1993 Ford Tempo

The 1993 Ford Tempo is a compact sedan praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and affordable price. It offers a choice of engine and transmission options: a 1.6L 8-valve SOHC engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 2.3L 16-valve DOHC engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Despite its strengths, the Tempo has received criticism for its lackluster performance and dated design.

Engine

• 1.6L 8-valve SOHC
  • Intake Valve Failure: Premature wear or breakage of intake valves, leading to engine misfiring and poor performance. Solution: Replace affected valves and inspect camshaft for damage. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Head Gasket Failure: Deterioration of the head gasket, causing coolant and oil leaks. Solution: Replace head gasket and check cylinder head for warpage. Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,200+
  • Exhaust Manifold Gasket Leak: Leakage of exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold gasket. Solution: Replace exhaust manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• 2.3L 16-valve DOHC
  • Timing Belt Failure: Breakage of the timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage. Solution: Replace timing belt and inspect related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure: Malfunctioning intake manifold runner control, leading to poor engine performance and fuel economy. Solution: Replace intake manifold runner control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400+
  • Power Loss and Stalling: Engine may lose power or stall due to faulty ignition coil or ignition control module. Solution: Inspect and replace faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Leakage of oil from the valve cover gasket. Solution: Replace valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Transmission

• 5-speed Manual
  • Synchronizer Wear: Worn synchronizers can result in difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace worn synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Clutch Failure: Premature wear or breakage of the clutch, causing slipping or difficulty engaging gears. Solution: Replace clutch assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Transmission Fluid Leak: Leakage of transmission fluid from seals or gaskets. Solution: Identify and replace the source of the leak. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• 4-speed Automatic
  • Shift Solenoid Failure: Malfunctioning shift solenoid, leading to erratic or delayed gear shifting. Solution: Replace faulty shift solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400+
  • Torque Converter Shudder: Vibration or shuddering during acceleration, caused by a faulty torque converter. Solution: Replace or rebuild torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Transmission Fluid Overheating: Transmission fluid overheating, resulting in transmission damage. Solution: Flush transmission fluid, inspect cooler lines, and check for internal transmission issues. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Suspension

• Front Struts/Shocks: Worn or damaged front struts or shocks, leading to poor handling, excessive bouncing, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace struts or shocks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ per axle
• Rear Shocks: Worn rear shocks, causing instability and reduced handling. Solution: Replace rear shocks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Control Arm Bushings: Deteriorated control arm bushings, resulting in clunking noises, poor alignment, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace worn bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per side

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Malfunctioning alternator, leading to insufficient charging of the battery. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter Failure: Premature wear or failure of the starter motor, causing difficulty starting the vehicle. Solution: Replace starter motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Electrical Harness Issues: Faulty electrical harness connections or wiring, resulting in electrical malfunctions or intermittent issues. Solution: Inspect and repair or replace faulty wiring or connections. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity of the issue

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: Malfunctioning door lock actuator, causing difficulties locking or unlocking the doors. Solution: Replace faulty door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
• Power Window Motor Failure: Power window motor failure, preventing operation of the affected window. Solution: Replace faulty power window motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
• Tail Light Assembly Failure: Moisture ingress or electrical issues causing tail light assembly failure. Solution: Inspect and replace affected tail light assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per assembly

Interior

• Climate Control System Failure: Malfunctioning climate control system, resulting in inadequate heating or cooling. Solution: Inspect and repair or replace faulty components within the system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Dashboard Light Failure: Failure of dashboard lights, affecting visibility and instrument panel information. Solution: Replace burnt-out bulbs or inspect for electrical issues. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ depending on the number of bulbs affected
• Cruise Control Malfunction: Cruise control system malfunction, causing erratic or inoperative cruise control. Solution: Inspect and repair or replace faulty cruise control components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 1993 Ford Tempo has several known issues that can affect its performance and reliability. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some, such as engine valve failure or transmission fluid overheating, can be significant. Before purchasing a used Tempo, it is recommended to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues and assess the overall condition of the vehicle.