1990 Lincoln Town Car

Introduction

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car was a full-size luxury sedan that offered a comfortable and powerful driving experience. It was available with two engine options: a 4.6L V8 and a 5.0L V8, and two transmission options: a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual. While the Town Car was praised for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it was also known for several common issues.

Engine

4.6L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks.
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks, oil leaks, decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: N/A
• EGR valve failure: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve can fail, causing engine performance issues and increased emissions.
  • Symptoms: Stalling, rough idle, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: N/A

5.0L V8

• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Symptoms: Engine noises, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Intake manifold runner control valve failure: The intake manifold runner control valve can fail, causing decreased engine performance and fuel economy.
  • Symptoms: Poor acceleration, hesitation, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold runner control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip when shifting gears or under load.
  • Symptoms: Loss of power, delayed shifting, jerking.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: N/A

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out or become contaminated, causing difficulty shifting gears or slipping.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, grinding noises, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing decreased handling and ride quality.
  • Symptoms: Noisy suspension, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Rear suspension spring breakage: The rear suspension springs can break, causing the vehicle to sit low and affect handling.
  • Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride, decreased handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing electrical system issues and battery discharge.
  • Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical component failure, battery warning light.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Symptoms: No crank, clicking noises.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Door handle failure: The door handles can become loose or break, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Symptoms: Loose door handles, difficulty opening doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• Window regulators failure: The window regulators can fail, causing the windows to become stuck or inoperable.
  • Symptoms: Windows not moving, difficulty raising or lowering windows.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Power seat failure: The power seats can fail, causing them to become inoperative or stuck in a certain position.
  • Symptoms: Seats not moving, stuck seats.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the power seat motors or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary The 1990 Lincoln Town Car had several common issues that could affect its reliability and driving experience. Engine problems, such as intake manifold gasket failure and timing chain failure, were among the most costly to repair. Suspension issues, electrical problems, and interior component failures were also common, although they were typically less expensive to fix. Overall, the Town Car had a moderate severity of issues with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $3,000.