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2000 Dodge Intrepid P0300 P184: Check Engine Light On During Long-Distance Driving?

Model: 2000 Dodge Intrepid Fault Code: P0300 Posted: 2006-03-29 08:22

I own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7L V6 engine. The check engine light activates only during long-distance drives (typically 2-3 hours), and the diagnostic codes displayed are P0300 and P184. The issue does not occur when driving in city traffic or short trips. A technician suggested it might be related to the timing chain, but I'm wondering if there's a simpler, more affordable explanation. As a female car owner, I'm concerned about being overcharged or misled by unqualified mechanics. What are the most likely causes and how can I verify them without spending too much?

Related fault codes
P0300
Comments (5)
Anonymous 2006-03-29 12:19

You have a 2.7L V6, correct? What's your current mileage? Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are common failures on this model, especially with infrequent oil changes leading to engine sludge. Timing chains can also wear out over time. I work at a Chrysler dealership and can offer some insight—please keep me updated on your progress.

Anonymous 2006-03-30 05:56

Yes, it's the 2.7L V6. My mileage is 128,262 miles. The car runs fine in city driving but starts showing issues during long highway drives. This typically happens once a month or so. Thanks for your input—very helpful.

Anonymous 2006-03-31 06:59

If the misfire codes appear frequently, using an OBD2 scanner can help identify whether the issue is with the camshaft or crankshaft sensor signal loss. When the check engine light comes on, does it affect starting? Does the tachometer behave differently when cranking?

Anonymous 2006-03-31 17:02

The codes only trigger during long-distance driving—usually once a month. The car starts normally and there's no noticeable change in the tachometer reading during cranking. When I had it scanned, the technician reported multiple misfire events and pointed to a possible timing chain issue, especially since the problem occurs under sustained highway conditions.

Anonymous 2006-04-01 10:53

A timing chain failure is usually not intermittent—it would typically trigger a persistent check engine light. It sounds more likely that your crankshaft position sensor is failing, particularly when the engine heats up. This is a known issue on older Intrepids. I'd recommend having another qualified mechanic recheck everything—especially spark plugs, which may be worn out if original. If they're old, replacement could resolve the misfire. Also, have a technician drive the vehicle under long-distance conditions and check fuel pressure when symptoms appear. While you're cautious about being overcharged, finding a specialist familiar with 2000 Dodge Intrepid engines is key. Does the P184 code come back consistently? Good luck—keep me posted.