10th Dec 2006, 10:13

I recently purchased a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue with 35,000 miles – well cared for, I know the former owners. So far so good, but with a few glitches.

We drove the car from southern Florida up north without a single problem. Got about 28 miles per gallon. When we got up north I checked the engine coolant. It is protected to –10 F. I added perhaps a half of cup of the approved coolant (Dex). After that I found that driving for about 20 min the temp gauge started going from mid range to ¾ high and back again. As the temp gauge went in the higher range we could hear this knocking sound under the hood. (This exact scenario in a 2000 Intrigue has been described by someone on this site about a year ago, but I never saw a comment addressing a potential solution to this issue.) Anyway, the temp warning light never went on. Next morning I uncapped the coolant reservoir and ran the engine in idle. Sure enough after about 20 minutes the symptoms began, but the temperature gauge did not go as high. I saw that the noise was being made by a water hose that is located just behind the transmission dip stick and going transverse to the stick parallel to the dash. Also, the coolant fluid in the reservoir would go up and down in level fairly dramatically. I checked the oil and there is no sign of coolant in the oil (cracked heads are a problem on the 3.8 liter, this is a 3.5 liter, but I thought that I would check anyway). So if anyone can give me some advice I would really appreciate it.

Finally, a very minor problem is the passenger seat warmer does not work. Press the button and the indicator light goes on for a split second then goes off and no heat. This was not a feature really needed in southern Florida where we purchased the car, but up north where we are it would be nice. Is this an easy (cheap) fix?

Thanks again for anyone with input and advice.

11th Dec 2006, 13:03

I also have a 2000 Intrigue. I bought it 6 years ago with 20,000 on it. I had good luck with this car for far too long I guess. This year I have spent close to $2000 on repairs and still have things to fix. I have an issue with the blinkers and also had the issue with the car jerking into gear hard. My air conditioner went out, the security light is on, the air bag light is on, and there is a crack in the heater unit that causes a flood on the passenger floor when it rains. I am in the process of having my thermostat replaced and just found out it is an entire housing unit, not just an easy job of replacing the thermostat. The knob for my heater broke 2 year ago. Now I can see why Oldsmobile stopped manufacturing cars. I'm sick of spending money on this car.

13th Dec 2006, 19:32

I have a 2002 Intrigue GL. I love the car, but recently the coolant level was way down and the warning light came on. Just found out it was the intake manifold (a pretty costly repair). I thought this was common on the 3.8 Litre engine, but not the 3.5 litre. However, someone told me that it is a general defect that these cars are known for. Also, thank heavens for someone identifying the flicking (dimming) of the lights and the rear window issue (doesn't work, and then days later it does). I thought I was beginning to lose it! Despite the issues, I really enjoy how the car looks and drives... not to mention the BOSE stereo system... just awesome! However, has anyone else heard of an intake manifold problem with the 2002 model with the 3.5 litre engine?

21st Dec 2006, 13:38

I own a 2000 Intrigue and I am experiencing the same problems as other owners. I have my car in the shop now as I write this trying to find out why it’s overheating. I replaced the thermostat, had the coolant system flushed, changed the oil thinking they would find any evidence of coolant in it which would mean a serious problem, but nothing. I’m beginning to believe it may have something to do with the intake manifold that I’m reading about, but I hope not because that’s an expensive job. I’m having them look at the water pump and I might have it replaced. I too am experiencing the flickering of the headlights and my turn signals work when they want to. I have the leak problem also!! Anyone looking for a 2000 Intrigue real cheap?

27th Dec 2006, 10:22

I bought a used 99 Oldsmobile Intrigue a few months ago. 91000 miles on it now. Almost immediately I had the turn signal issue. The sockets short out commonly on this vehicle. Replaced the socket and it is fine so far. I had the low coolant issue. Used some stop leak and that worked. Had some die at the red lights issues. Used some gas treatment and that worked. (also stopped getting cheap gas at mini-marts) Also seem to have high oil consumption. Used some oil treatment, we shall see if I get lucky there too. Today I had the battery/alternator issue. Here is something good to know, the voltage regulator tells the alternator when to stop charging the battery. If it is cutting out at too low of a voltage, you get a battery light and eventually the lights go dim and the car dies. When you have the alternator tested (for free at an auto parts store), they will tell you that the alternator is good, but the battery is bad. You change the battery and the battery light still comes on. The voltage regulator is built into the alternator on most newer vehicles. I am about to go change my alternator. Wish me luck!! I am an aircraft mechanic, I'm attempting cars now!

17th Jan 2007, 20:23

I have a 2001 Intrigue. I bought the car new for its looks and comfort. Big problems, almost immediately. Grinding noise in the front driver's side. Dealer said this was "normal" ABS self-check sound. Later, I experienced rattling noise and looseness in brakes and steering. So far, the dealer has replaced my front tie rods three times and the intermediate steering shaft/gear? twice. They resurfaced my brakes when the car only had 20,000 miles on it! A bad battery cable burned up three baterries until they found the problem. Light flicker.

What a gem of a car! Now the car has 80,000 miles on it. I want to pass it on to my 16 year old daughter, but I am not sure if the car is safe enough. I plan on having the hub assmeblies replaced-when I get the money. A ex-GM certified technician that manages a Speed Lube told me he can tell by looking at the car, that the hub assemblies are bad. Of course, the dealer never has and never will admit to this.

Anyone else having the hub aseembly problems?