My car's at 90000, maintenance help

[gwilks98]

I'm starting to notice a dip in MPG. I used to get 300-330 miles per tank and as of last fall, I've been seeing the gas light come on sooner and sooner.

I know it's time to do some maintenance. As of now, I know I'm due to:

*add more break fluid (have to do this about every 18 months)
*rotate the tires
*change the oil (a bit overdue) and replace oil filter
*replace air filter
*my tire pressure is only low on 3 tires by a pound or two.
NOTE: I can do all of this myself.


there's some other maintenance I'd like to do, but without a garage and proper tool set, I'm not sure how much a do-it-yerselfer can manage:

*changing out the spark plugs
*changing out the transmission fluid
*Changing out the coolant
*re-aligning the tires
*inspect/adjust the timing belt

Are these some maintenance jobs the average guy can do with some help from the internet, or am I better off taking it to the dealership and renting a car for the day?
(My car is a 2000 intrepid, and I do have a 3 ton jack w/ 2 stands.)

Edit: Typo fixed.

[DarkFury]

I'm starting to notice a dip in MPG. I used to get $300-$330 per tank and as of last fall, I've been seeing the gas light come on sooner and sooner.

$300 to $330 per tank?

Dayuuum... what kind of fuel are YOU using and how big is your gas tank?

Must be driving a Semi.

[Markel]

I know it's time to do some maintenance. As of now, I know I'm due to:

*add more break fluid (have to do this about every 18 months)

You might want to cut down on this one. It could be the source of your problems.


[sorry, but that typo just caught me as funny.]

[gwilks98]

You might want to cut down on this one. It could be the source of your problems.


[sorry, but that typo just caught me as funny.]

If you're going to laugh at me, quote the right typo.

[sizemic1]

I'm starting to notice a dip in MPG. I used to get 300-330 miles per tank and as of last fall, I've been seeing the gas light come on sooner and sooner.

I know it's time to do some maintenance. As of now, I know I'm due to:

*add more break fluid (have to do this about every 18 months)
*rotate the tires
*change the oil (a bit overdue) and replace oil filter
*replace air filter
*my tire pressure is only low on 3 tires by a pound or two.
NOTE: I can do all of this myself.


there's some other maintenance I'd like to do, but without a garage and proper tool set, I'm not sure how much a do-it-yerselfer can manage:

*changing out the spark plugs
*changing out the transmission fluid
*Changing out the coolant
*re-aligning the tires
*inspect/adjust the timing belt

Are these some maintenance jobs the average guy can do with some help from the internet, or am I better off taking it to the dealership and renting a car for the day?
(My car is a 2000 intrepid, and I do have a 3 ton jack w/ 2 stands.)

Edit: Typo fixed.

Changing the plugs and inspecting/adjusting the timing belt you can do with relatively minor effort. Coolant and trans fluid i'd recommend you just have someone do it to keep from making a mess and having to deal with disposing of the fluids. Tires, you need to have a shop do that.

[Markel]

If you're going to laugh at me, quote the right typo.

Huh? You said "break fluid" - adding breakage to your car usually isn't something good. However, keeping the brake fluid at the correct level is always a good idea.

[johnnymk]

New spark plugs, new spark plug wires, replace all belts, including timing belt and oxygen sensor(s). Have auto trans fluid flushed, not just drained, replace antifreeze.

I am sure there are others that I can't think of right now.

[Daedalus]

Doing a timing belt (sure it's not a chain?) is not a minor undertaking, but if yours is original, it will need replacing. Forget inspecting or adjusting--the next time you go in there it needs to come out. They're usually good for about 90-100k. A lack of tools is a deal-breaker. If the car is your only means of transportation forget about it. You could tear it half apart and then realize you need a deep socket or something.

How many miles/tank are you getting now? Small variations might not mean much. If you're in a state that uses RFG you could see a 10% summer drop just due to government-imposed "better" gas. Any heavy items in the trunk that are new?

