30th May 2009, 00:16

Bought my 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue new at 60 miles and now it is approaching 99K. Absolutely love the car and have experienced two of the common problems. Lights flickering and excessive oil consumption.

The car was first in the shop at 4K miles to fix the light flickering problem and the alternator was replaced by the dealer per some service bulletin, this did not fix the problem. Working with a second dealer we learned that the problem was caused when the cooling fans turn on. A technician attached a device to the car and was able to duplicate the problem by turning on the low and high cooling fans at the same time. As I understand how the alternator may not keep up with the power demand of the fans, I did not pursue the issue after learning the cause. The problem has never been resolved although I am tempted to try the Bosch alternator.

The oil consumption was at about a quart every 1000 miles and I replaced the PCV Valve, which I had expected a dealer or service shop would have done during one of the frequent oil changes... every 3000 - 4000 miles. The first reported change is at 60K... my fault. After that the consumption problem diminished for about 10K, but came back at 70K with a vengeance. I have replaced the PCV every 10K miles which leaves me adding oil about every 2K miles. Need a closer investigation of the CV system.

27th Jul 2009, 14:51

I've owned my 2000 Intrigue since it was new. Never had any hint of problems until it hit 100K miles. Then it began puffing some blue smoke when I started it, and began the dreaded intermittent starting issue where you turn the key and get nothing, and also began the light flashing and turn signal issue.

The electrical problems did not affect driving, however the headlights flashed as well as the dashboard. I found if I put the headlights in manual on rather than use the automatic switch, at least they stayed on. But the dashboard lights continued to flash. I also noted the majority of times this occurred, my wife or someone else was riding with me. I traced the common wiring down to the inside fuse panel on the passenger side of the car. I removed the panel, cleaned all the fuses as well as the bus lines and the battery and ground terminals, and the problem went away. That was about 18 months ago and I've had no dashboard, headlight flashing or loss of turn signals since, so I believe that cured my issue with that.

However, I still have the start issue despite having changed the ignition switch and alternator, plus cleaning the underhood fuse block and all ground and battery connections under the hood. I don't have the security system so I've ruled that out. But as the blue smoke is getting worse and has begun blowing out the rear after I've idled along in traffic, it may be time to retire the car. It's a shame. Still looks great, rides comfortably and gets decent mileage.

27th Jul 2009, 20:44

It's probably your valve stem seal gone bad. BTW which engine do you have in your Intrigue?

31st Aug 2009, 18:17

Had my 2000 since new, done all regular maintenance when due. Have replaced both hub bearings, tie rods.

Just done widow regulator driver side, 37.00 free shipping, 45 minutes to replace, not bad.

Only left stranded once; wire going to coil frayed.

Have had a problem with a low coolant light.

Car has 150000 plus. Just normal issues as with any car of age.

2nd Sep 2009, 14:37

I own 200- Intrigue since new.

Let see where to begin with problems:

1. Cruise indicator flashing a couple of months after purchase. When it's flashing you cannot use cruise. Took it the dealer to get it checked out. Dealer response "No problem Found". To this day it still occurs.

2. Irregular idling. Can sensor messed went.. very conveniently just after the warranty expired. ~$700.

3. Irregular idling, and car will idle higher and higher to a point that you have to turn it off. Took it to dealer, again dealer response "No Problem Found, bring it in when it's occurring". Still to this day they haven't told me how I would do that when engine is idling @ 3000 rpm and car wants to launch out when put in gear, not to mention that I'll be doing 160 in city or burn out the brakes.

4. The problem with headlight and turn signals and bulb socket has been occurring since about 2 years into the car purchase. So far have replaced 2 headlight bulb sockets (burned to crisp) and just this week replaced 4 bulbs (left signal, right signal, brake, read brake and turn signals.

All the while, the dealer and GM have not accepted any responsibility into this piece of crap having electrical problems.

Imports dealers here I come... This is the last time I buy GM.

Angry GM owner.

7th Sep 2009, 11:57

I as well have a 2000 Olds Intrigue. Same problem with the left blinker, replaced the bulb and socket, still the same thing, no signal. Very unsafe as well; my car shifts very hard going into second gear, have had my share of problems with my car. Will never go with another GM product.

17th Sep 2009, 16:50

Hello, I have an 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue and there is a loud whine/whistle noise in the engine. If any one has had this, please let me know.

Thanks

John.

20th Sep 2009, 19:02

1999 Olds Intrigue GL 3.5 L - Every problem in the book, and some more than once (steering replaced twice, rotors don't know how many times, etc etc)

135K miles and the transmission just went. Used (not even rebuilt) transmission $1500, plus hub assembly (now have thumping coming from that), tie rod, broken sway bar... latest toll-$2500. Wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't spent so much time and money getting it repaired over the past 10 years, or had abused the darned thing!!

No more GMs!! Next car will be an import for sure. Even if I can't afford one, I'll buy it anyway and live in it!!

15th Oct 2009, 11:27

Overall we love the car. After 4 kids, numerous baseball, football and school events, for the most part it has been pretty faithful to us. We know that we will have to get a new car soon, and will hate to lose her. Currently at 195313 miles, and we did not begin to have problems until recently (around 150,000) however after reading the other comments, I am noticing common problems/issues.

1. Front headlights (left) replaced about 5 times, currently out, but we can use if on bright level.

2. The car definitely uses a lot of oil. Get oil changes regularly.

3. Some lights out on the dash, door, no biggie.

4. Service engine light has been on-off for two years, gas cap has been replaced twice.

5. For years the front passenger side carpet would be soaking wet. After we lost our windshield due to an accident this year, the guy found out the little plastic piece (a defect on this car) had fallen out. He glued it back in and NO water at all. Of course this ruined our blower motor, so we have been without air/heat for a while ($400 to replace). If you hear a noise that sounds like a duck is in your car or a loud squealing sound, your blower motor is about to go out. For years, I blamed the kids.

6. The most consistent of the problems has been with the car overheating. 3 radiators, water pump and various parts have been replaced. The car will run great for a while, and then will start to run a little hot again (just had another part replaced today for about $150).

7. The moon roof/sunroof was stuck one winter, we just closed the cloth partition. Took it in to get replaced, and the guy pressed the button and it worked. Go figure.

Weird and strange:

1. The weirdest of them all around 120,000 miles, the gear shift sticks in cold weather (40 degrees and under). We have to wait about 15 minutes or so for the car to warm up (hard to do when it is running hot), and then it is okay. We now have to duct tape the gear selector down a little bit, and then we are good to go.

2. Car cut off on us on (ONCE) the highway going about 75 miles per hour. That was scary! It has not happened again. Call the manufacturer to put that on record.