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1990 Ford Taurus

Introduction:

The 1990 Ford Taurus is a mid-size sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, it was also known to have some mechanical issues.

Engine:

  • 3.0L Vulcan V6
    • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
      • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • 3.8L Essex V6
    • Head Gasket Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
      • Solution: Replace head gasket
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • 3.8L OHV V6
    • Timing Chain Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power
      • Solution: Replace timing chain and gears
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
      • Recalls: None Found

Transmission:

  • AXOD 4-Speed Automatic
    • Overdrive Gear Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power in overdrive gear, check engine light
      • Solution: Replace overdrive unit
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • M5OD 5-Speed Manual
    • Synchronizer Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
      • Solution: Replace synchronizers
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found

Suspension:

  • Front Lower Control Arms:
    • Bushing Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning or braking, uneven tire wear
      • Solution: Replace lower control arms
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Trailing Arms:
    • Bushing Failure:
      • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning or braking, unstable rear end
      • Solution: Replace trailing arms
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
      • Recalls: None Found

Electrical:

  • Alternator Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Motors:
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating, clicking noise
    • Solution: Replace power window motor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior:

  • Door Hinge Pins:
    • Rust and Wear:
      • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening and closing doors, sagging doors
      • Solution: Replace door hinge pins
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
      • Recalls: None Found

Interior:

  • Dashboard Cracking:
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard
    • Solution: Replace dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Ford Taurus is a reliable vehicle with a spacious interior and powerful engines. However, it can experience some mechanical issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to consider the cost of repairs when purchasing a used Taurus.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.