Would it be hard to change the belts on a 2000 dodge intrepid?

Question

Our car was in the shop for repairs because it would crank but not start. The shop could not fix it. They said it was a computer problem and would have to be taken to a dealer for repairs. The dealer said it was the crankshaft position sensor, and that when they change it they have to change the sparkplugs at the same time. This would be $348.72 for the sensor and $149.95 for the plugs that includes a motor tuneup. Then, they said the belts have cracks, which would be $199.00, and a fuel system tuneup for $89.00.
My husband usually does work on our car, but he has been working alot of overtime, and doesn't have all the spare time to work on it. He would rather do without the charge for the belts and do them himself, but hasn't done that to an intrepid before. Does anyone know how hard it would be to replace the belts, to save us on the car repair bill?

Answer 1

Chrysler doesn't recommend 'fuel system tune up', except for a fuel filter change. $348.72 is a lot of money just to re -place the sensor. I would have them replace the sensor then drive it back home and do the rest myself.The belts ain't that hard to replace if you have any mechanical ability at all. The spark plug aren't to bad either, but if it's a 350 engine, the plug wires can be a real bear! Take it to the shop for those.

Answer 2

Here's what I'd do based on my experience. First, don't do the "fuel system tuneup", at least not until much later if you really need it which I doubt. A good Gates serpentine belt would cost about $25, but the dealer charges $50 probably which is reasonable. Why don't you also skip the belt replacement for now and let your husband install just the serpentine belt which he can do when he gets time. Make sure he makes a diagram of how the belt snakes through all the pulleys so that he'll remember how to put the new one on after he takes the old one off. All he needs is a 1/2 inch drive socket handle or breaker bar to release the tension on the tensioner pulley. It has a 1/2 inch square drive insert in the side of it.

Answer 3

chances are that the shop is handing u alot of crap have your husband do the belts hisself its cheaper and he can do it in a day also us the car still down ? or did the dealer take u to the cleaners u probably do have a bad sensor or they are trying to get money from u check out the cap and rotor bet they are cracked or just went out they do that ... dont see why they would have to change the spark plugs if its a sensor that does not make sense

Answer 4

You don't need to replace the belt.(but 199.00 is too cheap,suspicious)
the engine tune up include" the fuel system tune up"

pay for the crankshaft position sensor and get Your car out of the dealer ,driving it.if is not drivable then the dealer diagnostic was not right.

stand tall....

Answer 5

Your best bet is to buy a service manual for your car and read the procedure. IF there is ANY doubt in your mind as to your ability to perform the task at hand- pay a professional technician to do the job. Be aware that a jack is required to lift the engine and remove the left motor mount to gain access to the starter.

Answer 6

We have a 2000 Intrepid RT and my husband always works on our vehicles also. He said when it is time to change out belts that he might take it to the shop. There is not a whole lot of room in there to do anything. My husband said your practically would have to remove the engine to do any work on it.

Answer 7

it sound like you went to a place that sell you unnecessary repairs such as fuel system clean.. replace both belts take about half an hour. it very easy.

Answer 8

it would be