1990 Mercury Grand Marquis
Introduction:
The 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size luxury sedan that boasts a powerful V8 engine, a spacious interior, and a smooth ride. It came with a choice of a 4.6L or 5.0L V8 engine, paired with either a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Marquis was praised for its comfort, performance, and value, but it was also prone to certain issues.
Engine
4.6L V8
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, engine performance issues. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: The valve cover gaskets can leak oil. Symptoms: Oil leaks from the top of the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found
5.0L V8
- Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks, as well as engine performance issues. Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, engine performance issues. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500 Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoids can fail, causing transmission shifting issues. Symptoms: Hard shifting, slipping gears, no engagement. Solution: Replace the defective shift solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Automatic
- Overdrive Band Failure: The overdrive band can fail, preventing the transmission from shifting into overdrive. Symptoms: Lack of power when accelerating, increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace the overdrive band. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure: The strut mounts can fail, causing noise and poor handling. Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, reduced handling performance. Solution: Replace the strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, resulting in charging system issues. Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting, battery warning light. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found
Battery Drain: The vehicle may experience battery drain, leading to starting issues. Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dead battery. Solution: Diagnose and repair the cause of the battery drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Locks Malfunction: The door locks may malfunction, preventing doors from locking or unlocking. Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking doors, doors may open while driving. Solution: Repair or replace the door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Interior
Power Window Failure: The power windows may fail to operate. Symptoms: Difficulty operating windows, windows may not move at all. Solution: Repair or replace the power window motor or switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Malfunction: The HVAC system may malfunction, affecting heating and cooling. Symptoms: No heat or cold air, malfunctioning controls. Solution: Diagnose and repair the HVAC system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Summary:
Overall, the 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis is a reliable vehicle with a comfortable interior and strong performance. However, it is not without its issues. Common engine problems include intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket leaks, and head gasket failure. Transmission issues include shift solenoid failure and overdrive band failure. Other issues to watch out for include strut mount failure, alternator failure, battery drain, door lock malfunction, power window failure, and HVAC malfunction. The severity and cost of these issues vary widely, but some can be costly to repair.