has anyone had any problems with the wiper arms freezing up and and stop working, necessitating dealer repair? I had this happen twice on my intrigue and it is quite a safety issue to be without wipers in rain or snow.
You cannot take an Intrigue to Jiffy Lube. They don't have the wrenches needed to remove the oil filter.
But my local Chevy dealer didn't bat an eye when I took the Intrigue in for an oil change. I just made sure to remind him that it uses 6 qts of oil, and uses a "new fangled" oil filter.
BTW, does anyone really let the "idiot light" tell you when to change oil? That's what the owner's manual recommends. It claims the on board computer sums up the engine revolutions and through some kind of formula of your driving style, will tell you when to change oil, which will be "around" 7000 miles.
I'm old enough to remember 3000 mile changes-- (although I'm willing to give the modern formulated oils their due, and let it go to 5000.)
oscarz2: Didn't you used to be oscarz? Mine was in the shop for three days this week. I asked them to look at the non start/rough start problem and they did a no problem found on me again. It's either a cam sensor or a crankshaft sensor.
71ss: the car was ready thursday, but i haven't had a chance to pick it up. I will get it this am.
I only change the oil when the light comes on. I have read many articles about oil changes not needing to be every 3000 miles. Depending on your driving, oil can last for double that mileage. The light is more than just a 3000 mile counter in the Intrigue. It actually measures the oil's need to be changed. I won't let it go past 6000 miles (10,000 kms) if it ever doesn't come on before that
The oil light comes on when a combination of parameters are reached. Rpm's, driving habits, mileage etc. are just some of them. It doesn't actually measure the oil.
With the 4 valve setup I truly think 3k mile limit is a reasonable change. If you lease the car; that is probably a different story for the least expense is the game.
I am in for the longer haul and a few extra changes is a repentance for abusing the engine.. It makes me feel better..
bz4---3.5 is 6 qts. My Northstar is 7 qts. It's the big daddy.. 3.8 is 4.5 qts.
oscarz2: My rough start problem is exactly as you described. I have a '99 GL (built 5/99) with the 3.5L engine. I get a "could not duplicate" from my dealer also. Since my battery was replaced is has not happened as frequently.
99 GLS 4/99 build date--39k miles--3.5L--engine has not been touched--original battery and alternator.
Runs wild, starts easy, and leaks no oil or water.
Just one fine set of wheels which reminds me; the engine needs a qt of oil to keep the innards greased for High Performance.. 800 miles to change +/-100..
The 3.5 has to be the finest motor to come out of the GM camp since the Northstar..
i have a 2000 intrigue. the right side of the center vent blows much cooler air than the left side when the a/c is on. is there any explanation for this?
Well, i finally got a ride to the dealership this morning and picked up my high maintenance bronze beauty. It spent Thurs. Fri. and Sat. night in the dealer's parking lot. Luckily nothing happened to it.
They put in a new lower control arm. The popping sound when turning right is still there. The steering does feel tighter though.
I missed my car and drove it around quite a bit. Drove over to Daniel Island to look at the Tennis Stadium they built for the Family Circle tennis tournament. It will start this coming week. Very impressive, hope it turns out to be a success. Got back on the highway and cruised around at 70. Wish the car was a little quieter though.
While i was at the dealership i noticed that the 2001's do in fact have wheel liners. I need to drive one to see if it is any quieter. I had looked at a 2001 last september and it did not have the liners.
vcjumper: the '98 models have no Oldsmobile badge.
b4z: I have suspected that 1415 is 71ss in disguise. They sound very similar and both own an Intrigue and Caddy... Although 71ss seems to be the more optimistic alter ego, while 1415 deals out the criticism.
b4z: oscarz/oscarz2...I forget, now that you mention it. I tried to log on as oscarz but it didn't work. It may have been before they changed formats, or I have poor memory lately.
j coleman: what are we gonna do? I know others experience this too. I recall it being discussed many times with different theories but as long as dealers say "cannot duplicate", we're stuck.
When i first started on this board there was a guy who posted as 6363. He posted that he was not going to to post anymore under that name and 1415 appeared. Did 1415 go down to florida? I can't remember. I do remember that 1415 used to own a '71 SS though. I guess he got bored and felt like he needed to change something about the way he posted.
I have posted uncountable times about my rough start condition. I think timmyvw has the same problem.
I was at a stoplight this weekend and a Ford Taurus pulled up beside me. We dragged down the highway and he got a bit ahead of me initially. Once the revs go up on the Intrigue, I blew past him. SWEET! This is why I love my 3.5L!
oscarz2: Not sure what we are going to do about the rough start problem. I have already had the battery and crankshaft sensor replaced. Maybe Olds will put out a TSB for this eventually. I have learned to live with it, it happens pretty infrequently.
