1969 Pontiac Tempest problems
The Tempest is an automobile that was produced by Pontiac from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1987 to 1991. The name "tempest" is from Old French tempeste (French tempête), from Latin tempestas ("storm"), from tempus ("time, weather").
The Tempest was introduced as an entry-level compact in October 1960 at the Paris Auto Show for the 1961 model year. Built on GM's first unibody chassis, its new Y-platform was shared with the Buick Special/Skylark and Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass.
While the Buick and Olds versions used a conventional drivetrain, the Pontiac had a unique, innovative design. The Tempest featured a front-engine/rear-transaxle layout that very nearly resulted in an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, together with independent rear suspension for nimble handling (a swing axle design similar to the Chevy Corvair). A Slant-4 engine connected to the 2-speed automatic transaxle via a flexible "rope" drive shaft. This configuration eliminated the driveshaft hump, yielding a flat floor with increased interior space. The Pontiac "Trophy-4" was also unique, created by basically halving a standard Pontiac V8 block.
Buick's aluminum 215 V8 was also optional in 1961 and 1962, but very few Tempests were so-equipped. The Tempest line offered an optional LeMans trim upgrade.
In 1964 the Tempest was redesigned as a mid-size car on the updated GM A-body platform, which used a conventional drivetrain. The base Tempest, Tempest Custom, and Lemans became separate trim packages, with an optional GTO performance option available on the LeMans for 1964 and 1965. The GTO was offered as a separate model line beginning in 1966. The Tempest name was retired after 1970, replaced by the T-37 as the base model, which in turn gave way to the LeMans name in 1972.
In Canada from 1987 to 1991, Pontiac marketed a rebadged version of the compact L-body Chevrolet Corsica under the revived Tempest name.
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Common 1969 Pontiac Tempest problems
The 1969 Pontiac Tempest, particularly the Sprint six, faced issues with performance due to the engine's need for a four-speed stick to function optimally. The Sprint six, in its 215/230 hp four barrel form, struggled to deliver the expected performance without the right transmission. This limitation impacted the overall driving experience and satisfaction of the car's owners.
Another common problem with the 1969 Pontiac Tempest was the underdesign of the car for the amount of horsepower it was equipped with.
The Tempest's suspension system was also a point of contention for some owners. The suspension setup was often criticized for not being heavy-duty enough to handle the power and performance capabilities of the car. This led to issues with handling and stability, particularly during aggressive driving or high-speed maneuvers.
The power steering system in the 1969 Pontiac Tempest was another area of concern for some owners. While the GM power steering was considered better than average, it struggled to keep up when drivers became aggressive with the car. This made the driving experience less enjoyable and potentially more dangerous, as the steering could become unresponsive or difficult to control during high-performance driving.
The 1969 Pontiac Tempest's braking system was often criticized for being mediocre, particularly when compared to other high-performance cars of the era. The brakes were not always up to the task of stopping the car quickly and safely, which could be a significant safety concern during high-speed driving or emergency situations.
The transmission options in the 1969 Pontiac Tempest were another source of frustration for some owners. Pontiac's decision to use two-speed automatics in the smaller cars, rather than the more advanced Turbo-Hydramatic found in larger models, was seen as a misstep. This limited the car's performance potential and made it less enjoyable to drive, particularly for those seeking a high-performance experience.
Lastly, the 1969 Pontiac Tempest's interior was not without its issues. Some owners reported problems with the car's power steering, brakes, air conditioning, and power windows or locks not functioning properly. These issues could detract from the overall driving experience and satisfaction, particularly for those seeking a luxury or high-performance vehicle.
Was the Pontiac Tempest a muscle car?
Available with Pontiac's largest V8, the 389 cu in (6.4 L), and equipped with a four-barrel carburetor (producing 325 hp (242 kW) or the soon to become iconic 345 hp (257 kW) 3 x 2 barrel Tri-Power set-up, the GTO proved to be the defining muscle car of the 1960s.
Is a Tempest and a GTO the same thing?
A GTO is basically a $2480 Tempest Le Mans with a $296 extra-equipment package that includes a floor shift, 389 engine, dual exhaust, stiffer shocks, "exterior identification" and a choice of super-premium tires or whitewalls.
What is the mother of all muscle cars?
Mother of Muscle—1929 Chrysler Model 75 Roadster.
What's the difference between a LeMans and a Tempest?
1961. Toward the end of the 1961 model year, the LeMans was introduced as the top trim package of the compact-sized Pontiac Tempest on GM's new Y body platform. The Tempest LeMans featured sportier and more luxurious features and standard equipment than the Tempest, including different badging and bucket seats.
Was the Pontiac Tempest a muscle car?
Available with Pontiac's largest V8, the 389 cu in (6.4 L), and equipped with a four-barrel carburetor (producing 325 hp (242 kW) or the soon to become iconic 345 hp (257 kW) 3 x 2 barrel Tri-Power set-up, the GTO proved to be the defining muscle car of the 1960s.
What engine was in the Pontiac Tempest?
The Trophy 4 engine is a short-stroke, 45-degree inclined inline four created from the right bank of the 389 V8 for the debut of the Tempest in 1961. Its 194.43 cu in (3.2 L) displacement is precisely half of the 389, with an identical bore and stroke of 41⁄16 in × 33⁄4 in (103.2 mm × 95.3 mm).
What is the difference between a Pontiac Tempest and a GTO?
A GTO is basically a $2480 Tempest Le Mans with a $296 extra-equipment package that includes a floor shift, 389 engine, dual exhaust, stiffer shocks, "exterior identification" and a choice of super-premium tires or whitewalls.
What Pontiac is worth the most?
The Pontiac GTO is a proud member of the glorious Muscle Car era, and collectors are always looking for the rarest and most incredible examples.
1969 Pontiac Tempest car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Tempest problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1969 Pontiac Tempest vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1969 Pontiac Tempest complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1969 Pontiac Tempest.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-21
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND LEFT REAR FENDER. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *SLC
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1969 Pontiac Tempest problems:
Possible causes for GTOs overheating | Pontiac GTO Forum
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Mar 23, 2011 ... The 1964-1974 Pontiac Tempest, Lemans & GTO · 1964 ... (if the 40+ year old type is still common lol) ... The problem is with the wiring and the ...
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He indicated that this is a common problem for these cars. There is very little clearance at the solenoid when it is in its final location for all the wires and ...
Q&A: 1969 Dodge Coronet Electrical Problem - Expert Advice
Apr 18, 2009 ... I have a 1969 dodge coronet and my problem is electrical. My dash lights are dim and slightly pulsating and my - Answered by a verified ...
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