1994 CHEVROLET CAPRICE

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start or intermittent stalling, especially in rain or humidity, Rough idle, misfires under load, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes

Fix: Optispark sits under the water pump and fails when moisture infiltrates. Requires water pump removal to access. 4-6 hours labor, always replace with vented aftermarket unit and apply dielectric grease. Many techs do water pump at same time since you're already there.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink fluid puddles under vehicle (ATF mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Milky/strawberry-colored fluid on dipstick, Overheating transmission

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at frame contact points or quick-disconnect fittings fail at radiator. If ATF contaminates coolant or vice-versa, you're looking at radiator replacement plus full trans flush minimum. Ignore it and you'll need a transmission rebuild when coolant destroys clutches. 2-3 hours for lines only, 8-12+ if trans is damaged.

Estimated cost: $300-500 (lines only), $2,000-3,500 (with trans damage)

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Howling or whining from rear that increases with speed, Clunking on acceleration/deceleration, Rear-end feels loose or unstable

Fix: The 8.5" 10-bolt rear is tough but carrier bearings and limited-slip clutches wear out. Proper fix is tear-down, bearing/seal kit, gear pattern check. Police package cars with 3.23 or 3.42 gears see this more. 6-8 hours labor for full rebuild.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Stalling when fuel level drops below half tank, Whining noise from rear when key is on, Inaccurate or stuck fuel gauge, Hard starting after sitting

Fix: Tank straps rust and fuel tank develops internal corrosion, killing pump and clogging filter. Pump lives inside tank. Drop tank, inspect for rust-through before installing new pump/sending unit assembly. 3-4 hours labor. Heavily salted climate cars may need tank replacement too.

Estimated cost: $400-700 (pump/sender), $800-1,200 (with tank)

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps in front end, Wandering steering or pulling, Visible grease boot tears, Tire wear on inner or outer edges

Fix: GM issued recall for ball joint studs pulling out of knuckles. Even post-recall, these wear out faster than expected with heavy-duty use (cop cars, taxi fleets). Control arms are pressed-in; most shops replace entire lower control arm assemblies. 2.5-3.5 hours per side.

Estimated cost: $350-600 (both sides)

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, White smoke from exhaust (intake gasket), Overheating in traffic or at idle, Coolant in oil (milky dipstick) on severe intake failures

Fix: LT1 intake manifold gaskets leak coolant into valleys or into oil. Water pump failures common at 100k. Intake gasket job is 6-8 hours (must remove Optispark). Use Fel-Pro 1250 gasket set, not OEM. If overheated severely, check for head gasket damage or warped heads (adds 12+ hours for head work).

Estimated cost: $700-1,200 (gaskets/pump), $2,500-4,000 (if heads involved)

Symptoms: Doors hard to close or need slam to latch, Visible drop at rear of door when open, Wind noise or water leaks at door seals, Door won't stay open on slight inclines

Fix: Heavy doors wear hinge pins and bushings. Welded-on hinges make replacement difficult; most shops use hinge pin/bushing kits and door alignment takes patience. 2-3 hours per door for proper fix with shim adjustment.

Estimated cost: $250-450 (per door)