1997 Dodge Intrepid Logo
Posted on Mar 16, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Strange Noise from front end of engine 97 intrepid 3.5L

So recently ive had a bit of bad luck. My car stopped running 2 blocks after gettin out of the drive way. Long story short i replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, relays, battery, alternator was good, and a camshaft position sensor.

My car ran pretty dang nice even up till whatever issue it was i swear the pump wasnt working properly but the sensor finally allowed it to start. The problem im having now is this:

When i start the car during start all normal... 2 seconds after starting and achieving idle rpm the car makes a really strange noise from in/around the timing case just above or maybe it is the c/s pulley... but i know the water pump is near it but i think if it were the water pump it would be leaking all over hell... im not getting any check engine codes... the noise is kinda like a grinding but more of like a rubber grind if you can picture it... sounds like taking a 5 gallon bucket (plastic)and making triangles in it with a metal rod makin sure to hit at each point of the triangle while not holding the bucket as to make random off set motions... almost like something isn't balanced or something.... higher rpm louder the noise and it hasnt driven anywhere since i had the first problem of not being able to start it aside from tryin to turn it over... any solution/troubleshooting possibilities would be most helpful before i start tearing into the front end

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  • anthonytw Mar 16, 2009

    Yea i knew i forgot something, since i just bought a brand new battery i did remove the belt running the ac from the c/s pulley as well as the p/s pump and alternator belt so the only thing that ran was the main c/s pulley

  • anthonytw Mar 16, 2009

    water pump is inside and ran by the timing BELT also just another FYI , the noise is by no means quiet like it almost sounds like the whole exhaust system is loose and rattling when i sit in the car and have the door cracked open

  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    sounds like the tensioner is starting to fail. it's the one pully on the serpentine belt that doesn't drive anything

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Sounds like it could be the water pump, timing belt tenstioner/pulley. The water pump is driven off the back side of the timing belt and it may or may not leak if the bearing is bad. I have seen water pumps that are about to fall off not leak. If you look at the front of the oil pan just under the crank pulley and see even 1 drip of green coolant your water pump is shot. The stamped steel front cover comes off easy to inspect the timing belt and stuff. Your engine is a iron block engine and if the timing belt breaks you will damage your valves. The later alluminum block 3.5L is not an interferance engine.

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  • Posted on Mar 16, 2009
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I wouldnt call this a solution as much as just a suggestion, but try removing your drive belts and see if the noise is eliminated. I know of course you cant drive your car this way since your alternator will not be charging and you water pump will not be running, but its a start ya know.

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  • Posted on Dec 18, 2009

SOURCE: 2006 CRV - VSA light and triangle are lit? What

The vsa and check engine light cam on because their is a fault in the system that needs to be looked at.To be on the safe side i would check the oil and transmission fluid .
Try doing a reset. Disconnect battery for a minute, this will clear the code ( light ). If the light comes back then take it auto zone or dealer to have the code read.
You can have the codes read for free at your local parts store like auto zone.
Have them scan it and let me know what the codes are.


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