Problem with Dodge Intrepid?

Question

Hi, my sister has been having some trouble with her car. It's a 1995, 3.3l V6 (Straight fuel, not flex), automatic. When the car drives through a puddle (deep or shallow), about 1 minute later the headlights will start to dim, then shut off. Then the car will jerk a couple of times, and shut off, which in turn locks the steering (Power steering), and the brakes (ABS). Anybody know what the problem might be? Also, a mechanic told us that it was a rain shield inside the wheel well, but we replaced that, and it still messes up.

Answer 1

Hi.......obviously the water is getting on some electrical component, and causing these problems. i would take a hose, and squirt it here and there and try to replicate the problem. Splashing through a puddle at any speed sends water everywhere. With a hose, you know where u just squirted it.........Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

This is common with any car when you hit water at high speed and or lots of water at any speed. It can happen on the Interstate if you are flying along in a cloud burst. The ABS brakes will not work and or any brakes will fail if wet until the water dries off the rotors and or drums.

The belts and pulleys get wet and slip and this throws off the whole function as you'll lose power steering and alternator and water pump as everything driven by the belts has a pulley and the water acts just like oil and everythijng gets very slippery until the water flies off or, if it stalls, the motor dries out.

All you can do is slow down when it's wet outside and avoid those big puddles.

Good Luck!