1990 CHRYSLER NEW YORKER

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick), Rapid overheating with no external leaks, White exhaust smoke on cold start, Cracked cylinder heads between valve seats, Warped heads causing repeat failures even after gasket replacement

Fix: Head gasket jobs regularly reveal cracked heads requiring replacement or full rebuild. Proper fix requires both heads machined or replaced, new gaskets, new intake manifold gaskets, cooling system flush. 12-16 labor hours. Many owners encounter repeat failures within 20,000 miles if heads aren't replaced, leading to engine replacement becoming more economical.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Delayed or harsh 2-3 upshift, Slipping in overdrive under load, No movement in any gear (complete failure), Burnt transmission fluid smell, Check engine light with transmission codes

Fix: The A604 has weak overdrive clutches and valve body problems. Band adjustments are NOT possible like older Torqueflites. Requires full rebuild with updated clutch packs and valve body or replacement unit. 8-12 labor hours for R&R plus rebuild time. Cooler lines often corroded and need replacement simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under front of vehicle, Rapid fluid loss leading to transmission slipping, Rust-through of steel lines where they pass near subframe, Total transmission fluid loss in minutes if line ruptures while driving

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust from underneath in salt states. Both lines should be replaced together with OE-style or upgraded braided stainless. Requires lifting vehicle, sometimes dropping crossmember for access. 3-4 labor hours. Absolutely flush transmission and cooler after any rupture.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: ABS warning light illuminated constantly, Pump motor runs continuously or cycles rapidly, Hard brake pedal requiring excessive force, Groaning noise from ABS unit under hood on right side

Fix: The Bendix 10 ABS system has weak pump motors and pressure accumulators that fail. Used parts are equally old. Remanufactured units available but expensive. Can delete ABS and install manual prop valve if not required for inspection, but this is increasingly difficult to source parts for. 4-5 labor hours for pump/accumulator replacement.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Blower only works on high speed, No blower function at all, Intermittent blower operation, Burning smell from under passenger dash

Fix: Blower resistor block fails frequently (covered by recall for fire risk in some cases but parts still fail). Motor itself seizes from debris in evaporator housing. Resistor is accessible under glove box (1 hour), motor requires dash work and evaporator housing access (3-4 hours if motor replacement needed).

Estimated cost: $150-450

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting from park to drive, Engine rocks excessively during acceleration, Vibration transmitted through steering wheel and floor, Visible engine movement when revving in park

Fix: Rubber mounts fail from heat and oil saturation. Front and rear engine mounts plus front transmission mount commonly need replacement as a set. Requires supporting engine/trans with jack while replacing. 3-4 labor hours for all three mounts.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: No start with crank but no fuel pressure, Stalling when fuel tank below 1/4 tank, Erratic or inoperative fuel gauge, Whining noise from rear of vehicle

Fix: In-tank pump fails, often taking out fuel gauge sending unit. Requires dropping fuel tank. Tank strap corrosion common in rust states making job difficult. 3-4 labor hours. Replace fuel filter during this job as it's rarely done otherwise.

Estimated cost: $450-750