Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1990-97)ĭescription: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil pump relief valve sticks. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-97))ĭescription: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1993-94)ĭescription: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. (1994-95)ĭescription: Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. This can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. ![]() (1994)ĭescription: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when shifting into fourth gear. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1993-96)ĭescription: The automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear. (1990-96)ĭescription: The drive belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. Thunderbirds can suffer poor traction on wet/slick pavement even with traction control.ĭescription: Water drips onto the floor when the air conditioner is operated and may be due to over a half-dozen potential leak sources, including seals and bad seams in the evaporator case or heater core. The Sport model (available only briefly) gives you V8 power and a tauter ride than the base car. Even in its softest mode, the SC’s standard adjustable suspension is on the harsh side. SCs hug the road tightly, but heavy weight keeps even that Thunderbird from feeling truly agile, and the Super Coupe suffers from an overly firm ride. Base and LX models handle well and ride comfortably, but do tend to float and bound over dips as speed rises. An automatic-transmission SC averaged 15.2 mpg.Īll Thunderbirds have competent road manners. A late LX V8 got 18.2 mpg (just 15 in urban commuting). Fuel economy is tempting only on base (V6) models. The 4.6-liter V6 is quieter, smoother than the older 5.0-liter, but yields unimpressive throttle response in the 30-50-mph range. A V8 Thunderbird reached 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The V8 delivers a smooth power flow, not neck-snapping takeoffs. Unfortunately, the 5-speed manual gearshift gets balky, making automatic the better choice for an SC.Ī V8 engine is the sensible choice for those who like performance, but don’t need the all-out muscle of the Super Coupe. The Super Coupe, on the other hand, is one swift cruiser. Though smooth-running and capable, the base V6 sets no acceleration records. As with most coupes of this size, the big, heavy doors are a chore to open and demand a lot of room. The optional electronic dashboard isn’t so easy. Controls are clear and easy to reach, analog gauges easy to read on a cockpit-style dash. Three can fit into the rear, but head room is limited and the center occupant straddles a wide driveline tunnel. Substantially heavier than prior T-Birds, the stylish but portly ’90s edition is roomier inside. At the end of the model year, Ford announced the end of Thunderbird production. Ford also made four-wheel disc brakes standard. ![]() The center console was redesigned to provide dual cupholders, a coin holder, and larger storage bin. The simplified instrument cluster featured new gauges with orange needles, while warning lights replaced the oil pressure gauge and ammeter. Revisions to the dash and interior layout were the major change for ’97. Color-keyed body moldings were integrated with door panels. Extensive styling changes included new fascias, clear-lens headlights, and a new grille with larger opening. ![]() No more Super Coupes went to dealerships, but Thunderbird continued in LX guise. Variable-assist power steering no longer was standard on the LX, except with V8 power. T-Birds featured new front/rear fascias, a new hood, and headlights. Thunderbirds still had no airbag at all.Īn overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 arrived for ’94, along with driver- and passenger-side airbags and optional traction control. All models wore new full-width taillights.īase and Sport models were gone, leaving only the LX and Super Coupe. LX/Sport front ends got the SC’s faired air intakes and aero skirting. Sport models had a standard V8, making four models in all: base, Sport, LX, and SC. For 1991, a V8 option was back: a 5.0-liter engine rated at 200 horsepower.
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