1st Aug 2008, 05:06

They are taking you to the bank. Even had you not bought a replacement alternator, the cost should be $400 or less.

Since you are providing the part, the labor couldn't or shouldn't cost more than $200, especially for that particular car. It is very easy to get to, and replacement should take no more than 30 minutes.

So let's say they charge $80/hr hourly rate and charge you for the full hour, even if it only took 30 minutes, that should come out to less than $100, even with all sorts of fees and taxes. How in the world they come up with $500 is beyond me; that is like doing a clutch job. Definitely do not let them touch your car, and tell them you won't be doing any repairs with them. I would take it elsewhere immediately.

Had they charged $200, I could understand, even that is a total ripoff. Find a shop by calling around or asking people, and settle with one that has a good reputation and will warranty their work for at least 6 months and charge under $200. I could do this in job under 30 minutes easily. That is dis-assembly and reassembly total time.

6th Sep 2008, 00:17

I have a 2001 Olds Intrigue with 158k. I get 30 mpg all the time, I have not replaced the brakes since I bought the car at 34k, and it doesn't use any oil. It runs great except the lights flicker sometimes and the signal lights stop working occasionally and the trans shifts rough after stop-and-go-traffic. I usually hit the 4-way flasher a few times to restart the signal lights. I think the key could be worn out and I think I will replace the TPS.

My other problem is that I just bought a 2000 Intrigue for my wife. It has 82,000 miles and has a blown head gasket. Has anyone tried any thing like Steel Seal?

I would do the head gasket job myself if it's not too hard. I've done head jobs before.

19th Nov 2008, 13:06

I have a '99 GLS with 154k miles. Car is a disaster. Cannot seem to get it to run for more than a month without check engine light coming on. Passing NH emissions test was a nightmare - replacement of secondary air pump, leaking fuel filter etc.

My favorite is mystery leak in trunk so that carpet wet and spare tire well always have water in it. Lovely in winter time to have ice inside your car...

Now (with cold weather) has developed flickering lights syndrome, shifted door trim, and what I think is dying power steering pump.

If shooting this car would help I would do it. No wonder GM let Olds die. Now the Govt is going to let GM die. Small irony there.

Does anyone have a definitive on whether flickering lights is battery, alternator, grounding, or switch/relay related? Or should I just ride it out and dump the car?

4th Dec 2008, 22:16

My wife & I bought a 1999 Intrigue w/3.5L new. She loves it. It does have all of what I see are common problems though. I had no idea until I saw this website. It had the hard starting problem, crank sensor fixed that. It still has the flickering lights, and high oil consumption. Spent our entire "economic stimulus" on shocks and struts last year (strut came apart). The car has 155,000 miles on it, could be worse, I guess.

6th Dec 2008, 13:02

My wife and I own a 2000 Intrique, and we also own a 94 Cutlass. I would trade the 2000 for another 94 Cutlass.

Lights flickered as most, temp gauge raises as high as it will go, anti-freeze is being lost somewhere.

I had a pressure test with no leaks being found. Head lights on low beam does not come on until we move the cruise control. Heated seat shorted out and burnt a hole in the drivers seat. Tires wear out within 30,000 miles.

Alignment was checked everything was OK. Windows don't work, doors stick. I will buy American automobiles forever, maybe they should start making the parts here in the USA and things might be better.

Oh yeah the 94 Olds has 300,000 mile on it and still gets 27 miles to the gallon LOCALLY and 30+ on the highway.

19th Dec 2008, 02:51

I was just quoted $800 (Canadian) from GM dealer to replace my alternator. I am moving next week and just don't have time to shop around. Or do I? after reading a comment here saying it should only take 35 minutes to do... I won't be paying $800.00.

At least the dealer is right across the street from me... so I could just push the car a block (through snow and it is -40 celcius tomorrow) and into my parking spot while I find a better alternative.

Thanks you guys and gals.

28th Dec 2008, 08:58

I have a 2000 Olds Intrigue with a few problems.

1 - The water in the passenger side was from a plugged hose, which is only 3 inches long, and a 90 degree elbow. Had to access it by lying on ground on the passenger side with the tire turned all the way to the driver's side.

My current problems are the flickering lights, which I would go buy a battery if this is the cause?

The heater/AC control will work intermittently as though no power at all, then 10 miles down the road it comes on.

Any help or update would be appreciated!!

steverwolff@aol.com

5th Jan 2009, 00:22

I also have a 2000 Olds Intrigue (great name for this car) I am intrigued why this thing has so many small electrical problems. Here is my list:

1. Independent Heater - it works when it wants too -- I live in MN and it is -10 outside.. this makes for a very cold ride, especially when the heater display doesn't work... I checked all the fuses and relays.. they are fine.

2. Cruise control doesn't work, fuses are OK.

3. Noise in drivetrain, I can't figure it out but sounds like it is the right side. It's not related to brakes as they work great and I don't feel anything out of the ordinary when braking.

4. Independent start - I started car drove 11 miles and shut off... came out of the store 20 min later and it wouldn't do a thing when I tryed the key... lights all went out on dash while I turned key in start position... waited a while and it started fine...

These problems are driving me nuts... please help me before I take this car to the woods and shoot it.

14th Jan 2009, 20:26

I just got a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue from the auction. It was running when I saw it, but I got it home it won't start. I don't know what to do; the car has 157,000 on it.

3rd Jun 2009, 21:53

I'm surprised to read so many complaints... I bought my 2000 Intrigue new, now up to 159,000 miles and other than one episode with the crankshaft sensor - it's never stranded me. Yes I do have the usual headlight flicker, and it burns oil. And it does seem to go through CV boots every few years, but I guess that's just the way cheap aftermarket parts go. Mostly routine maintenance, though. I can't complain for a car that's 9 years old. My previous car (Mazda Protege) was in worse shape when it was that age. It still runs great and has plenty of power, and is comfortable to drive. GM keeps trying to tempt me with rebate mailers, but I'm getting good service from my car so I'll just keep it on the road!