What extra Intrigue maintenance would you do at 100k miles?

[sparcx]

Am i missing anything? (I try do all the basic stuff myself, but the bigger items I get done at a local shop.)

Here's the list of stuff i've done on my 2000 Intrigue GLS (w/ 3.5L) so far ...

Major stuff i've had done over the years:

• Ignition Coil, Downstream Oxygen Sensor, Pressure Regulator, and Catalytic Converter at 55k miles
• Original battery replaced at 60k miles (link) positive terminal ripped out of original AC Delco battery
• Cam and Crank Sensor around 75k miles
• Bosch Spark Plugs at 75k miles
• Front Struts and Mounts at 77k miles
• Radiator Flush at 80k miles
• Starter replaced at 85k miles (link)
• Outer Tie Rod Ends + Alignment at 90k miles
• Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assemblies (Both at various mileages)
• Oil Changes done every 5k miles with Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum
• Cabin Air Filter at 80k miles

What i've done recently in the last year:

• Replaced Fuel Filter (link)
• Replaced Air Filter
• Replaced MAF Sensor (Check Engine Light came on recently)
• Transmission Filter Changed at 55k and 100k miles (+ 1/2 fluid change each time)
• Checked Battery Terminals and Sprayed Protector
• Replaced PCV Valve (link)
• Replaced Power Steering fluid in reservoir a few times (link)
• Replaced Brake Fluid in reservoir
• Checked Serpentine Belt... looks in good shape (still has the original)
• Replaced Front Sway Bar (+ Endlinks and Bushings) at 102k miles (link)
• New Autocraft Gold Battery at 106k

[dizzle1]

Cabin air filter

[fhofstra]

sparcx -
You might consider radiator hoses, serpentine belt, and water pump. I did a lot of maintenance last summer on my 2000 GLS, including those parts. Both main radiator hoses and belt still looked good, but I thought after 10 years and 185K miles, the car deserved it, and I'd rather avoid on-road troubles. The old water pump surprised me; it looked new; the passages were clean, and the bearings had no noise or play. In other words, I guess I could have skipped it. Hope the new one goes another 185K miles as well as the first one did.

[LittleHoov]

Good call on the cabin air filter, I didnt think of that even though ive replaced mine haha.

The only thing that comes to my mind is to inspect all CV boots on the front for any damage.

[sparcx]

Originally Posted by dizzle1

Cabin air filter

yep. did that a few years back. Really dirty. If I remember correctly, its was a pain in the butt to replace because of the location

Originally Posted by fhofstra

sparcx -You might consider radiator hoses, serpentine belt, and water pump.

i've been thinking about the serpentine belt, but the current one seems like it's in such good shape. Radiator hoses seemed in good shape too, but I'll keep it in mind for the future.

Is there really a need to replace a water pump as maintenance rather than just waiting for some sort of failure? Everything seems to be cooling very well right now.

Anything i should keep an eye out for in terms of water pump failure?

[sparcx]

Also one more question...

I did the downstream oxygen sensor when the ignition module failed about 5 years ago.

Would any of you replace the upstream sensor as maintenance or just wait for a code to appear first?

[LittleHoov]

Would any of you replace the upstream sensor as maintenance or just wait for a code to appear first?

What sort of gas mileage are you getting?

[sparcx]

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

What sort of gas mileage are you getting?

hasn't been all that great lately.

Car is running really well with all the maintenance i've done recently, but fuel consumption still seems excessive.

[LittleHoov]

I've always heard that they can get sluggish a long time before they ever send a code, and there are lots of cases of people getting better mileage from changing an 02 Sensor that never threw a code...maybe not on this exact forum, but on lots of others.

My mileage is about 21-22 with mixed driving and my right foot, both of which dont help anything. I thought that was pretty bad until I took a trip to Oklahoma and despite going 75-80 most of the way there I was pulling down 28-29 mpg, which is pretty darn good for the Intrigue, I have pulled slightly better over short distances while drafting semi's, but thats not always recommended.

