1990 Cadillac Seville
Introduction
The 1990 Cadillac Seville is a luxury sedan available with a choice of three engine options: a 4.5L V8, a 4.9L V8, and a 5.7L V8. The 4.5L V8 produces 180 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, the 4.9L V8 produces 200 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and the 5.7L V8 produces 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Seville is praised for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and powerful engines. However, it is criticized for its poor fuel economy and expensive maintenance costs.
Engine
4.5L V8
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, overheating, rough idle. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
4.9L V8
Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket can develop a leak, leading to oil leaks. Symptoms: Oil leaks from the top of the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain can stretch or break, causing the engine to stall. Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power. Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000+
5.7L V8
Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to mix. Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, overheating, rough idle. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000+
Distributor Cap and Rotor Failure: The distributor cap and rotor can fail, causing ignition problems. Symptoms: Engine misfires, difficulty starting. Solution: Replace the distributor cap and rotor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Slippage: The transmission can slip out of gear, causing a loss of power. Symptoms: Difficulty accelerating, delayed shifting. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000+
Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing a loss of power or shuddering. Symptoms: Shuddering while driving, loss of power. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure: The strut mount can fail, causing a clunking noise. Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front of the vehicle. Solution: Replace the strut mount. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Ball Joint Failure: The ball joint can fail, causing a clunking noise and alignment problems. Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the ball joint. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
Electrical
Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, leading to a loss of electrical power. Symptoms: Battery discharge, dimming lights. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
Starter Solenoid Failure: The starter solenoid can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms: Clicking noise when turning the key. Solution: Replace the starter solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
Battery Drain: The battery can drain prematurely, causing difficulty starting the vehicle. Symptoms: Battery goes dead quickly, difficulty starting. Solution: Check for parasitic drains and repair or replace faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100+
Exterior
- Rust: The body can rust, particularly in the rocker panels and trunk lid. Symptoms: Rust spots or holes in the body. Solution: Repair or replace damaged panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Depends on extent of damage
Interior
Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard can develop cracks over time. Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard. Solution: Replace or repair the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500+
Climate Control Malfunction: The climate control system can fail, causing the air conditioning or heating to malfunction. Symptoms: No air conditioning or heating, excessive noise. Solution: Repair or replace faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400+
Summary
The 1990 Cadillac Seville is a luxurious sedan that offers a comfortable ride and powerful engines. However, it is known for its expensive maintenance costs and potential engine and transmission issues. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the engine and transmission option selected.