1997 Ford A9522
The 1997 Ford A9522 was a mid-size sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine choice was the 3.0L Vulcan V6, which produced 155 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the 2.5L Duratec V6 and the 4.0L SOHC V8. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.
People who liked the Ford A9522 praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, some people complained about the car’s lack of power and its poor fuel economy.
Engine
3.0L Vulcan V6
- Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms of this issue include a coolant leak, an oil leak, and a loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
2.5L Duratec V6
- Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power and eventually stall. Symptoms of this issue include a rattling noise from the engine, a loss of power, and a Check Engine Light. The solution is to replace the timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200+
4.0L SOHC V8
- Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms of this issue include a coolant leak, an oil leak, and a loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
Transmission
4-speed automatic
- Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip when shifting gears. Symptoms of this issue include a loss of power, a jerking motion when shifting gears, and a Check Engine Light. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
5-speed manual
- Clutch failure: The clutch may fail, causing the car to be unable to move. Symptoms of this issue include a slipping clutch, a burning smell, and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
Suspension
Front suspension struts: The front suspension struts can wear out, causing the car to handle poorly and to make a clunking noise when going over bumps. Symptoms of this issue include a rough ride, poor handling, and a clunking noise. The solution is to replace the front suspension struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
Rear suspension shocks: The rear suspension shocks can wear out, causing the car to handle poorly and to make a clunking noise when going over bumps. Symptoms of this issue include a rough ride, poor handling, and a clunking noise. The solution is to replace the rear suspension shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
Electrical
Battery: The battery can fail, causing the car to be unable to start. Symptoms of this issue include a dead battery, a clicking sound when trying to start the car, and a Check Engine Light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Starter: The starter can fail, causing the car to be unable to start. Symptoms of this issue include a clicking sound when trying to start the car, a grinding noise, and a Check Engine Light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
Exterior
- Body panels: The body panels can rust, especially if the car is not properly maintained. Symptoms of this issue include rust spots, paint bubbling, and peeling paint. The solution is to repair or replace the affected body panels. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,500+
Interior
Door locks: The door locks can fail, causing the doors to be unable to lock or unlock. Symptoms of this issue include a door that will not lock or unlock, a door that locks or unlocks by itself, and a Check Engine Light. The solution is to replace the door locks. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
Power window motors: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to be unable to open or close. Symptoms of this issue include a window that will not open or close, a window that opens or closes slowly, and a Check Engine Light. The solution is to replace the power window motors. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
Summary
The 1997 Ford A9522 is a reliable and affordable sedan that is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. However, the car does have some common issues that can be expensive to fix. These issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain failure, head gasket failure, transmission slipping, clutch failure, front suspension strut wear, rear suspension shock wear, battery failure, starter failure, body panel rust, door lock failure, and power window motor failure.