonshadow, you linked to a post a couple pages after yours. I got the link here in my message by right-clicking on the message number of your post and then pasting here as I describe.

Hope this helps!

moonshadow

Thanks for the heads up.

I knew there had to be an easier way. I tried copying the "page" but got the gobolly [non-permissible content removed] like you said, didn't like the look of it so i just copied the thread for the link.

Very best, much appreciated.

pat

Yah, that info may be in the Town Hall help file (link on the left side of the page), I'm not sure. I do know that it is not at all intuitive. Who would guess that the mess you see when you paste would turn into something legible, much less workable!

In any case, glad to help!

sunsession

Thanks everyone for your interest in my problem. I didn't mean to spark such a controversy.It never occurred to me to take offense at anything dindak said. Yes, I do have a spoiler, but all attachments to the car seem very secure (rubber gasket around mounts, etc.). This license plate thing seems like a likely answer. The water does pour from that metal "pouch" directly behind the plate (inside the trunk). It does seem to happen during wind-driven heavy rain, but not after going through a car wash. Moonshadow, I will check your past posting and proceed from there. Thanks.

sunsession

Just noticed something interesting this morning. My rear license plate is attached to the car only with the top 2 bolts. The bottom holes are empty. Could this be the entry way for the water? My first task will be installing 2 more bolts. Then I'll give it the "garden hose test." Check back this evening.

moonshadow

I too only had the upper bolts, and while i'm sure this was an entry point, i had water track marks(seen from inside) from the upper holes as well.

sda

Perhaps the easiest way to fix the trunk leak is: open trunk lid, at license plate mounting points (4 square plastic retainers /leave license plate alone),on inside of the trunk lid take some clear silicone glue and glue around retainers and insert glue into empty screw holes and base of inserted screws. You'll get a good seal, and if you need to, it won't be difficult to remove later. Since its in an area that no one ever sees, it doesn't matter what it looks like. Ofcourse, be as neat as possible. Not much effort and an effective fix. Just a thought.

dindak

Could be the problem though I only have 2 bolts and I have no leaks.

Does your car sit inside at all or is it out 24/7?

dekester

I sent a fax to the dealer where I had the Trig's rear stablilzer issues repaired in the past requesting thet they please have the parts on hand before I bring the car in as I am a consultant and do not get paid for days off.

The service manager called me to say that he would arrange for a loaner. I asked "Even though the car is out of warranty?" He said "I'm the service manager; I can do whatever I want."

Looks like I'll take an early leave one day next week to drop the car off, get the loaner, and reverse the process when the car's ready.

I guess it pays to partonize the dealer where I purchased the car from, even though they are 40 miles away!

He also expressed concern that this will be the third time the same repair is being performed and seemed to wonder why the past two tries hadn't permanently fixed the problem.

Maybe I can get a free ISS lube out of them since I had the ISS replaced there when the car wa sonly 6 months old (under warranty), or should I not try to push my luck?

Deke

racer_x_9

Had my Intrigue in for service at 46,000 miles. Front and Rear brake pads are only 40% worn in. They even microned the rotors and they are straight. Have orginal pads in the front and the rears were replaced at 7,000 because of a moan that a TSB was out for.

BTW I had the outside temp gauge replaced (a $12 part you can do yourself). I have a zero deductible extended warranty so I had the dealer do it. They got 1.1 hours of labor for it to the tune of $100. If it ever happens replace yourself.

Still very happy with my 99 Intrigue (3.8)

ian18

Once I looked up from underneath the front of the car (not from the topside down) I very clearly saw the temperature probe. It also cost me about $12 to buy and only about 10 minutes to replace. If the dealers are booking 1.1 hours of labor, it is absolutely a rip-off!

v8lincolnguy

If you find a dealer that truly cares about you(the customer) and does everything they can to see that your satisfied, it is well worth a 40 mile drive. I would have driven twice that if I could have found an Olds dealer that would have corrected my Intrigue's problems THE FIRST TIME and not inflict body damage on my car.

coonhound

With 45,000 miles on an Intrigue gx there are no major or minor complaints. The ISS and steering rack were replaced under warranty and that,s it.

