1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue from North America - Comments

Intermittent power fluctuations. I phoned G.M. about this problem and was told there was nothing they could do for me. The engineers were working on a new alternator and it "might be ready sometime". I then took the car to a dealer so as to document this problem. The next evening when I returned to retrieve my car, I was told that there was nothing wrong and maybe I was imagining this phenomena! Consequently I took the car to a different dealer. This time I was told the problem was well known and I needed a new alternator, but there was none available and there was a waiting list. Two weeks later I had a new alternator. (they had to remove the radiator to facilitate the R&R of the alternator). Currently there is a "clunking" noise transmitted to the steering wheel that occurs when you hit bumps or brake at low speeds. The power windows operate only when they want to especially the rear passenger one. There is engine knock at idle, that seems to disappear as the R.P.M.s increase.

It would seem that G.M. no longer cares to support Olds, their denials and reluctance to expedite warranty claims tell me that. This really is too bad because the Intrigue has the potential of being a great automobile. Shame on them for this disservice.

Hi, you just said in your review that you had some " Intermittent power fluctuations " problems. I don't know if it is the same problem I have. When I ride my car, it suddenly stops. Sometimes I have to wait 15minutes before it restarts. Nobody knows the problem yet. If you have any idea please feel free to tell me! Here's my email address:

dj_clue44@hotmail.com.

The "clunking" noise you feel when braking is due to the steering coupler in the middle of the steering shaft needing lubrication. It is an 8 hour job just to get at the part needing the lube. Fortunately for me it was a warranty job and only neds to be done once.

During the warranty period of my car I had to replace the intermmediate steering shaft to resolve the clunking in the steering wheel. Other than that, it has been excellent.

The knocking noise you hear at idle is not really a knock, it is just simply your timing chains. The 3.5L and its big brother, the Cadillac north star are both noted for this noise. It is nothing to worry about, and is no sign of premature wear.