1990 Ford Tempo

Introduction:

The 1990 Ford Tempo was a mid-size sedan offered with various engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.3-liter inline-four, while higher trim levels offered a 3.0-liter V6. Transmission options included a 3-speed automatic, a 4-speed manual, and a 4-speed automatic. Despite its popularity, the Tempo had several known issues that affected different components of the vehicle.

Engine

• 2.3-liter Inline-Four Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, rough idle, loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.0-liter V6 Engine
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell, excessive smoke from the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, reduced power, rough idle.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 3-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, delayed shifts, no engagement.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Shift Linkage Malfunction:
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, inability to shift into certain gears.
    • Solution: Replace the shift linkage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Transmission Fluid Leak:
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission leaks, low transmission fluid levels, slipping gears.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking component (e.g., seals, gaskets).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Struts and Shocks:
  • Worn Out:
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive bouncing, reduced handling.
    • Solution: Replace the front struts and shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Springs:
  • Broken:
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven ride height, decreased handling.
    • Solution: Replace the broken rear springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, dead battery, no charging.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, grinding noises.
    • Solution: Replace the starter motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Non-functioning power windows, difficulty operating windows.
    • Solution: Replace the window motor or switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC System Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: No heating or cooling, malfunctioning fan.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the HVAC system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Ford Tempo had a range of issues, particularly in the engine, transmission, and suspension systems. The severity of these issues varied from minor inconveniences to more significant repairs, with the worst-case scenario being the timing chain tensioner failure on the 3.0-liter V6 engine. The overall cost of repairs could be significant, especially for the more severe issues.