If I had to guess I would say sluggish O2 sensors too, but it's too general a problem to blindly throw parts at.

If you are committed to becoming a DIY car owner you must get the factory service manual for the car. Ebay is often the best place. IMO the generic ones (Haynes, Chilton's, etc) are not as good as the factory ones. There are a lot of owner forums and other resources on the internet that will help, but you'll still need the manual...and probably several hundred dollars in tools.

[thresher]

do you have the small motor or the big motor? If you have the small motor, please have your car stolen or crashed into by a professional. Do not google your motor, whatever you do. You will not be happy. You have been warned.

[gwilks98]

Huh? You said "break fluid" - adding breakage to your car usually isn't something good. However, keeping the brake fluid at the correct level is always a good idea.

awwwwwwwwwwww dammit. Not my finest moment.

Doing a timing belt (sure it's not a chain?) is not a minor undertaking, but if yours is original, it will need replacing. Forget inspecting or adjusting--the next time you go in there it needs to come out. They're usually good for about 90-100k. A lack of tools is a deal-breaker. If the car is your only means of transportation forget about it. You could tear it half apart and then realize you need a deep socket or something.

How many miles/tank are you getting now? Small variations might not mean much. If you're in a state that uses RFG you could see a 10% summer drop just due to government-imposed "better" gas. Any heavy items in the trunk that are new?

Good point. Nothing new in the trunk. For a 15 gal tank, I'm getting about 260-270 miles before the warning light comes on. It used to be over 300 2 years ago.

I changed out the oil and filter today and noticed I only got 4 quarts out of it. (I think the car takes between 4.5 and 5.) If the oil level is low, will it cause a drop in mileage?

What about the alignment, will that affect the MPG?

Thresher, I never knew they had so many engine probs with the 2.7. (I have a 3.2)

How much do you guys think this maintenance bill will run me if I take it in to do the job? Sidenote: I always do it at the dealership for evidence that I'm servicing the car. I know it's a bit more expensive, but I've seen too many people get screwed, by the manufacturer and by the 3rd party mechanice by taking their cars elsewhere.

[hoey222]

one thing i notices that was NOT in your list is the FUEL FILTER.

if it is old, deposits can slow flow from the filter to the engine. see when the last time it was changed. if you don't know change it. it's a pretty cheap part for most cars.

also have you ever run a fuel system cleaner? every so often i dump a bottle of red line fuel system cleaner in my gas tank. it helps clean the injectors and carbs. i notice a definite improvement in mileage in my wifes car after using it. (2001 altima)

make sure you change the fuel filter before using the fuel system cleaner. unless its already been changed. you may not see any benefits from the cleaner with an old filter.

good luck

[mechmike0034]

You might change the plugs yourself, but I'd bet the rear ones would be tough. Do this with the engine stone cold if you attempt it.

What does your owner's manual say is due for maintenance at 90-100K?

PM me with where you are in St.L specifically, and I bet I can find a local shop that won't give you the shaft. I have an acquaintance who dispatches repair for one of the largest car rental agencies nationwide there. He'll know where a good, competent shop in the area is.

[johnnymk]

do you have the small motor or the big motor? If you have the small motor, please have your car stolen or crashed into by a professional. Do not google your motor, whatever you do. You will not be happy. You have been warned.

I believe he has the V6.

If I recall, the 2.5 (Mitsubishi?) was the problem engine. I have a 2.4 in my Plymouth Breeze and love it. The only problem I have had was the spark plug tube seals which I repaced.

BTW, I think the V6 has a timing chain and not a belt.

[guiseppewv]

I would say replace the distributor cap and rotor depending on when you last had them replaced.

[Daedalus]

I think you'll have a heck of a time finding a distributor cap, rotor or even spark plug wires for this vehicle.

[guiseppewv]

I think you'll have a heck of a time finding a distributor cap, rotor or even spark plug wires for this vehicle.

Is this one of those that goes without all 3? I had a Z-24 with a quad 4 that was like that.