1997 Dodge Intrepid Dodge Intrepid acting strange

Tiny
DODGEBABYDODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE INTREPID
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
Sometimes, as I drive down the highway, my rpms will vary greatly. This is while I am driving on a flat surface at a consistent speed. But at the same time, sometimes the lights get dimmer and the heater fan fluctuates in speed. Is this my alternator causing these issues? Sometimes only the problem is the fanspeed fluctuating, but the rmps are maintaining. When the lights dim, it feels as if I am applying the brakes as I am trying to go faster.
Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 10:28 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check engine light on? Do this to retrieve the two digit code(s) and report back. Using Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) 1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Turn ignition on and note operation of MIL. The MIL is located on instrument panel. When ignition is first turned on, MIL should come on to verify bulb and circuit operation, and then go off. 2. Turn ignition on, off, on, off and on within 5 seconds. Record 2-digit Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) as displayed by flashing MIL. 3. For example, DTC 24 will be displayed by 2 flashes, short pause, and then 4 flashes. A short pause will exist between first and second digits on DTC. If more than one DTC is stored, after first DTC is displayed, there will be a longer pause and then another stored DTC will be displayed. 4. Once all DTCs are recorded, proceed to retrieving DTCs using scan tool to ensure all DTCs are obtained. See USING SCAN TOOL. NOTE: If MIL does not come on and then go off, bulb circuit may be defective, or problem area may exist on CCD Bus between Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and instrument cluster. If problem exists with CCD Bus, this problem may be displayed when using scan tool to retrieve DTCs.
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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
DODGEBABYDODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The check engine light does light upon starting the car. But no, it has not been on during normal operation, while this problem has occurred.
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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Normally if the lights are dimming, it indicates a charging system fault, and a code 41 would flash, try the test anyway to see if it's stored in memory.
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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
DODGEBABYDODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The only code on there is 55.
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Sunday, January 17th, 2010 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I would start by checking all grounds and ground straps you can find. Also negative battery cable ground at the block. PCM ground too.
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Sunday, January 17th, 2010 AT 2:23 PM

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