02 Intrepid

WAYNE14

MEMBER
2002 DODGE INTREPID
FWD
AUTOMATIC
94,000 MILES

02 DODGE INTREPID, 94,000 - 2.7 L ENGINE

I WAS RECENTLY DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AROUND 70-75 MPH, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER, AS IF IT WANTED TO TURN OFF. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE TO WORK WITH NO PROBLEMS, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. WHEN I LEFT FOR WORK LATER THAT DAY THE CEL WAS NOT ON AND HASN'T COME BACK ON. NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. I CANT AFFORD TO GET STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY. THE OIL AND TRANS FLUID LEVELS ARE GOOD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. ANY ADVISE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

3 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.