Greetings to Intrigue land from the Bonneville forum.
Several of us are interested in gathering for a get-together and car show & comparison at the Rockaway NJ Mall off Rt80 on April 22 anytime after noon. We're hoping to see a nice representation of GM brands and have a great time checking out each other's ride.
If any of you are interested, please stop over to the Bonneville forum and let us know or you may email me (see my profile).
I enjoy your forum - seems like the ethos of life here - both enjoyment and grief over Intrigue and Olds in general.
Hope to see some gorgeous Intrigues on April 22nd.
Experienced a shaky-backfiring-check engine startup situation after car sat in my garage for two weeks.. The service engine light came on and stayed on until I shut the engine off and restarted.
After the engine had its temper tantrum, the condition has never repeated..I imagine it is encoded and could be recalled by dealer check..
The Northstar after idleness of 10 to 30 days is a real mess to restart..It is blamed on the gas going bad after prolonged periods of no running..
On starting the 3.5; I do not depress the accel. prior to the initial crank and never touch gas until it is started. I assume one can flood or load up combustion chambers if the pedal is pumped???
When I have a repeated starting problem then I shall let the dealer touch it if they can give me a logical reason for meddling..
There may be differences in gas grades and some of the lesser known brands may be troublesome. I had the Caddy dealer in Fla tell me to stay away from one of the major cheapie gas chains.Can't recall the name though!!
The higher compression Northstar in starting cold will backfire occasionally if the gas pedal is not slightly depressed. I have had emission warnings where the dealer must reset or replace some chip on several occasions. My wife never has the problems as the main driver; but as soon as I get involved, bang!!it blows away..
After not riving my intrigue fo several days it will sometimes shake like crazy, then slowly smooth itself out. Don't hold your breath on any TSB's from olds.
do see this from time to time, whenever I am in a rush and tuen the car to start immediately, as opposed to a slight pause at ON so the fuel tank pump primes (hum heard ). Seems you can "beat it" and it will then not send enough fule for a smooth start. I have read many places where the 'pause' for the pump to prime is recommended for cars with the two pumps, one being in the tank....ketch
p.s. the gurgle to normal oper. rpm occurs fast and the car runs fine then. So "pause before start"
....but I'm here to announce the new Oldsmobile Intrigue Owners club now available on Edmunds.com Owner's Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Sedans.
I have a red 99 GLS with Bose sound system and sunroof. Looks great and rides great (with the 3.5 engine). Sound system kicks butt. Here's the problems I've had so far. Comments on what others have done about these would be appreciated: -noise coming from wheel wells (I think) when I turn or go over bumps. sometimes from the fromt, sometimes from the back. noticed this from the day I bought it..... -noticed a slight thumping feeling coming out of the steering wheel/column when turning. this just started at 21k miles.....My 95 Explorer has the same problem since day 1 and they've never been able to correct it..... -had a burning smell coming from the wheel wells (i think.....can this be related to the noise coming from there?). took it to the dealer and they said it was leaking oil on the engine. they replaced the oil pan gasket. took 2 days for them to get the part! i've smelled that smell since, although only a few times....
Get your intermediate steering shaft repalced. That will solve your clunking noises. The road noise is ever present in intrigues. Don't know if the 2001 wheel liners can be retrofitted.
b4z---I think you can give up your day job; and become an Olds Tech Rep for the southeastern USA. You realize Olds could shut down their high-priced nationwide service and log on to the Edmunds' Intrigue forum and regain their hands on split-second warranty analysis to become the all-caring car division once again..
We also have Ontario covered like a blanket; so nobody should get stranded while venturing into our Nafta neighbor for fun and games along with the wild $$$$$$..
With our 30 members we can help Olds overcome their latest slogan "unable to duplicate" with on the spot solutions..
We even have a West Coast authority if they would stay off of the Big Island.. A two time Intriguer!!!
Enough whacko talk--did you notice?? no politics!!!
If you haven't noticed already, 71ss is 1415. 99 Intrigue and 96 Deville. I've caught him lurking in the Caddy forums as well. Also, the engine starting problem in post 2223 is a dead giveaway as I remember him talking about that when it happened.
vcjumper, that Intrigue you saw with no "Oldsmobile" script was a 98. The only place 98s have the name is etched into the right side back-up lamp lense and on the radio. Smart move Olds, introduce a totally new car and don't put your name on it the first year.
tpken, sounds like fun. Too bad I'm more than an afternoon drive away(TN) or I'd be there with my Intrigue. I'd even try to get my father to bring his 95 Aurora and my brother to bring his 99 Alero. Funny too that you guys are meeting on Earth Day. What a way to counter all the protests and demonstrations by the tree huggers:)
Ketch: I use Chevron (87 octane) only. I've had my car over a year now and only recently have I started cranking right away. I used to pause for a few seconds after turning key (to let system initialize) before cranking. The rough start occurs either way (albeit not very often). It only occurs when engine is warm. I never touch the pedal when starting.
