1990 Ford Thunderbird

Introduction:

The 1990 Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury coupe that was offered with a choice of two engine and three transmission options. The base engine was a 5.0L V8 producing 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine was a supercharged 3.8L V6 producing 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0L V8 could be paired with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission, while the supercharged 3.8L V6 was only available with the 4-speed automatic transmission. People like the Thunderbird for its stylish looks, comfortable interior, and powerful engines. However, it is not without its issues.

Engine Issues

**5.0L V8

4-Speed Automatic Transmission**

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include coolant loss, oil leaks, and a drop in engine performance. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include coolant loss, oil leaks, and a drop in engine performance. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include a lack of coolant circulation, overheating, and a squealing noise. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

**5.0L V8

5-Speed Manual Transmission**

• Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out over time, causing difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty engaging gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $600 - $1,200+

**Supercharged 3.8L V6

4-Speed Automatic Transmission**

• Supercharger failure: The supercharger can fail, causing a loss of power. Symptoms include a lack of boost, a drop in engine performance, and a whining noise. The solution is to replace the supercharger. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Fuel injector failure: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run lean or rich. Symptoms include a drop in engine performance, rough idling, and increased emissions. The solution is to replace the fuel injectors. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Ignition coil failure: The ignition coils can fail, causing the engine to misfire. Symptoms include a drop in engine performance, rough idling, and increased emissions. The solution is to replace the ignition coils. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission Issues

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping: The transmission can slip, causing a loss of power. Symptoms include difficulty accelerating, a drop in engine performance, and a burning smell. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak, causing the transmission to overheat and fail. Symptoms include a lack of transmission fluid, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to fix the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $600+
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to shudder and vibrate. Symptoms include vibration, a drop in engine performance, and a whining noise. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch master cylinder failure: The clutch master cylinder can fail, causing difficulty engaging gears. Symptoms include a spongy clutch pedal, difficulty shifting gears, and a lack of clutch pressure. The solution is to replace the clutch master cylinder. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Slave cylinder failure: The slave cylinder can fail, causing difficulty engaging gears. Symptoms include a spongy clutch pedal, difficulty shifting gears, and a lack of clutch pressure. The solution is to replace the slave cylinder. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Suspension Issues

• Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing a loss of handling and stability. Symptoms include a rough ride, a drop in ride height, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the front suspension struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800+
• Rear suspension shock failure: The rear suspension shocks can fail, causing a loss of handling and stability. Symptoms include a rough ride, a drop in ride height, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the rear suspension shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Sway bar link failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing a loss of handling and stability. Symptoms include a rattling noise, a drop in ride height, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical Issues

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the car to lose power. Symptoms include a lack of battery charging, dimming lights, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the car to lose power. Symptoms include a lack of battery charging, dimming lights, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a lack of engine cranking, a clicking noise, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior Issues

• Door handle failure: The door handles can fail, causing the doors to not open or close properly. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the doors, and a broken door handle. The solution is to replace the door handle. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Window regulator failure: The window regulators can fail, causing the windows to not open or close properly. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the windows, and a broken window regulator. The solution is to replace the window regulator. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Power mirror failure: The power mirrors can fail, causing the mirrors to not move or adjust properly. Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the mirrors, and a broken power mirror motor. The solution is to replace the power mirror motor. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Interior Issues

• HVAC blower motor failure: The HVAC blower motor can fail, causing the heating and air conditioning system to not work properly. Symptoms include a lack of air flow from the vents, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the HVAC blower motor. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Power seat failure: The power seats can fail, causing the seats to not move or adjust properly. Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the seats, and a broken power seat motor. The solution is to replace the power seat motor. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Radio failure: The radio can fail, causing it to not turn on or function properly. Symptoms include a lack of sound, a distorted sound, and a broken radio display. The solution is to replace the radio. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Clock failure: The clock can fail, causing it to not display the correct time or function properly. Symptoms include a blank clock display, and a broken clock mechanism. The solution is to replace the clock. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Summary

The 1990 Ford Thunderbird is a stylish and powerful personal luxury coupe that is not without its issues. The most common problems include engine and transmission failures, which can be costly to repair. However, the majority of the issues are relatively minor and can be fixed for a reasonable cost. Overall, the Thunderbird is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle that is a good value for the money.