Fuel mileage has been a minimum of 22 mpg to 35 mpg. The exhaust note is beautiful music to the ears. No leaks ravels or runs. I still believe it to be the best GM has ever offered. I opted for an Alero GL for a few more quid than another GX but have regretted that decision somewhat. There have been several problems with the 2.4 liter Alero. However nothing major considering a super dealer service department.

dindak

We got the 2.2L Ecotec in our Alero. Little less HP but much more refined and rock solid reliable. GM should have put the 2.2L from the start.

sunsession

Sounds like a good idea for a solution. My car is always outside. I did the garden hose test this morning, aiming a heavy stream at the license plate area for a couple of minutes, but no water got inside. I think that the water has to hit for an extended period of time, such as one might experience in a soaking rainstorm. I will try the fix suggested by sda and just wait to see what happens. Thanks.

TSchramm

Turned out it was the ABS motor - $525 for parts and labor. Can't complain, though, with 79k miles this is the first expense beyond normal maintenance and tires my '98 has required. Only other problem has been the ISS, but Olds paid for that.

Thanks for all the feedback.

taycron

I won a bid on a 2000 Intrigue on Ebay and I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing. I remembered liking the Intrigue at auto shows so I made a bid that was accepted. I was real happy with winning it then I did some research and found that not all Intrigue owners are happy. The car has 109,000 miles (a lot for a 2000), it's in good shape and only went for $3,500... I know that no one can tell me what to do but I would like to hear a few suggestions. I'm supposed to pick the car up Monday and am having second thoughts. I do hate the thought of backing out of an ebay deal but then again, car salesmen are no saints either. I still might get it..

Here is the link to the car. Thanks..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2434698950&ssPageName=ADME:B:BN:US:1

ozznet

I would do the deal personally. I mean for 3500 dollars how can you go wrong. Even if you have a couple thousand in repairs its still only 5500 dollars. Is there a safety on it?

taycron

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what a safety is..

dindak

Bit risky buying on Ebay with out a test drive, but it sounds like a very good deal even with the mileage.

Main things to look for : clicking in steering, flickering headlights. I have a 2000 and it's been a great car aside from those 2 issues both fixed under warranty. Drive train will be solid.

Good luck

taycron

Thanks.. I only live a few hours away from the place so I will be able to drive the car before I put my money down. I know the ebay thing is a contract but if I don't like it I'll just leave. I'll check the steering and lights. If it has one of these problems would you recommend not geting it? Are there any fixes for them?

dindak

Alternator will likely need to be replaced for the lights and a ISS lube is likely what you will need for the steering thought the whole shaft could need replacing. Good chance that has already been done though.

taycron

I could deal with the alternator but replacing the whole shaft sounds expensive. I hope it has already been done. I have no way of knowing though.

nickper

Does anyone know any way to adjust the automatic headlight sensor? My headlights are coming on way too often - when they aren't needed - and the dimmed radio/odometer can't be seen when the sun glares in. No big deal, just an annoyance to me. The sensor isn't broken, just a little too picky. I know it is usually near the ft defroster, but there is this dome thing which I am going to assume is the remote keyless system and then there is this hole if front of it. Is that for a screw/fastener or is the sensor in there? Any help would be appreciated.

v8lincolnguy

I'm not the world's most satisfied (former) Intrigue owner, but for $3500 that sounds like a decent deal. Despite the car's shortcomings, it does have alot of serious hardware included.

ozznet

How do you take out the battery. It doesn't look like theres a lot of room there. Do you have to remove that bar above it?

b4z

Ahhhh. Bronze mist. Same color as mine. Looks like it has the same interior also.
I have been bidding on ebay for over 2 weeks now on a Lexus, but keep getting outbid.
Keep in mind if you don't take the car(unless there was another arrangement) you will get negative feedback which will hurt your chances to buy something in the future.

dekester

Very timely! Just replaced my battery last week....
The bar needs to be moved along with the fuse block.