M1A1 Abrams,Main Battle Tank; the ultimate off-road vehicle, 65 tons at 42mph has to be a real kick..
The new Q45 Infiniti 2002 interior is outstanding; and the 340hp for motoring looks like a winner..Since the resale value of the Infiniti somewhat mirrors the decline of Intrigue values; this car could represent an opportunity in the used catagory..
Also enjoyed the convertible tests and the Z-28 is the winner; however noboby buys them so another great value about ready to disappear from our byways..
I believe it's the first time that a Toyota product ever came in dead last in a road test.. Solara is not a standout; and to think the conv is also offerred in the 4 cylinder version..
etharmon---you want to watch those LS tires for you are going to pop out 400 big ones and hand the car over to the dealer.. The next owner will be the winner.. Tires last longer up north for the heat and the abrasive road surfaces in the south kills the tire life..
It's 2:20 am and today I shall call the local tire dealer to see if he is ready to face the gruesome task of selling 4 tires that will balance out to no-shake, perfect runout up to the limit.. I may take the car back to the selling dealer for the Service Mgr had a tire store for several years and understands the art of balancing/runout. They tweaked the 98 Intrigue at 20k miles to absolute perfection on tire balance..of course it cost the factory two new tires; but GM could afford it..
I just bought a used 99 GX (3800) after driving a 92 Escort and I can actually see the needle on the gas gauge move down as I drive. It costs me over $40 bucks to fill up the tank and I'm lucky to get 500 km on it (city driving). Is this normal in a two year old Intrigue? It runs smooth so I don't think it needs a tune-up.
You won't do a lot better than that in the city, and after moving from an Escort, you're going to notice a big difference in costs. $40 cdn though? I pay about $35 to fill mine. I don't drive it till the warning light though.
Based on what you said; I think the gas mileage is average for mostly city-stop/go driving..
Look at the bright side for you have a good set of wheels; and a much safer car with power to spare..Wait until the summer gas comes along and the weather warms up; your mileage will go up several notches.
oscarz2: For about the first 5K miles I used Chevron 89 octane. Now I use Phillips 87 octane. I noticed no difference going from 89 to 87 octane, and now I'm saving money. I also pause "on" before starting, but the rough start still occurs occasionally. I never depress the gas pedal when starting. I average around 18 mpg in my normal around town driving. On 100% highway trips I get 28 mpg.
I'm not sure, have only driven with it on once and just for a few km's. One thing to check is your tire pressure as under inflation will affect mileage slightly.
Thanks for the info. I am basing my costs on my last fill-up at Petro-Canada on an empty tank at $.72/L. Of course the price will fluctuate, but in Ottawa it has been pretty steady around the $0.68-$0.73 mark.
I expected to see a difference in gas mileage but not to actually see the needle descend just going to the corner store! I used to get 500 km/fill on my escort, so this will take some getting used to.
Hi All. Lots of talk about the Trig's gas mileage. I get about 19-20 mpg city, and 26-28 highway. I have a 1998 3.8L, live in the Southeast USA and patronize the cheaper gas stations for 87 octane. My Trig's fuel gauge displays the following behavior: The needle barely moves from the full position for the first 100 miles or so. From 3/4 to 1/4 tank level, I can almost see the needle go down as I drive! Also, as promised, here are my thoughts after renting a '01 3.5L: I drove more than 400 miles in the rental, pretending I was on a Nascar track. The engine was very smooth and responsive to my demands on the highway (and off). I ran into the same speed limit as my 3.8L. The acceleration cut off at about 110 MPH. I noticed the mechanical whine of the 3.5L, but it wasn't unpleasant. I think the low frequency growl of the 3.8L blends in better with road noise and is actually less obtrusive. I noticed a few minor differences between the 2001 and my 1998. For one, the lid to the gas cap is no longer opened by an interior release. No change to the flimsy stereo knobs to control bass and balance though. Still--a wonderful car . . . and I still hope perhaps another GM division (Saturn?) can pick it up.
