1985 Plymouth Turismo problems
The Dodge Charger (L-body) is a subcompact two-door hatchback/fastback built by Dodge from 1981 until 1987. It is based on Chrysler's front-wheel drive L platform. A companion model, the Plymouth Turismo, was also marketed.
History
For the 1979 model year, Chrysler shortened the L-platform of the n Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon four-door hatchbacks from 99.2 to 96.5 in (2,520 to 2,451 mm) in wheelbase to make more sporty two-door with a sloping hatchback called the Dodge Omni 024 and the Plymouth Horizon TC3. The cars shared a 70 hp (52 kW) 1.7 L Volkswagen inline-four as the only engine.
In 1981, the Charger nameplate returned as a performance package on the Omni 024. Called the Charger 2.2, it cost $399 extra and came with a hood scoop, quarter-window appliques, special gearing, rear spoiler, and "Charger 2.2" tape graphics, as well as the new 84 hp (63 kW) 2.2 L I4 engine that was designed and built by Chrysler. A total of 7,306 were built.
In 1982, the Dodge Charger returned for a second year as the performance option for the 024. Nothing was changed from 1981 except for a Pentastar emblem on its hood and adding a resonator to the exhaust since the previous model had no muffler, utilizing the catalytic converter as the sole method of engine noise reduction. Production increased to 15,000.
In 1983, the Volkswagen engine went out of production, so a joint Chrysler/Peugeot 1.6 L engine was used instead. The Omni 024 was renamed the Charger. The Plymouth Turismo was introduced as a companion entry for 1983, with the TC3 designation now discontinued. Carroll Shelby developed a sporty version of the Charger later in the year, the Dodge Shelby Charger.
The transformation continued in 1984, with quad headlights now differentiating the Charger from its Omni origins. However, the Shelby models continued to use the previous year's front nose cap/bumper assembly. The Plymouth Turismo would share the same front end. Apart from the badging, both cars were identical.
For the 1985 model year, the Shelby (with its unique front end) and Charger names were shuffled to reflect the addition of a turbocharged engine. One new color was added for 1985 — black with silver stripes. Plymouth also got a version of the old Shelby Charger, reviving the Duster name as the Plymouth Turismo Duster. However, Plymouth would never get a turbocharged version of the Shelby Charger. Two turbocharged Turismos, using the Shelby front end, were seen at Chrysler headquarters with a 'Cuda Plymouth badge, but they were not put into production. They currently reside in a private collection. The previous high-compression 107 hp (80 kW) Shelby Charger engine was now an option on regular Dodge Chargers. For 1986, a center high-mounted stop light was added, and the 96 hp (72 kW) 2.2 L engine became standard in the base models.
The 1987 model year was the last for the Omni/Horizon-derived Charger and Turismo. A total of 2,011 Chargers with the hotter 174 hp (130 kW) Turbo II engine were now badged the Shelby Charger Turbo (not "Dodge"). For 1987, they were replaced by the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance, and the Belvidere plant was retooled to build the Dodge Dynasty, which succeeded the preceding 600 at the time. Carroll Shelby bought 1,000 of the last Chargers and equipped them with the Omni GLH's engine and suspension to be sold under this name. The Duster name was revived for a model in the Plymouth Sundance line midyear in 1992. The Charger name, aside from the unrelated Dodge Ramcharger, would go on a more long-term hiatus until it was revived as a concept car in 1999 and eventually as a performance sedan in 2005; the nameplate had previously been on a brief hiatus from 1979 through 1981 after the Dodge Magnum replaced the original Dodge Charger (1966).
Production Figures:
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Common 1985 Plymouth Turismo problems
The Plymouth Turismo, introduced in 1985, was a two-door sporty version of the Chrysler/Simca Omni/Horizon sedans. While it offered a slightly sportier appearance than the base model, it lacked a turbo engine option, which was available in the Dodge version. This led to some common problems and complaints among owners.
- Lack of Power: The 1985 Plymouth Turismo came equipped with a 2.2L inline-four engine, producing only 96 horsepower. This lack of power made the car less than ideal for performance-oriented driving or ice racing, as mentioned in the search results.
- Transmission Issues: Many Plymouth Turismo owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission, which can lead to poor acceleration and sluggish performance. This is especially noticeable when attempting to pass other vehicles or merge onto highways.
- Rust: As with many cars from the 1980s, the Plymouth Turismo is prone to rust, particularly in the bottoms of the doors or rocker panels. This can lead to structural issues and decreased vehicle safety over time.