Remember to keep the rubberized battery blanket/shield to reinstall on the new one.

Deke

ozznet

Thanks. Thats almost as bad as my dads Chrysler Cirrus.
  His battery is in the the wheel well. So you have to take the tires off to get to it.
Who designs these cars that something as simple as a battery can not be just pulled out.

taycron

Are you getting rid of your Intrigue? Do you still like the it?

sda

Though the miles are high, car (from what I can see from photos) looks straight and clean. A good waxing and interior detailing and it will really sparkle! I noticed it has the option package that includes the leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 6 speaker (Dimensional Sound System), and probably has the folding rear seat. This is as close you can come to it being a GL without buying a GL. Good Luck and Enjoy!

taycron

Thanks, sda. It didn't have the good stereo or leather steering wheel but it sure looked good.

-----------------------------------------------

I didn't know if I would like the color but it really is sharp. The steering did have the usual problems but I bought it anyways. I felt that $3,500.00 for a car this good was worth it.

Things I would like to change.

- Does anyone know of a leather steering wheel cover that looks and feels good? Most of the covers are tacky.

- I will have to replace the plastic transmission button. It falls off. I doubt it is expensive.

- I would like to fix the steering play. I know it's something that plagues most of you. I can live with it but if I can do something to improve it it would be nice. I know dindak mentioned replacing the stalk or greasing the unit. I'll look into those.

Thanks for the help, everyone. I appreciate it.

v8lincolnguy

b4z got rid of his Intrigue several years ago. He's got an Impala now.

Battery, the Intrigue's battery location can't be worse than the Aurora's. It's beneath the rear seat. I like the battery location on my LS. It's in the truck in the spare tire compartment. Just lift the tire compartment lid and the battery is right there. I can't wait for the day I need to jump somebody off at work and I back the rear of my car up the front of their car:)

vcjumper

Sounds like you will need to get the ISS (intermediate steering shaft) lube done at the GM dealer.

As for leather steering wheel cover, look up wheelskins on google.

I think the button on the shifter is part of the whole shifter knob. The whole knob can be removed using needle nose pliers to remove a pin at the front of the knob. Replacement is probably $50, or more for the leather version.

taycron

Thanks, v8lincolnguy.

Thanks for the info, vcjumper. I always wondered what ISS meant..

hammen2

Actually, v8lincolnguy, the battery in the back seat of the Aurora is not a bad place for it to be. Unlike having to take the tire off on the Chrysler design, the seat cushion comes out pretty easily (unless you're a small/undersized person, in which case you're probably not going to be lifting out the 60 lb battery). The battery does have a pretty strong handle...

Being under the back seat, rather than under the (hot) hood, means a longer battery life, as well as helps weight distribution for the nose-heavy Aurora. There are remote terminals for jump-starting, and the battery is vented (no chance for explosion/fire, unless you replace with a non-Delco battery which isn't vented - hey, it's happened!).

How often do you need to access the battery anyway? I've done so exactly once on my Aurora - when I replaced it, after 5+ years. I think Olds (and Lincoln :-) copied this from some Mercedes models, where the battery is in the trunk...

--Robert

dekester

Bringing the 98 in for the third repair of the rear stabilizer "rattle". SInce this will be a freebie under the 1 year parts warranty, I might as well give the service dept some extra business. Need to replace the belt (original and starting to show cracks) and have the ISS lube done. Maybe since they replaced the ISS under warranty when car was less than a year old, they'll do this for nothing? Since I've seen mention here that it's about $75.00, I' ll just pay for it.

Only other annoyance is a mis-alignment of the driver's door - too far in at the bottom. This should be an easy fix for them to do; just an adjustment, right?

