🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Intrepid Year: 1998 Codes Platform: LH (Second Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Full-size sedan, competitor to Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Avalon. Competitive Analysis Unique Selling Points: Distinctive styling, spacious interior, available V8 engine (though not in base models for this year), strong focus on comfort and ride quality. Key Features Design Philosophy: American interpretation of European styling with cab-forward design principles, emphasizing interior space and aerodynamic efficiency. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: All Models & All Repairs A-Z Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Print (Original Factory Document) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system. Engine Performance: Fuel delivery, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine management (PCM/ECM). Transmission Automatic: 42LE automatic transaxle: disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, service, adjustments, torque converter. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, hydraulic system, parking brake. Suspension: Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bar), rear independent suspension (multi-link), steering linkage, alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering column, intermediate shaft, rack and pinion assembly, diagnosis and repair. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams. Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (climate control). Climate Control: A/C system components, refrigerant, operation, diagnosis, repair, heater core, blower motor. Restraint Systems: Airbag system components, SRS module, seat belts, diagnosis and replacement procedures. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors). Wheel And Tire: Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, rotation procedures, wheel alignment specifications. Body Hardware: Door mechanisms, locks, handles, hinges, window regulators, mirrors, hood latches, trunk latches. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code lookup (OBD-II), circuit testing. Repair Procedures: Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures (where applicable), adjustments, calibration. Technical Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine, transmission, body, chassis, and comfort systems. Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Listings of DTCs, their definitions, and diagnostic trees for resolution. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, detailed, vehicle-specific. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes in-depth electrical troubleshooting and system diagnostics. Component Rebuild: Procedures for rebuilding major components like the engine (short block, long block), cylinder heads, and the 42LE automatic transmission, including specifications for clearances and wear limits. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Details: If digital (PDF), expect high-resolution scans of original pages, searchable text for quick information retrieval, printable pages. Print Quality Print Quality: Original factory print quality, often with clear diagrams, schematics, and photographs. Binding Type Binding Type: Likely a sturdy, professional binding suitable for shop use (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound, or original dealership binder). Paper Type Paper Type: Durable paper stock designed for workshop environments, often with a matte finish to reduce glare. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: SOHC V6 Displacement: 3.5 Liters (3500cc) Bore X Stroke: 96.0 mm x 81.0 mm (approximate) Horsepower: 214 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 231 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Performance Compression Ratio: 9.3:1 Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended) Engine Management ECU Model: Chrysler SBEC or JTEC (refer to specific VIN for exact module) Emission Controls: EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Catalytic Converter, EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle Transaxle Model: 42LE Features Shift Modes: Driver-selectable modes (e.g., 'Normal', 'Power' or similar, refer to owner's manual for specific mode names). Fluid Specifications Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar) Fluid Capacities Fluid Capacity Qt: 8.0 quarts (refer to manual for dry fill) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length In: 203.7 Width In: 74.0 Height In: 56.1 Wheelbase In: 113.0 Interior Passenger Volume Cu Ft: 107.4 Cargo Trunk Volume Cu Ft: 16.1 Weights Curb Weight Lbs: 3500-3700 (approximate, varies by trim and options) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs: 4600 (approximate) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver: 4/5 Stars (Good/Acceptable, depending on specific test variant for the year) NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger: 4/5 Stars (Good/Acceptable) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Optional Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS) Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory cassette player and AM/FM radio standard. Optional CD player, premium sound systems with amplifiers. Display Screens: Analog gauges and basic center stack controls. No integrated...
Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures (where applicable), adjustments, calibration.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine, transmission, body, chassis, and comfort systems.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Listings of DTCs, their definitions, and diagnostic trees for resolution.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, detailed, vehicle-specific. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes in-depth electrical troubleshooting and system diagnostics.
Component Rebuild:
Procedures for rebuilding major components like the engine (short block, long block), cylinder heads, and the 42LE automatic transmission, including specifications for clearances and wear limits.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format Details:
If digital (PDF), expect high-resolution scans of original pages, searchable text for quick information retrieval, printable pages.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Original factory print quality, often with clear diagrams, schematics, and photographs.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Likely a sturdy, professional binding suitable for shop use (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound, or original dealership binder).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock designed for workshop environments, often with a matte finish to reduce glare.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
SOHC V6
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3500cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 81.0 mm (approximate)
Horsepower:
214 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
231 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Performance
Compression Ratio:
9.3:1
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Model:
Chrysler SBEC or JTEC (refer to specific VIN for exact module)
Emission Controls:
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Catalytic Converter, EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transaxle Model:
42LE
Features
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., 'Normal', 'Power' or similar, refer to owner's manual for specific mode names).
Fluid Specifications
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Fluid Capacities
Fluid Capacity Qt:
8.0 quarts (refer to manual for dry fill)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length In:
203.7
Width In:
74.0
Height In:
56.1
Wheelbase In:
113.0
Interior
Passenger Volume Cu Ft:
107.4
Cargo
Trunk Volume Cu Ft:
16.1
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
3500-3700 (approximate, varies by trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:
4600 (approximate)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4/5 Stars (Good/Acceptable, depending on specific test variant for the year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4/5 Stars (Good/Acceptable)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette player and AM/FM radio standard. Optional CD player, premium sound systems with amplifiers.
Display Screens:
Analog gauges and basic center stack controls. No integrated navigation or advanced color displays.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Original Connectivity:
Limited to basic audio and climate controls. No provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Miles:
7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended), 3,000 miles (conventional oil, severe service)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
100,000 miles (platinum-tipped plugs, refer to manual for exact type)
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
5 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill), then every 2 years or 50,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for severe service intervals and ATF+4 specific change procedures).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for colder climates, check manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity Qt:
4.5 quarts (4.3 Liters)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (particularly on earlier 3.3L and 3.5L V6), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, and oil pan gaskets. Timing belt replacement is critical; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Radiator and cooling system component failures can lead to overheating.
Common Transmission Issues:
42LE can exhibit harsh shifting or slipping if fluid is not maintained or if internal seals degrade. Valve body issues can also arise.
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and premature tire wear. Strut and shock absorber degradation.
Common Electrical Issues:
Faulty window regulators, power lock actuators, and HVAC blower motor issues are relatively common. Alternator and battery terminal corrosion.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Brand History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles. The Intrepid represented a shift towards more European-influenced styling and a focus on family sedans.
Model Evolution
Intrepid Generation:
This manual covers the second generation of the Dodge Intrepid (1998-2004), which underwent a significant redesign from the first generation (1993-1997) with updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced interior features.
While specific awards for the 1998 model year are scarce, the LH platform generally received decent safety ratings for its time, reflected in its NHTSA scores.
Ratings
IIHS Ratings:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) would have conducted crash tests; manual should detail findings if available for this year.