My last car was a 4-banger too and filling the Intrigue is about 20%-25% more expensive. The double whammy for me was that I bought it just before gas prices went up just over a year ago. The behaviour of the needle is typical of GM cars I've driven (as far as slippery slope from 3/4 to 1/4). Cheap old me I tend to not fill up when the gas is over 70 if I can avoid it (I put $15 in and hope by the time I'm on empty it is cheaper).
Picked it up yesterday from the dealer (this is where I snapped the photo of the 70ish cutlass convertible in the pics section). It is the same thing that SLP sells. Will hopefully get a chance to put it on next weekend.
Comments
On my (4-99) 3.5, it occurs occasionally when motor is warm.
On a normal crank, the rpm briefly jumps (smoothly) above 1,000 and then settles at normal idle.
During a rough start, the rpm "does not" jump above idle, it gurgles right to it.
Is this the case for others that are experiencing this?
But my local Chevy dealer didn't bat an eye when I took the Intrigue in for an oil change. I just made sure to remind him that it uses 6 qts of oil, and uses a "new fangled" oil filter.
BTW, does anyone really let the "idiot light" tell you when to change oil? That's what the owner's manual recommends. It claims the on board computer sums up the engine revolutions and through some kind of formula of your driving style, will tell you when to change oil, which will be "around" 7000 miles.
I'm old enough to remember 3000 mile changes-- (although I'm willing to give the modern formulated oils their due, and let it go to 5000.)
It's either a cam sensor or a crankshaft sensor.
71ss: the car was ready thursday, but i haven't had a chance to pick it up. I will get it this am.
Does the intrigue use 6 quarts or 5.5?
It doesn't actually measure the oil.
I am in for the longer haul and a few extra changes is a repentance for abusing the engine.. It makes me feel better..
bz4---3.5 is 6 qts. My Northstar is 7 qts.
It's the big daddy.. 3.8 is 4.5 qts.
Runs wild, starts easy, and leaks no oil or water.
Just one fine set of wheels which reminds me; the engine needs a qt of oil to keep the innards greased for High Performance.. 800 miles to change +/-100..
The 3.5 has to be the finest motor to come out of the GM camp since the Northstar..
They put in a new lower control arm. The popping sound when turning right is still there. The steering does feel tighter though.
I missed my car and drove it around quite a bit.
Drove over to Daniel Island to look at the Tennis Stadium they built for the Family Circle tennis tournament. It will start this coming week. Very impressive, hope it turns out to be a success.
Got back on the highway and cruised around at 70.
Wish the car was a little quieter though.
While i was at the dealership i noticed that the 2001's do in fact have wheel liners. I need to drive one to see if it is any quieter.
I had looked at a 2001 last september and it did not have the liners.
b4z: I have suspected that 1415 is 71ss in disguise. They sound very similar and both own an Intrigue and Caddy... Although 71ss seems to be the more optimistic alter ego, while 1415 deals out the criticism.
j coleman: what are we gonna do? I know others experience this too. I recall it being discussed many times with different theories but as long as dealers say "cannot duplicate", we're stuck.
Anyone else familiar with the rough start?
Did 1415 go down to florida? I can't remember. I do remember that 1415 used to own a '71 SS though.
I guess he got bored and felt like he needed to change something about the way he posted.
I have posted uncountable times about my rough start condition. I think timmyvw has the same problem.
Don't remember/forgot.. before I forget; b4z!!!did the lower control arm cut the noise level????
Is there a TSB on "control arms"??
Several of us are interested in gathering for a get-together and car show & comparison at the Rockaway NJ Mall off Rt80 on April 22 anytime after noon. We're hoping to see a nice representation of GM brands and have a great time checking out each other's ride.
If any of you are interested, please stop over to the Bonneville forum and let us know or you may email me (see my profile).
I enjoy your forum - seems like the ethos of life here - both enjoyment and grief over Intrigue and Olds in general.
Hope to see some gorgeous Intrigues on April 22nd.
Ken
After the engine had its temper tantrum, the condition has never repeated..I imagine it is encoded and could be recalled by dealer check..
The Northstar after idleness of 10 to 30 days is a real mess to restart..It is blamed on the gas going bad after prolonged periods of no running..
On starting the 3.5; I do not depress the accel. prior to the initial crank and never touch gas until it is started. I assume one can flood or load up combustion chambers if the pedal is pumped???
When I have a repeated starting problem then I shall let the dealer touch it if they can give me a logical reason for meddling..
There may be differences in gas grades and some of the lesser known brands may be troublesome. I had the Caddy dealer in Fla tell me to stay away from one of the major cheapie gas chains.Can't recall the name though!!