- Interior Quality: While the interior of the Turismo may look great in photographs, some owners have reported issues with the quality of materials used in the interior, such as cheap plastics and poor fit and finish.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: Despite being marketed as a compact economy car, the Plymouth Turismo does not offer particularly impressive fuel efficiency. This is especially true when compared to other cars from the same era with similar engine specifications.
- Limited Availability of Parts: Due to the rarity of the Plymouth Turismo, finding replacement parts can be a challenge. This is particularly true for specific components such as left front fenders and right windshield wiper motors.
- Handling and Suspension: Some owners have reported issues with the handling and suspension of the Plymouth Turismo, particularly when driving at high speeds or on winding roads. This can lead to a less than enjoyable driving experience and potential safety concerns.
In conclusion, while the Plymouth Turismo offered a slightly sportier appearance than the base model, it suffered from a lack of power, transmission issues, rust, poor interior quality, limited fuel efficiency, and difficulty in finding replacement parts. These issues have led to complaints and problems for many owners of this car.
Why did Plymouth get discontinued?
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.
What car is called a Turismo?
Plymouth Turismo (1983 to 1987)
The Turismo was largely a rebranded Dodge L-Body Charger, and was fitted with a range of inline four engines. The Turismo was a series of hatchbacks that were in production until 1987.
What was the failure of Plymouth?
After a rough start, the Plymouth Colony found some success as the colonists learned how to grow crops. However, due to poor soil, population increase, and wars with the native tribes, the Colony was eventually absorbed into the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
What was Plymouth's last car?
But that couldn't save the brand. On November 3, 1999, the company announced that Plymouth would drop out of the market. The last car sold under the Plymouth brand was a 2001 Neon.
Why did Plymouth stop making cars?
The demise of Plymouth was due to lackluster cars that were similar to other models offered by other brands in the group, although Chrysler Group had a few tricks up their sleeves with the new PT Cruiser being planned to revive the Plymouth brand.
Who made the Turismo car?
Dodge Charger (1981)
| Dodge Charger (Chrysler L-body Cars) | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dodge (Chrysler) |
| Also called | Plymouth Turismo |
| Production | October 1981–1987 |
| Model years | 1982-1987 |
What was the failure of Plymouth?
After a rough start, the Plymouth Colony found some success as the colonists learned how to grow crops. However, due to poor soil, population increase, and wars with the native tribes, the Colony was eventually absorbed into the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Why did Plymouth end?
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.
1985 Plymouth Turismo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Turismo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Plymouth Turismo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Plymouth Turismo complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Plymouth Turismo.
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3BM44C1FD
- Components: POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT (20) OR (25) MPH HEARD A LOUD CRASHING BANG AND VEHICLE WENT INTO A SPIN, HIT ABOUT (3) TREES ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE AND THE REAR AXLE AND WHEELS CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WITH BRAKE LINES. *AK
1985 Plymouth Turismo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Plymouth Turismo.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
- Remedy: THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
- Summary: AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE MAY ALLOW AN OVERLY RICH MIXTURE (EXCESSIVE FUEL) IN THE ENGINE DURING DECELERATION. THE MIXTURE OF AIR AND EXCESSIVE FUEL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE STOPPING, COASTING, OR TURNING.
- Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BY REMOVING THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE AND INSTALLING A VACUUM LINE CONNECTOR IN ITS PLACE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Plymouth Turismo problems:
code P1491 - neons.org
Dec 9, 2006 ... The car runs and drives just fine, no temp problems. ... It seems to be a fairly common problem and difficult to diagnose. ... 1985 PLYMOUTH TURISMO
1983 Plymouth Turismo 2.2 Turbo | Turbo Dodge Forums
Jul 17, 2016 ... Cable is new one ordered from Rockauto for an 82 with cruise. Problem with mine is that the 95 Voyager had a 3 wire hall-effects style sensor.
Just what IS it?| Off-Topic Discussion forum |
Dad had a Plymouth Horizon Tc3. Took my driver's test in it. POS. Door handles were always broken. Seemed to be a common problem on these cars.
Dodge Charger (1981) - Wikipedia
... Duster name as the Plymouth Turismo Duster. ... Horizon-derived Charger and Turismo. A total of 2,011 ... known as a 'T1' was added for Dodge's 1985 Shelby Charger.
85 Plymouth Turismo 2.2 High Output
After getting the interior squared away, it was time to start on mechanical issues. The previous owner has said the front wheel bearings were ...
Other years of Plymouth Turismo
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