1982 Plymouth Champ problems

Common 1982 Plymouth Champ problems

The Plymouth Champ, introduced in 1982, is known for its reliability and durability, with many owners reporting few major issues. However, some common problems have been reported by Plymouth Champ owners.

• Automatic Choke Failure: One common issue with the 1982 Plymouth Champ was the failure of the automatic choke. This problem led to difficulties in starting the car, especially during cold weather. Chrysler's solution was to replace the carburetor, which was expensive. As a workaround, some owners used a screwdriver to open the butterfly valve and applied starting fluid to help start the engine.

• Body Damage: The Plymouth Champ's smaller size and lightweight construction made it more susceptible to damage from collisions. For instance, a deer collision resulted in a dented fender that was too expensive to repair professionally. In such cases, some owners resorted to removing the fender and pounding it out by hand.

• Transmission Issues: The 1982 Plymouth Champ came with a twin-stick manual transmission, which some owners found challenging to operate. Over time, this transmission could develop issues, such as difficulty shifting gears or slipping out of gear. These problems could be caused by worn-out synchronizers or clutch issues, requiring professional repair.

• Electrical Problems: Some Plymouth Champ owners reported issues with the car's electrical system, including flickering dashboard lights, intermittent radio operation, and problems with the power windows or power door locks. These issues could be caused by loose connections, blown fuses, or faulty wiring, which would require professional diagnosis and repair.

• Suspension and Steering Complaints: The 1982 Plymouth Champ's suspension and steering systems could also develop problems over time. Some owners reported issues with the car's steering, including a loose or wandering steering wheel, or a tendency to pull to one side while driving. Suspension issues included a rough ride, excessive bouncing, or a noisy suspension. These problems could be caused by worn-out bushings, loose steering components, or damaged suspension parts, requiring professional repair.

• Engine Performance Issues: Some Plymouth Champ owners reported issues with the car's engine performance, including poor fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, or engine stalling. These problems could be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty air filter, clogged fuel injectors, or a faulty oxygen sensor. Regular maintenance and professional diagnosis could help address these issues.

In summary, the 1982 Plymouth Champ is generally a reliable and durable car, but like any vehicle, it can develop problems over time. Common issues reported by owners include automatic choke failure, body damage, transmission issues, electrical problems, suspension and steering complaints, and engine performance issues. Regular maintenance and professional repair can help address these problems and ensure the car's longevity and reliability.

Is the Plymouth Champ a Mitsubishi car?

The Dodge Colt is a subcompact car that was manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors and marketed by Dodge for model years 1971 to 1994 as captive imports. Rebadged variants include the Plymouth Champ and Plymouth Colt, both were marketed by Plymouth.

What years did they make the Plymouth Champ?

The Champ was a captive import based on the Mitsubishi Mirage and produced by Mitsubishi Motors for Plymouth between 1978 and 1994. The Champ nameplate was changed in 1983 to Colt. The fourth generation Colt was replaced in 1994 by the Plymouth Neon.

What is the sister car of the Dodge Colt?

The Dodge Colt had a twin sister in the Plymouth Colt and siblings in the Mitsubishi Mirage and Eagle Summit.

How fast do champ cars go?

230 mph

Champ Cars have carbon fiber bodies, 900-horsepower engines and top speeds of over 230 mph! Champ Car racing is one of the most technologically advanced sports in the world today. And, other than space shuttles and jet fighters, Champ Cars are the most sophisticated vehicles that we see in common use.

What year did Plymouth have to push button?

All Chrysler (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chysler) automatics were either two-speed (Powerflite) or three-speed (Torqueflite) pushbuttons from about 1955 until at least 1963.

Who made the Plymouth Champ?

Mitsubishi Motors

The Champ was a captive import based on the Mitsubishi Mirage and produced by Mitsubishi Motors for Plymouth between 1978 and 1994. The Champ nameplate was changed in 1983 to Colt. The fourth generation Colt was replaced in 1994 by the Plymouth Neon.

Why did Plymouth cars fail?

Final years: 1990s–2001

By the 1990s, Plymouth had lost much of its identity, as its models continued to overlap in features and prices with its sister brands, Dodge and Eagle. Chrysler attempted to remedy this by repositioning Plymouth to its traditional target market as the automaker's entry-level brand.

When did they stop making Plymouth?

After Plymouth folded on June 29, 2001 (the day after this car was built), Dodge continued building the cars and selling them in the U.S. until 2006. The Neon cost $18,210 when new.

1982 Plymouth Champ car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Champ problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Power train problems
• Steering problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Plymouth Champ vehicle components and the number of complaints received.