The higher compression Northstar in starting cold will backfire occasionally if the gas pedal is not slightly depressed. I have had emission warnings where the dealer must reset or replace some chip on several occasions. My wife never has the problems as the main driver; but as soon as I get involved, bang!!it blows away..
Don't hold your breath on any TSB's from olds.
p.s. the gurgle to normal oper. rpm occurs fast and the car runs fine then. So "pause before start"
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Sedans.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
-noise coming from wheel wells (I think) when I turn or go over bumps. sometimes from the fromt, sometimes from the back. noticed this from the day I bought it.....
-noticed a slight thumping feeling coming out of the steering wheel/column when turning. this just started at 21k miles.....My 95 Explorer has the same problem since day 1 and they've never been able to correct it.....
-had a burning smell coming from the wheel wells (i think.....can this be related to the noise coming from there?). took it to the dealer and they said it was leaking oil on the engine. they replaced the oil pan gasket. took 2 days for them to get the part! i've smelled that smell since, although only a few times....
The road noise is ever present in intrigues. Don't know if the 2001 wheel liners can be retrofitted.
We also have Ontario covered like a blanket; so nobody should get stranded while venturing into our Nafta neighbor for fun and games along with the wild $$$$$$..
With our 30 members we can help Olds overcome their latest slogan "unable to duplicate" with on the spot solutions..
We even have a West Coast authority if they would stay off of the Big Island.. A two time Intriguer!!!
Enough whacko talk--did you notice?? no politics!!!
vcjumper, that Intrigue you saw with no "Oldsmobile" script was a 98. The only place 98s have the name is etched into the right side back-up lamp lense and on the radio. Smart move Olds, introduce a totally new car and don't put your name on it the first year.
tpken, sounds like fun. Too bad I'm more than an afternoon drive away(TN) or I'd be there with my Intrigue. I'd even try to get my father to bring his 95 Aurora and my brother to bring his 99 Alero. Funny too that you guys are meeting on Earth Day. What a way to counter all the protests and demonstrations by the tree huggers:)
j_coleman: what kind of gas do you use?
The new Q45 Infiniti 2002 interior is outstanding; and the 340hp for motoring looks like a winner..Since the resale value of the Infiniti somewhat mirrors the decline of Intrigue values; this car could represent an opportunity in the used catagory..
Also enjoyed the convertible tests and the Z-28 is the winner; however noboby buys them so another great value about ready to disappear from our byways..
I believe it's the first time that a Toyota product ever came in dead last in a road test.. Solara is not a standout; and to think the conv is also offerred in the 4 cylinder version..
etharmon---you want to watch those LS tires for you are going to pop out 400 big ones and hand the car over to the dealer.. The next owner will be the winner.. Tires last longer up north for the heat and the abrasive road surfaces in the south kills the tire life..
It's 2:20 am and today I shall call the local tire dealer to see if he is ready to face the gruesome task of selling 4 tires that will balance out to no-shake, perfect runout up to the limit.. I may take the car back to the selling dealer for the Service Mgr had a tire store for several years and understands the art of balancing/runout. They tweaked the 98 Intrigue at 20k miles to absolute perfection on tire balance..of course it cost the factory two new tires; but GM could afford it..
Look at the bright side for you have a good set of wheels; and a much safer car with power to spare..Wait until the summer gas comes along and the weather warms up; your mileage will go up several notches.
1415 went south I guess; seems like the best for all.
b4z---you never did tell us about the new lower control arm????
Question for all???? In upgrading to different tires; was the front rattle cured,lessened,or not affected???
My LSs are 85% shot and running on 34# cold will produce rattles; but at high speeds, no vibs or shake..
500km on a tank for city is pretty usual. Can do about 600-700 on the highway. This is a 6 cyl 215 HP car. You can't expect Escort mileage.
I expected to see a difference in gas mileage but not to actually see the needle descend just going to the corner store! I used to get 500 km/fill on my escort, so this will take some getting used to.
Also, as promised, here are my thoughts after renting a '01 3.5L: I drove more than 400 miles in the rental, pretending I was on a Nascar track. The engine was very smooth and responsive to my demands on the highway (and off). I ran into the same speed limit as my 3.8L. The acceleration cut off at about 110 MPH. I noticed the mechanical whine of the 3.5L, but it wasn't unpleasant. I think the low frequency growl of the 3.8L blends in better with road noise and is actually less obtrusive. I noticed a few minor differences between the 2001 and my 1998. For one, the lid to the gas cap is no longer opened by an interior release. No change to the flimsy stereo knobs to control bass and balance though. Still--a wonderful car . . . and I still hope perhaps another GM division (Saturn?) can pick it up.