1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL from North America - Comments

I think that I have encountered every problem that the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue has ever had.

* Blinker bulb kept burning out (couldn't find bulbs anywhere, but the dealer). I discovered that there was a minute amount of corrosion in the bulb socket and once I replaced that I haven't had a problem with it.

* Hard starting, the vehicle just cranks for about 10 seconds or so until it finally starts. I have had it in for this problem 3 times at 2 different shops and the mechanics are dumbfounded, they can't find the problem.

* Service Engine Soon light came on intermittently then finally came on and stayed on. This caused the vehicle to start stalling at low speeds and/or stops, then would be difficult to start. I was told that both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors were bad so they needed replaced. I thought this would also solve the starting problem, but it didn't.

* Poor gas consumption. I have only gotten about 24 mpg and that is even highway driving. (maybe that will change with the new sensors)

* Poor oil consumption. Never have I seen a newer vehicle use so much oil. It consumes 1 to 2 quarts between 3000 mile oil changes.

* Driver's side window won't go up sometimes. Believe that the button isn't making contact or something because if I wiggle it the window will finally go up.

* Passenger side door sticks. I believe that the problem is the molding around the window. It appears that it has slipped about an inch so the molding is hooking on the body of the vehicle.

* Headlights dim and brighten when the weather is cold.

* Front end makes a "clunking" noise when turning the steering wheel sharply.

What's sad is that I still really love this car. It looks sharp, rides nice, and has great get up and go. I would love to keep it if I knew that these problems could be resolve.

If anybody knows the solution to any of these problems, please let me know.

kcchiefs_num1@msn.com

RE: Problems with Oldsmobile Intrigue.

Hello,

You stated that your headlights dim and brighten when the weather is cold. I am sure I can help you with this problem. I, too, have a 1999 Intrigue that had this same problem. Not only did the headlights dim and brighten, the dashboard did as well. Back in May of this year I did some investigating on-line which led me to ask some questions to local car dealerships. After speaking with them, I learned that the problem is that the original alternator made for this car is defective. GM has since built an alternator to replace the defective one, and it can be replaced at a dealership with no charge (no charge as long as you have under 80,000 miles on the car). My alternator was replaced and the problem is 100% resolved. I hope this information helps.

My 1999 Intrigue has a bad bumping noise and feel in the front end also and the blinker bulb burns out. I wish I had know of the alternator replacement sooner. This car really does scat. Very fast. I have also noticed the high oil consumption. Any suggestions on the bumping noise would be appreciated.

Jeff.

Hey!

I also have a 99 Intrigue and my car also stalled in low speeds and while idling. listen very carefully... ITS THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR OR OXYGEN SENSOR. Get that fixed and there you go. It's a very nice car just give it a chance.

The steering clunking may be the intermediate steering shaft. I recently had mine replaced and all is well. Good luck.

P. Bort.

I keep a couple of quarts of oil in the trunk of my 99’. She’s a thirsty one. It seems to use more oil when it’s driven on several ‘short’ trips (< 10 Miles). On long hauls it doesn’t use as much oil. The 3.4 L V6 engine confuses mechanics, it was sort of an experiment based on the Cadillac Northstar V8. It was dropped when Olds folded. A little more development time and better quality from part sub-suppliers and they would have really had something.