Chrysler Chrysler tc problems

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The Chrysler TC by Maserati is a jointly developed car by Chrysler and Maserati. It was positioned as a grand tourer and introduced at the 1986 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is a "Q" body built on a modified second-generation Chrysler K platform. After two years of development delays, the TC became available in late-1988 and a total of 7,300 units (the minimum required under the contract) were manufactured in Milan, Italy, through 1990. All cars sold as 1991 models were manufactured in 1990.

Development

Lee Iacocca started a friendship with Alejandro de Tomaso while at Ford, which led to the De Tomaso Pantera, which had flopped because of safety concerns and limited interest from buyers. During the 1980s, Iacocca headed Chrysler while De Tomaso was the owner of the historic Maserati brand. In 1983, Iacocca had considered manufacturing a knock-off of a Mercedes roadster based on a Plymouth Reliant-until he was talked out of it.

In 1984, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding to create a sports coupe that ultimately became the TC, or "turbocharged coupe", an "image builder" which carried the hopes that it might help overcome Chrysler's blue-collar image and attract better-heeled customers to showrooms, and a revival of the luxury reputation they enjoyed during the late 1950s to mid-1960s with the Chrysler 300 letter series coupes and convertibles.

Chrysler also became an investor in Maserati during that period. In 1985, Lee Iacocca stated that the planned "Q-coupe" would be the prettiest Italian to arrive stateside since his mother immigrated. The luxury roadster, which resembled a Chrysler LeBaron—it shared many of the LeBaron's components—had taken five years to complete because of mismanagement and squabbling among Chrysler and Maserati engineers which resulted in delay after delay. The original plan was for the TC to be introduced before the LeBaron.

The 1989 TC used a slightly detuned 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) Daytona-spec turbocharged 2.2 L straight-4. This intercooled version, known as the Turbo II, was coupled to an A413 three-speed automatic transaxle. The Turbo II was replaced by a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0 L 141 bhp (105 kW; 143 PS) V6 engine for the 1990 and 1991 model years, with the automatic transaxle being upgraded to a four-speed A604 unit.

500 cars were built with an optional drivetrain consisting of a Getrag manual transmission and a 16-valve head version of the 2.2 L. This engine is often called the "Maserati" engine because it was assembled by Maserati and has a Maserati-branded cast valve cover.

The 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) 16-valve 2.2 L "Maserati" engine's cylinder head was cast in England by Cosworth and finished in Italy by Maserati. The pistons came from Mahle GmbH in Germany. The camshafts were designed by Florida-based Crane Cams and were manufactured by Maserati in Modena. The "Maserati" engine used a specially-made 2.2 block, upgraded crankshaft, and rods. A Japanese turbocharger was sourced from IHI. The rest of the engine used Turbo II parts made in the United States.

The TC's platform was based on a shortened Dodge Daytona chassis with suspension and axles from the original model (except for the 5-speed Getrag with "Maserati" engine). The bodywork was produced by De Tomaso subsidiary Innocenti. The struts and shock absorbers were specially designed for the car by Fichtel and Sachs, and a Teves anti-lock braking system was standard. The special wheels were made in Italy by the Formula One supplier Fondmetal.

After every other Chrysler executive insisted that the TC was hopeless and should be written off, Iacocca refused to accept responsibility for its failure saying it might have worked if his marketers had "positioned" it properly. According to Bob Lutz, a Chrysler executive, the partnership with Alejandro de Tomaso resulted in only the TC, a "misadventure" that wound up costing Chrysler "close to $600 million." That is, the cost to produce each of the 7,300 TCs was about $80,000 in 1990 dollars ($186,572 in 2023 dollars ).

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Chrysler Chrysler tc model years

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Chrysler tc 1997
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Common Chrysler Chrysler tc problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems with the Chrysler TC cars based on complaints from owners:

  • Engine Problems:
    • Engine issues, particularly noticeable in the 2010, 2008, and 2012 models, involve problems like the engine shutting down while driving, failure to turn over, and persistent engine light activation. These issues can be costly to fix and cause inconvenience to drivers.
  • Blind Spot Detection Faults:
    • Blind spot detection faults, more common in the 2012 version, pose a safety risk as they can lead to accidents. Lack of proper blind spot detection can be dangerous on the road and may require expensive repairs.
  • Uconnect Problems:
    • Uconnect problems have been reported in various Chrysler vehicles, including the TC. While Uconnect has improved over the years, issues with this vehicle platform can affect the overall driving experience and may require attention to ensure proper functionality.

These problems highlight significant issues that owners of Chrysler TC cars have faced, ranging from safety concerns to reliability and performance issues. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the functionality and safety of these vehicles.

Chrysler Chrysler tc

How many Chrysler TC were made?

7,300 units

Approximately 7,300 units were built in total. The Chrysler TC car had plenty of substance, with technology befitting what the Brits refer to as a “bespoke” high-end vehicle.

What problems did the 2014 Chrysler Town and Country have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

  • Climate System. AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage. ...
  • Paint And Trim. ...
  • Body Hardware. ...
  • Transmission Minor. ...
  • Transmission Major. ...
  • Brakes. ...
  • Exhaust. ...
  • Electrical Accessories.

What is the value of a 1990 Chrysler TC?

The value of a used 1990 Chrysler TC ranges from $3,107 to $12,085, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

What is the last year Scion TC was made?

August 2016

The tC ended production in August 2016 after a final release edition as part of the phasing out of Scion brand. At 29, the tC sports coupe had the lowest-average age buyer in the industry according to Toyota.

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