QuestionI own a 1990 Eagle Talon automatic no turbo/ or awd. It has a 100,000 on it. It was my moms car brand new, now I've inherited it. I have all the service records ever done to the car. Here's my problems and history since I've owned it.
The Transmission started slipping @ 45 mph after the car had been driven and warmed up, at above or below 45 mph it would stop slipping. I drained and changed the trans fluid with recommended type IE; atf+3 and added a bottle of Lucas transmission fix. This stopped the slipping imediantly, thus has gone approx. 8500 miles with
this fluid change. Now just recently the car started cutting out, and I could feel and hear the trans knocking. I thought the trans had finally failed. But, the more I thought about it and messed with the car I dont think it's the trans. It is now hard to start as it seems it's missing when it finally starts. could it be IE: (spark plugs,wire,dist cap?) or could it be the timing belt ? (it's never been changed) or is it the head gasket? (I cant see any fluids leaking from the head or gasket) Or a fuel injector?
I would like to keep the car as I have little money tied up in it. But with it being worth very little, I cant justify paying a mechanic to diagnose and repair. I can turn a wrench and I am mechanically inclined but this diagosis has me baffled. Any help would be apprectiated. Greg
AnswerGreg,
Sorry for the long delay in my reply. The AllExpert site was having problems this past weekend and would not let me submit answers.
First thing you should check before spending lots of money on maintenance items is your car's computer. Read this article for further information:
http://90gsx.com/eclipse/cap/caps.htm
If your ECU is malfunctioning, poor starting, rough idling, and stalling can be symptoms. Be sure to have that checked.
If you have a service manual (both Haynes and Chiltons have them for your car, and are available in most auto parts stores), it will list in it the recommended intervals to have regular maintenance items to be changed. this includes, but is not limited to:
- Oil (engine and tranny)
- Coolant & thermostat (~2-3 years)
- Spark plugs and plug wire (~15k-25k miles)
- Distributor (for 1.8L engines only) (~20k miles)
- Timing and balance belt (~60k miles MAX; you should change this ASAP in your case)
- Drive belts (A/C, power steering, alternator) (~30k-45k miles)
- Alternator and battery (~7-10 years for the alternator; the battery varies depending on brand)
- PCV valve (every 12 months - very cheap and quick replacement)
A service manual will also instruct on how to check items that can be common causes of poor starting and rough idle. That includes your throttle body, Idle Air Controller, EGR valve, Throttle Position Sensor, crankshaft/camshaft position sensor, and mass air sensor. Typically those sensors will cause the check engine light to come on if there is a problem, but it can't hurt to check them anyway.
As you can tell, there are many things that need to be in good working order for your car to start properly and idle reliably. Unfortunately, they all need to be checked and maintained regularly as well. But you should have no problem checking these items on your own. Spending a weekend and a few bucks will save you several days at a mechanics shop and hundreds of dollars.
Good luck!
