Is the only way to check for trouble codes on a 2000 intrepid through a diagnostic check at a garage or one of your own hand held ODB machines? Does the 3 turns on the key and leaving in the on position work? Just wondering.

Yes, Auto Zone will hook up their ODB Comp and tell you the codes for free.

yeah three key turns work

The only way to check the codes on an OBD II vehicle is with a scan tool.You cannot 3 turns of the key on an OBD II vehicle,it will only work on an OBD I vehicle.Stay away from Auto Zone,they use a code reader and do not know about car computers

Hate to burst your bubble but you can use 3 turns of the key on some OBD II systems. And as long as you record the codes that is received advance using a handheld you will be able to do a little research and perhaps fix the problem yourself without several hundred dollars at the dealer.