1. Broken or Disconnected Shifter Cable(s): This is the most likely cause. The cable(s) connecting the shifter to the transmission could be:
* Broken: A frayed, snapped, or severely worn cable will prevent proper transmission engagement.
* Disconnected: The cable might have come loose from either the shifter lever or the transmission linkage. This could be due to age, vibration, or previous repairs.
2. Adjuster Problems:
* Improper Adjustment: The shifter cables often have adjusters that need to be precisely set. If they're out of adjustment, the shifter won't engage the gears correctly. This is less likely to cause *no* engagement, but can lead to difficulty shifting.
* Broken Adjuster: The adjuster itself could be faulty.
3. Transmission Linkage Issues (Less Likely, but Possible):
* Bent or Broken Linkage: The linkage connecting the cable to the transmission can bend or break, preventing gear selection. This is less frequent but possible.
4. Internal Transmission Problem (Least Likely, but Serious):
* Internal Transmission Failure: While less likely to manifest solely as a shifting problem (you'd probably experience other symptoms), a serious internal transmission problem *could* mimic this issue. This is the most expensive possibility.
What You Can Do:
1. Visual Inspection: Start by carefully inspecting the shifter cables. Look for any obvious signs of breakage, fraying, or disconnection at both ends of the cables. You might need to get under the car to thoroughly check the linkage. A flashlight will help.
2. Check for Obstructions: Ensure nothing is interfering with the cable movement.
3. Try Cable Adjustment (If Applicable): Your Dodge Intrepid's repair manual (or a reliable online resource for your specific year and model) should show you how to adjust the shifter cables if equipped with adjusters. Proceed cautiously here! Incorrect adjustment can worsen the problem.
4. Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable working on your car's transmission, take it to a qualified mechanic. Incorrect repair can cause significant damage to your transmission. A mechanic can diagnose the specific problem and perform the necessary repair, which might involve replacing cables, adjusting linkage, or (in the worst case) transmission repair.
Important Note: Before you start any work, make sure your parking brake is firmly engaged. Never work under a car supported only by a jack; use jack stands for safety.
Attempting repairs yourself without experience is risky. The cost of a professional diagnosis and repair is often less than the potential damage from a botched DIY attempt.
