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Is a Timing Belt Replacement Necessary for My 1997 Dodge Intrepid?

In summary, the former associate pastor of the owner's wife recommended that the timing belt on the car be replaced, and the only owner of the car had not done so. The car has 109,000 miles on it and the last time the transmission fluid and filter were changed was 5,000 miles ago. The mechanic should also recommend replacing the water pump while he is in there.
Intrepid_Chef
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
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Thanks to losing a boatload of money on my PC business and other factors, I received a very nice tax return. Every penny of it, and then some, was used to by my car, a 1997 Dodge Intrepid, with a 3.5 engine and 109,000 miles on it. I also have a stack of receipts for this car, which show thousands in repairs. The owner was VERY good about routine maintainance.

When I picked the car up Friday, a former associate pastor of mine was at the house. He had recently put a timing belt on his wife's car, which led him to ask the seller (the only owner of this car) if he had ever put a timing belt on it. When he said "no" the pastor turned to me and reccomended that I get it done as soon as possible.

http://www.gates.com/part_locator/index.cfm?location_id=3598&go=Interference and http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chrysler-Repair-807/2008/10/Timing-belt-97-3.htm seem to imply that I'm in the clear because my car was built in 1997.

Can anyone concur with this? I really can't afford a timing belt right now.
 
I would contact your mechanic..or another one that will shoot you straight.. all I know is I did not get mine fixed years ago... and mine broke going 70....and I lost my vehicle..could only sell it for 500.00 after that. It ruined my engine. I know you can't afford it.. but it was worse for me to lose my car all at once.... My car was older..like yours.. check it out. Some cars timing belts do not need to be replaced and some do... your mechanic can check for you.
 
If it's a chain, no. If it's a belt, yes. Check the owner's manual for routine maintenance. When the timing belt goes, you don't.Here's what Click and Clack, the Car Talk guys have to say about it:http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1997/May/01.html.http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1996/February/06.html.http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2004/September/05.html. (Pssst! Dodge belts are not mysteriously more reliable because they're Dodge. They're all pretty much the same commodity.)More stuff from Click and Clack on their site about timing belts:http://cars.cartalk.com/content/advice/timingbelt.htmlhttp://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1995/December/01.htmlETA: If your car has 109,000 miles on it, and it has never had a timing belt put in, IMHO you're living on borrowed time. While you're looking though those receipts, check the last time the transmission fluid and filter was changed. I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but on older Chrysler products, a transmission fluid flush and fill is mandatory every 70,000 miles, regardless of the maintenance recommendations. Ask any transmission guy, or better, ask anyone who owns/has owned a 1990's Chrysler automatic transmission vehicle. With proper maintenance and care, there is no reason that little Dodge shouldn't give you another 100,000 miles of more. The family gEEk has a '98 Caravan with 250,000 miles on it. Of course, it did have a transmission rebuild at 125,000 (the previous owner never changed the transmission fluid) and it had an engine at 140,000 but it's still going strong. He will probably replace it soon, mostly because he's tired of it.
 
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Like TKG said, you won't go if the timing belt goes. I know this from experience. The car is done, dead, not moving at all. So yes, you need to fix this and ASAP!! You don't want to get stuck downtown in the morning rush with a non-moving car in the middle of the road.

Good luck!!
 
The 97 Intrepid has an interference motor, so it's more than if it goes, you don't. With that type of engine, losing that timing belt means losing your engine. Definitely replace it, as soon as possible. The mechanic should recommend replacing the water pump while he is in there. Do it. You won't pay much extra labor, and the part isn't too expensive. Better safe than sorry. At the very least, you really need to change the timing belt.
 
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Nicole ... where do you get that the 97 3.5 is an interference motor? One of the links I gave you specifically says it's NOT. (The one that lets you search by make, model and engine type.)

Also ... I am no stranger to timing belts. I replaced 3 of 'em in my Escorts ... 2 that broke while driving, the other as preventative maintainance before a trip. The reccomended interval for those is 60K. Those also are non-interference. If it breaks, you're standed, but you're not stuck.

I know the belt SHOULD be changed soon, I am just wondering if it has to be done THIS WEEK.

KG ... they REBUILT the transmission ... 5,000 miles ago. They also replaced the brakes, the struts, tuned it up, put in all new tires ... you name it. The fluid, BTW, is getting changed at 24K on that transmission.

I was just looking forward to driving a car that wasn't in the shop weekly ...
 
I'm smiling here. :)Whether or not you replace the timing belt is a roll of the dice. But as I mentioned about the Caravan, if the transmixer was already rebuilt, you should be good to go for a long time with this one.
 
