Aron Nance

Looking at a 1990 Toronado. Anything I should be aware of to look for???????

jensenracing77

My mom and dad has a 90 Trofeo that they got in 94 with 1300 miles. Has $40K miles on it now. They had to pull the instrument cluster about 20 years ago and send it off to be rebuilt. I am told that is a common problem with them. If it goes bad it just quits running. They never had a problem with it after that. If it has the touch screen dash (don't think that was available till 92?) then that can be a major problem. Car will not work without it and they go bad often and no replacements available I am told.

Also, the transmission gear select switch is no longer available and go bad now and then. I just picked up a good used one for their car. Looks like it is screwed together. After I change it I will pull the old one apart and see if I can rebuild or repair it.

They really love the car.

Olds64

Aron, we look forward to seeing pics! I bet it's a cool Olds.

vistacruiser1971

Hi Jensen: My uncle had a touch screen in his 89 Riv. It was sold when it was still a new car so I have no report about how long it lasted. I have heard that touch screens have problems which is likely the same unit on the Trofeo. Seems to me there was some report of a repair person that is able to fix some electronics, however, not sure if was on this site. The 3800 engine is known to be a good motor and will last for years. I don't think there is a non digital dash option on the Trofeo. However, they made standard Toronados during that generation which might have a more standard dash. That generation was offered from 86-92 so there were some different combinations of options offered, all with he 3800 motor.

I have had some intermittent starting problems with my 302,000 92 Silhouette with the 3800 motor. I checked the trans gear select switch as a possible problem and replaced it with another switch. I took one apart and it sure seems very complicated where different lines are powered during various gear selections. The power side door can't be opened in drive gears I guess, but that didn't start until 1993. No daytime running lights, so not sure why that switch is so complicated with so many wires in/out of it. Pieces come apart quickly once you open it. Let us know if you figure out anything. Regards, Trent in Los Angeles.