I just dropped my car off this morning for scheduled 22.5k maintenance. Last time I went they wanted to change my transmission fluid, thought that was soon for 12k miles especially for the R/T. I was also concerned they wouldn't have the synthetic fluid and put the regular stuff in (although it is a 5-star dealer). Anyone know the maintenance intervals for the R/T??? I have a 2000 so I have the manual with no information about the 3.5L engine.

ATF+4 (its not a synthetic)is what is required for your tranny, but no service is required before 50,000 miles even under severe conditions.

The Differental fluid on the other hand should be changed at 30,000 miles must NOT be a synthetic fluid.

Dealers have found this to be a cash cow, claiming it has to be done, Its from the old days when the trannys had problems (prior to ATF+4).

Ask the dealer where it says to do this service in writing.

It can't hurt, just not necessary unless the fluid got contaminated.

I actually did get something in writing last time, it was a cute little chart with when I should get things done. I didn't get it this time because it looked too generic and couldn't have been for the R/T, so I tossed it to the side. I'll see if I can dig it up. Thanks for the those numbers though!

I concur with GR8WHT.

I just got a flush of mine done at about 30K. I would agree that 12K is overkill. Here's a link to a pdf file for the 2002 Intrepid service manual (all models). Even though I have a '01 model I downloaded it and have referred to it many times. Thanks go out to "steveclark1000" for sharing this with everyone!

http://dodgeintrepid.net/forums/showthread.php?t=40795

Has anyone had problems with the shiftstick? I have a 02 R/T with the autostick and am having troube moving the stick into the different gears. Like the linkage needs to be oiled or something! I am having a lot of trouble putting it in Park. Its like I run out of room to put it in Park and it stays in Reverse.

Thanks

guys, this thread is about 3 years old... the first post is dated 7-9-2001!


:)

lybarra,

No, you aren't the only one that has that problem. I bought mine used with about 64k miles. I've always assumed someone had worked on the transmission and not put the linkage back in just right.

Mine does the same thing. I've found that if I'm a little slow and deliberate putting it into Park I have less problems. I've also found that if I'm ever parked downhill or on a decline, its harder or almost impossible to get the trans in Park.

Thankfully, thats not very often here at the beach. The first week I had the car, I was parked (slightly downhill) getting my haircut after work and afterwards the car wouldn't turn over.

I never thought to check the gauge cluster to make sure Park was indicated. I ended up believing the starter had died and had the car towed. The car started right up for the auto mechanic, so he cleaned off the battery terminals and said I probably had a bad contact.

A few days later, the car wouldn't crank at all. So, I called a buddy and we checked everything until we discovered the Park/ Reverse issue.

Any one else have this issue or have any ideas???

I'd be really interested in getting this resolved.

Sounds to me like the shifter cable is either binding somewhere or has been incorrectly adjusted. Also, do you use your parking brake?