1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
The 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car available with several engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.0L inline four-cylinder, which produces 110 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission. A 3.1L V6 engine is also available, which produces 125 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. This engine can only be paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Cavalier has received positive feedback for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior. However, it has also received criticism for its lack of power, poor handling, and cramped back seat.
Engine
2.0L Inline-Four Cylinder
- Blown Head Gasket: Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
3.1L V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, rough idle, and decreased engine power. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
Transmission
5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Synchronizer Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, especially into 2nd or 3rd gear. Solution: Replace the synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Slipping Gears: Symptoms include the transmission slipping out of gear, especially under load. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Failure: Symptoms include shuddering or slipping during acceleration, and a loss of drive. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
Suspension
Strut Failure: Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ for all four
Ball Joint Failure: Symptoms include clunking or popping noises during suspension movement, and decreased steering precision. Solution: Replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ for all four
Electrical
Alternator Failure: Symptoms include dim lights, a dead battery, and a warning light on the dashboard. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
Starter Failure: Symptoms include the engine failing to start or only starting intermittently. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
Exterior
Door Lock Actuator Failure: Symptoms include doors that won’t lock or unlock, or locks that are intermittent. Solution: Replace the door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
Trunk Release Failure: Symptoms include the trunk being difficult or impossible to open. Solution: Replace the trunk release mechanism. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
Interior
Power Window Failure: Symptoms include windows that won’t go up or down, or windows that fall off the tracks. Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
Dashboard Cluster Failure: Symptoms include gauges that don’t work, or the cluster being completely dead. Solution: Replace the dashboard cluster. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
Summary
The 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier is a budget-friendly compact car with a variety of engine and transmission options. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can affect this vehicle. Some of the common issues include head gasket failure, intake manifold gasket failure, and transmission problems. If these issues are not addressed promptly, they can lead to more costly repairs.