1990 Lincoln Town Car Problems & Reliability

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you have a soft spot for classic rides that exude both style and comfort. One such iconic vehicle is the 1990 Lincoln Town Car, a symbol of luxury and elegance from a bygone era. Whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about its legacy, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. In this post, we’ll dive into the common problems that owners have faced with the 1990 Lincoln Town Car and take a closer look at its overall reliability. So, buckle up and let’s take a trip down memory lane with this classic cruiser! The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is often remembered for its smooth ride and spacious interior, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a touch of old-school luxury. However, like any vehicle that’s been around for a few decades, it has its share of quirks and issues. From electrical gremlins to suspension woes, we’ll explore the typical problems that have cropped up over the years. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! We’ll also highlight the aspects that have contributed to its reputation for reliability and why some owners still swear by this vintage beauty. Whether you’re a potential buyer or just a fan of classic cars, this post will give you a well-rounded view of what to expect from the 1990 Lincoln Town Car.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Compressor Failure Due to Air Leaks From Air Suspension Struts and Drier

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car has some reliability issues, particularly with the compressor failing due to air leaks from the air suspension struts and drier. This problem can lead to a bumpy ride and costly repairs if not addressed promptly. While the car is known for its classic style and comfort, these air suspension issues can be a significant drawback for owners.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Corrosion on Battery Cable Ends

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is known for its classic style and comfortable ride, but one common issue that pops up is corrosion on the battery cable ends. This can lead to starting problems and electrical issues if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the battery terminals can help keep this problem in check and ensure the car remains reliable.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Overheating Due to a Damaged Impeller

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is known for its classic style and comfortable ride, but one issue that pops up is overheating due to a damaged impeller. This problem can lead to engine performance issues if not addressed promptly. While it’s not a deal-breaker for many fans of the car, it’s something to keep an eye on to maintain overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Turn Off Suspension Switch Before Jacking/Lifting Vehicle With Air Suspension

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally reliable, but one thing to keep in mind is the air suspension system. It’s important to turn off the suspension switch before jacking or lifting the vehicle to avoid any potential issues. This simple step can help maintain the car’s overall performance and prevent unnecessary repairs.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Problems With EGR System are Common in High Dust Areas

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally a reliable vehicle, but it does have some issues, especially with the EGR system in high dust areas. This can lead to performance problems and might require more frequent maintenance if you live in such environments. Overall, while it’s a solid ride, keeping an eye on the EGR system is a good idea to maintain its reliability.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Adjusting AC Clutch Air Gap

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally reliable, but one issue that pops up is the need to adjust the AC clutch air gap. Over time, the air gap can become too wide, leading to the AC not engaging properly. While it’s a fixable problem, it can be a bit of a hassle for those not familiar with car maintenance.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil coated air filer causing mass air flow sensor failure

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car has a known issue where oil-coated air filters can lead to mass air flow sensor failures. This problem can affect the overall reliability of the vehicle, as a faulty sensor can cause performance issues and potentially lead to more significant engine problems if not addressed. It’s something to keep an eye on if you’re driving or considering buying this classic ride.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Service power steering fluid regularly

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally known for its smooth ride and classic style, but like any older vehicle, it has its quirks. One key maintenance tip is to service the power steering fluid regularly, as neglecting this can lead to steering issues over time. Keeping up with this simple task can help maintain the car’s overall reliability and ensure a more enjoyable driving experience.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Inspect transmission/fluid every 30,000 miles

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally known for its solid build and comfortable ride, but like any older vehicle, it does have its quirks. One key maintenance tip is to inspect the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, as this can help prevent some of the common transmission issues reported by owners. Staying on top of this routine check can contribute to the car’s overall reliability and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Exhaust Leak Prior to Catalytic Converter Must be Repaired Immediately

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally known for its smooth ride and classic style, but it does have some issues to watch out for. One major problem is the exhaust leak prior to the catalytic converter, which needs immediate attention to prevent further damage. While this issue can be a hassle, addressing it promptly can help maintain the car’s overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Install insulator kit to prevent vibration caused by air compressor

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is known for its smooth ride, but some owners have reported issues with vibrations caused by the air compressor. Installing an insulator kit can be a reliable fix to reduce these vibrations and improve overall driving comfort. While the car has its quirks, addressing this specific problem can enhance the vehicle’s reliability and make for a more enjoyable ride.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Replace fuel filter every 30,000 to prevent fuel pump failure

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Ensure battery height is correct when replacing battery

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally known for its solid build and comfortable ride, but like any older vehicle, it has its quirks. One common issue is ensuring the battery height is correct when replacing it, as an incorrect fit can lead to electrical problems or even damage. Overall, with proper maintenance and attention to these details, the Town Car can still be a reliable ride.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Corrosion May Form at Grounding Points Near Battery

Analysis:

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car is generally known for its classic style and comfortable ride, but one issue to keep an eye on is corrosion forming at the grounding points near the battery. This can lead to electrical problems if not addressed, so it’s a good idea to check these areas regularly. Overall, while it’s a solid vehicle, staying on top of maintenance can help keep it running smoothly.

Conclusion

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