1992 Plymouth Colt

1992 Plymouth Colt

The 1992 Plymouth Colt is a subcompact car that was available in both hatchback and sedan body styles. It was offered with two engine options: a 1.5-liter inline-four with 82 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.8-liter inline-four with 113 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. The 1.5-liter engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.8-liter engine was available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

1.5-liter Engine

• Blown head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating engine, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Engine

• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, bent valves, catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace timing belt, tensioner, and water pump (if necessary)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft position sensor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, intermittent stalling
  • Solution: Replace crankshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult to shift gears, grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace synchros or transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps, loose steering
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim lights, difficulty starting, battery warning light
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, clicking noise from starter
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on body panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or holes on body panels
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat from heater, coolant leaking into cabin
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, intermittent operation
  • Solution: Replace window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Plymouth Colt is a reliable and affordable subcompact car with a few common issues. The most serious issue is timing belt failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Other common issues include head gasket failure, intake manifold gasket failure, and suspension component failure. These issues can be expensive to fix, but they are relatively rare. Overall, the 1992 Plymouth Colt is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly and dependable car.