I had a '96 Interprid - my first and last new car...I miss it... :(Glad to hear your transmission was rebuilt, that is common around 80K for that model.
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
Nicole ... where do you get that the 97 3.5 is an interference motor? One of the links I gave you specifically says it's NOT. (The one that lets you search by make, model and engine type.)

Also ... I am no stranger to timing belts. I replaced 3 of 'em in my Escorts ... 2 that broke while driving, the other as preventative maintainance before a trip. The reccomended interval for those is 60K. Those also are non-interference. If it breaks, you're standed, but you're not stuck.

I know the belt SHOULD be changed soon, I am just wondering if it has to be done THIS WEEK.

KG ... they REBUILT the transmission ... 5,000 miles ago. They also replaced the brakes, the struts, tuned it up, put in all new tires ... you name it. The fluid, BTW, is getting changed at 24K on that transmission.

I was just looking forward to driving a car that wasn't in the shop weekly ...
Click to expand...

I got the info from work. I've worked at a car parts store for the past 10 years. I'm the gal your mechanic orders his parts from. According to my computer, that year 3.5 is an interference motor, with a recommended service interval of 100,000 miles. Best to check with the dealer to be 100% sure. The service department should give you that information right over the phone.
And I had an interference motor in my Hyundai. I DID replace the timing belt at the recommended interval, and it snapped 6,000 miles later. Made a super cool noise when the motor went to pieces :cry: Make sure your mechanic offers warranties!
 
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HockeyLover said:
I got the info from work. I've worked at a car parts store for the past 10 years. I'm the gal your mechanic orders his parts from. According to my computer, that year 3.5 is an interference motor, with a recommended service interval of 100,000 miles. Best to check with the dealer to be 100% sure. The service department should give you that information right over the phone.
And I had an interference motor in my Hyundai. I DID replace the timing belt at the recommended interval, and it snapped 6,000 miles later. Made a super cool noise when the motor went to pieces :cry: Make sure your mechanic offers warranties!
Click to expand...

Hockey Lover AND a Car Geek???!!!?!?! You are a girl after my own heart! LOL... (no, not that kind of girl, KG) :D
 
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Hmmmmm ... interesting. That's why I said I'm getting conflicting opinions. Advance Auto (where my mechanic gets his parts) concurs with you ... every other site (including Gates) said it is not interference.That is my primary concern.It really bugs me that I just bought this car and now I'm staring a major repair in the face.
 
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Di_Can_Cook said:
Hmmmmm ... interesting. That's why I said I'm getting conflicting opinions. Advance Auto (where my mechanic gets his parts) concurs with you ... every other site (including Gates) said it is not interference.

That is my primary concern.

It really bugs me that I just bought this car and now I'm staring a major repair in the face.
Click to expand...

Look at it this way, you're getting out of the way right off the bat.:D
 
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I asked my BF this question, he is currently searching for an answer. He's a car guy, and knows way more then I will ever know. He's also finding conflicting answers to this question. He says that your best bet is to contact a Dodge dealer and talk to them.

Another option to getting it fixed if you need it, I was searching on Craigslist last night (a hobby when I'm bored), they have a section for barter. I was seeing women offering cleaning services to males in exchange for some handy work around the house or mechical work. That might be a good way to get off cheap on the labor, and just buy the belt.

Sorry we couldn't be of more help!
 
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Yeah ... but I bought this car because I was sick of having unreliable transportation.While I would gladly barter for say, caulking on my bathtub, this is not something I'd barter for. As mentioned, I need a warranty. Plus my mechanic is super cheap ... great about honoring warranties ... and will be glad to see something less rusty than Ye Olde Cutlass.
 
  • #15
YES you Need a timing belt if you are over 80,000 miles. TRUST ME!!!! It is a good investment!

nuf said ;)
 

1. Do I really need to change my timing belt?

Yes, it is recommended to change your timing belt according to your vehicle's manufacturer guidelines. The timing belt is an essential part of your engine and if it fails, it can cause major damage and costly repairs.

2. How often should I replace my timing belt?

The timing belt should be replaced according to your vehicle's manufacturer guidelines, typically every 60,000-100,000 miles. It is important to refer to your owner's manual for the specific recommended interval for your vehicle.

3. What are the signs that my timing belt needs to be replaced?

If you notice any squealing or rattling noises coming from your engine, or if you experience difficulty starting your car or a decrease in engine performance, it may be a sign that your timing belt needs to be replaced.

4. Can I replace my timing belt myself?

It is not recommended to replace your timing belt yourself unless you have experience and proper tools. Replacing a timing belt requires precise timing and can be a complex and difficult task. It is best to have a professional mechanic handle the replacement.

5. How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The cost of replacing a timing belt can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but it typically ranges from $500 to $1000. It is important to not put off replacing your timing belt as it can lead to more expensive repairs if it fails.

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