Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Chrysler Intrepid ES, 3.5 VFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Checking Vacuum Supply
- Turn ignition off. Connect vacuum gauge to engine. Start engine and allow it to idle for at least one minute. While monitoring engine vacuum, snap throttle 2 or 3 times. Vacuum should be a minimum of 13 in. Hg. If reading is as specified, test is complete. If reading is not as specified, go to next step.
- Check for low compression, restricted exhaust system, incorrect engine valve timing, blocked PCV system, bent or kinked vacuum hoses, leaking power brake booster, contaminated fuel, plugged fuel injector, misaligned engine drive sprocket or torque converter with wrong stall speed (automatics only). If no problems are found, test is complete. If any problems are found, repair as necessary.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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