Still love the fact that I'll get a loaner! Now that we're a two-car family again, I really hated to have the wife drive out to meet me and be without for a day or two...

Deke

ozznet

The rear seat isn't that bad of a spot because when its 40 below and you have to change a battery you can do it inside instead of the cold.

I wanted to get a new Motor Master Eliminator battery because I had one in my Grand Am and when it was 30 below zero it started like it was 20 above. I guess I will have to do it soon so I don't have to take off all that crap to get to it.

vcjumper

Just picked up a set of Michelin Pilot Alpins for the winter for $250CDN for a set of four that were used one season. Stock tire size. Looking forward to trying them out.

b4z

I reread my post and I guess I should have used past tense.
V8lincoln clarified.

My main problems were noisy suspension and a rough start condition.

I think they have a handle on the suspension noise now.

brake shim kit would have cured it.

I kind of miss the car. The Impala is more of family car. More room but no real sporting pretensions. Although it corners well.

The intrigue begged to be driven. Every time I pulled away from a stoplight i wanted to put my foot into it, and hear that sound, and feel that rush when it hit 3500 rpms.

The impala is the opposite. The torque is excellent, but you don't want to stomp it because it is not aurally rewarding.

For what you are paying, I would definitely go ahead with the deal.

v8lincolnguy

I personally like the batteries being in the trunk or under the rear seat as it keeps it away from it's three main enemies; heat, salt, and water. The only problem with it being beneath the rear seat is you have to remove the cushion to get it out. Having said that, it should last longer being there(or in the trunk) as it is away from the elements.

dekester

If you check back in the 60's the performance cars had the batteries relocated to the trunk for better weight distribution. A 60+ pound battery makes a BIG difference in balance! Also it helped traction by adding that much more weight in the rear end where it was needed.

A popular modification, even when I was in high school in the early-mid 70s was to buy a relocation kit. Many Camaros, Chargers and Barracudas in my school sported this mod. Real strange to see two cars backed up to each other for a jump!

Deke

sda

In the November issue of Consumer Reports, they did a test of all season and performance tires. Though not an exhaustive list, they listed Falken as their #1 performer and it was also the least expensive. Of the 19 tested, the Michelin Pilots came in 4th, Michelin MXV4 6th, Yokohama Avid 8th, Goodyear Eagle LS (original equipment on Intrigues without autobahn/PCS)9th, and Firestone Affinity LH 19th. If you're in the market for tires, this issue is worth a look.

sunsession

In post 10233, vcjumper mentions that a pin holds the shifter knob to the stalk. My shifter knob is loose...there is lateral play when twisted one way and the other. My knob is leather-covered, but there seems to be a cut in the leather in the dashboard-facing part of it. Is this where the pin is? Do you know of a way to tighten the knob? It is only the knob that moves, not the whole shifter stalk. Thanks.

lmacmil

I had mine repaired under warranty. Can't recall what the work order said but I can't imagine it could have been more than a 1 hour job.

focus

who makes them? are they available in Canada? it seems potenza 950 (#3 on list) is the best choice if there is no snow in your area.

ab348

I visited their website at www.falkentire.com (a pretty goofy site) and couldn't find anything in my Intrigue's size. They do have a dealer here locally, but it's not a place that I would ever have thought to buy tires at. I think they are mostly a fringe player. Hopefully I can get a good deal on a set of Michelin Pilots when the time comes.

codog2

The "Check Engine Soon" Light has come on my 98 Intrigue (138k miles). I went to Autozone to pull the code for me and they said it was:

P141 - O2 Sensor Bank 1 / Sensor 2

My questions which O2 sensor is that (I know there is at least two 1 before the cat. converter and 1 after)? Does any body know where it is located? Is this a do it yourself job, are they easy to replace? Do I need any special tools and how can I reset the light afterwards?

Thanks for the help. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and take it to the dealer. Autozone wants $70 bucks for the sensor