Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter

I bought o 2000 Intrepid on 3-28-03, had it checked out by mechanic, knew title
history (no collisions) and used carfax to check to see if it were a lemon.
Other than the a/c going out 3 days after purchase (had freon refilled and it
lasted 18 hours) I had no major mechanical problems until 2 weeks ago I
noticed a very light ticking under the hood during accel. I took it to the
local dealership Thornton chrysler Dodge located at 2354 Florence BLVD Florence
AL 35630. I was told that I needed a new timing belt and the repair would be
$1600 + . Although I didn't know how I would come up with that much cash, I
agreed to have them repair the car ONLY after the service rep reassured me that
if I fixed the problem now I WOULD NOT need a new motor which would be much
more costly. After one week in the shop, I was informed (after my car had been
disassembled) that my motor was shot at the repairs would exceed $6000. In
quit a bit of shock...remember my car was driveable when I took it in... I did
some online research only to discover that Chrysler is aware of the 2.7 liter
problem. I have read countless posts from people around the country whose
motor also had blown without any warning. Even with routine service and oil
changes many under 30,000miles. I spoke with 2 salvage parts dealers who both
said they are selling the 2.7 engine as fast as they can find them. In many
areas the demand has exceeded supply and the engines are going for 3,000+, and
that is just salvaged not rebuilt. I spoke with the dealership about the 2.7
problem and they acted unaware. Whatever. I call the customer service line
of Daimler Chrysler and was told that althought they ARE aware of the intrepid
problem there has not been a recall issued therefore they dont have to do
anything about it. I still owe $6,200 on the car and I have 2 small children
and now no transportation. I feel like a have been violated by what used to be
one of the "BIG 3". I have found many other with same problem. Please contact
me via e-mail if you have or no of similar situations.

Thanks
Donya

 

That is the first danger! sign for the dealership. The 2.7L engine does NOT have a
timing belt. It has a timing chain which does not replacement as a timing belt
would.

 

Yes - unfortunatley that seems to be a typical story. Some late model
Toyotas (and I understand Hondas, too) have the same problem (severe
engine sludging).

Of course you did say you bought the car used, but I would be interested
to know how often you changed the oil since you bought it.

I too own a 2.7L, but read on this newsgroup and others about the
problems, and so, knowledge being power, have taken preventive measures
with my engine. So far, I am less than 2k miles shy of 100k with no
apparent problems.

BTW - you can find a salvage engine for under $1k (which of course is
also a risk).

You might consider upgrading to a 3.2 or 3.5, but some computer and
wiring changouts would be required. The best answer may be to sell it
for what you can get and cut your losses.

Not much comfort for you, I'm sure, but good luck.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

Not sure, BUT!!!!!!!!!

I believe the dealership (or any service center for that matter) is required
to get your agreement to do any job that goes over the original estimate by
a certain amount.

I cannot see how they felt it was ok to change what they said they would do
without your WRITTEN APPROVAL.

For the money involved an and no transportation, PERHAPS ( and I detest the
need) consulting an attorney may be the cheapest way out of this.

Did you save/get paper work stating a timing belt? If there is no belt,
perhaps this may be a good starting point to show inept procedures?

I wish you the best of luck with this!

h