Also the type of fuel you use comes into play, the great state of Missouri mandated that all fuel below 91 octane has to contain 10% ethanol, which has basically shot down my mileage personally, I used to get 24ish driving exactly the same. I dont know if Michigan has similar legislation or not, might be something to check into, but I do know that the 10% ethanol does have an effect on mileage, its not nearly as efficient as gasoline.

The 02 sensor is about a 60-70 dollar part if ordered online, auto parts stores generally more expensive. It also requires a special socket normally. It can be done with a box end wrench, but frankly I dont know if there is enough room back there. On the 3.5 model its also a bit of a pain to get to. So easily accomplished for less than 100 bucks if you DIY, I have no idea what a shop would charge.

So I guess take a look at your mileage, your driving habits, and even the fuel itself, and see if its really worth it.

[Scrapper]

did you look under the serpantine belt to see if it had any cracks on the underneath of belt? looks like you covered about everything. if more people like yourself would do this it would save them money. only other thing i can think of is tire wear.

[krivasauto]

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

My mileage is about 21-22 with mixed driving and my right foot, both of which dont help anything. I thought that was pretty bad until I took a trip to Oklahoma and despite going 75-80 most of the way there I was pulling down 28-29 mpg, which is pretty darn good for the Intrigue, I have pulled slightly better over short distances while drafting semi's, but thats not always recommended.

This is what I get as well. For a 200+hp midsize that runs like these do, that's outstanding mileage. And why I stick with the LX5.

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

The 02 sensor is about a 60-70 dollar part if ordered online, auto parts stores generally more expensive. It also requires a special socket normally. It can be done with a box end wrench, but frankly I dont know if there is enough room back there. On the 3.5 model its also a bit of a pain to get to.

Really not a bad job. I used one of these:





A similar tool could be had at the 'Zone for about 10 bucks. Check out their site - it will let you find the closest store by zip code, and tell you if they have one in stock. It's part no 25249. Check it with the new sensor to make sure it fits.

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by sparcx

hasn't been all that great lately.

Car is running really well with all the maintenance i've done recently, but fuel consumption still seems excessive.

I'd bet those Bosch spark plugs are a factor.

The LX5 is pretty picky when it comes to spark plugs. Stick with AC Delco 41-980 or NGK PTR5C-13 (stock number 7730). The AC Delcos are actually the NGK plugs in an AC Delco box with a GM p/n stamped on them.

I would also replace the upstream sensor as maintenance.

[LittleHoov]

krivasauto I dont think anything is a hard job for you haha you completely disassemble your car and put it back together blindfolded the 3rd Wednesday of every month just for fun!

But yeah I believe that little tool he posted is called a crow's foot probably cheaper than the actual oxygen sensor socket, which is what I have. I cant remember where I bought mine but its basically an 18mm deep well socket with a slit down the side of it, at least I think its 18mm...

I do agree though that the Bosch plugs could be a problem, Ive always heard that GM vehicles perform poorly with them, most Cherokee owners ive encountered dont like them either for what its worth, in fact I cant think of anyone who DOES recommend them.

Also my .02 would be to not get a Bosch O2 sensor either if you can keep from it. But thats based on years of everyone hating them and having problems with them from my Bonneville forum days.

[krivasauto]

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

krivasauto I dont think anything is a hard job for you haha you completely disassemble your car and put it back together blindfolded the 3rd Wednesday of every month just for fun!

LOL. If it were for fun, it would be a 72 Cutlass Supreme convertible, red with white interior, with the rallye wheels and the floor shifter:



Sigh. Someday.

[carbon02]

krivasauto I dont think anything is a hard job for you haha you completely disassemble your car and put it back together blindfolded the 3rd Wednesday of every month just for fun!

Great Comment LittleHoov--

I'm just waiting for Krivasauto to start a traveling Intrigue repair shop. I think I'd be the first in line for service!