1975 AMC PACER

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears especially 1-2 shift, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Shuddering during acceleration

Fix: These Chrysler-sourced automatics run hot behind the AMC sixes and wear clutch packs prematurely. Full rebuild with updated friction materials takes 8-12 hours. External cooler addition recommended during rebuild. Used cores are getting scarce.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement visible under acceleration, Vibration at idle that worsens over time, Transmission tunnel heat increases

Fix: Rubber mounts from this era turn to powder. The transmission mount is particularly prone to collapse, causing driveline angle issues that accelerate U-joint wear. Replacing all mounts takes 3-4 hours. OEM-spec replacements are NLA; use polyurethane aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Deep knocking noise on cold start that quiets when warm, Low oil pressure at idle when hot, Metallic rattling under load, Oil contamination with bearing material visible

Fix: The 232/258 engines are bulletproof until bearing clearances open up from neglected oil changes or long intervals. Requires crankshaft removal, measuring journals, possible machining. In-chassis bearing replacement takes 16-20 hours if crank is serviceable. Most opt for reman short block instead at 18-22 hours R&R.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,500

Symptoms: Hot restart problems after driving, Stalling in traffic on hot days, Hesitation and stumbling when engine heat-soaked, Fuel smell in cabin during summer

Fix: Pacer's cramped engine bay traps heat around the mechanical fuel pump and steel fuel lines. Lines run too close to exhaust manifold. Rerouting fuel line with heat shield and adding electric pusher pump takes 2-3 hours. Inline fuel filter clogs faster than normal due to tank rust — change annually.

Estimated cost: $300-600

Symptoms: Visible surface rust turning to scale on front crossmember, Alignment won't hold settings, Steering wander and vague response, Control arm mounting points show cracking paint

Fix: Unibody design with bolt-on front subframe that traps salt and moisture. Midwest and Northeast cars commonly have compromised crossmember integrity by now. Replacement subframes are unobtanium. Proper repair requires cutting out and welding in fabricated sections, 12-16 hours plus materials. Many cars are scrapped over this.

Estimated cost: $1,500-3,000

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Windows drop into door and won't raise, Grinding or popping noise when operating windows, Glass sits crooked in channel, Manual crank handle strips or spins freely

Fix: The massive door glass and unique wide-body design stressed regulators beyond normal. Plastic components in tracks disintegrate. Pacer-specific parts are discontinued; rebuilding with generic bushings and fabricated brackets takes 3-4 hours per door. Some owners convert to strap-style regulators.

Estimated cost: $400-800