Chrysler · Known Issues

1989 Chrysler LeBaron Problems: 8 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1989 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1989 Chrysler LeBaron has 8 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel) ($30-$150 repair), Engine Controller Failure (Logic/Power Module, SMEC, SBEC) — No-Start / Stalling ($150-$600 repair), Chronic Overheating — Wrong-Rotation Water Pump (1989+) & Cooling System Neglect ($120-$700 repair), Turbocharger Bearing/Seal Failure (Oil Starvation, Blue Smoke) ($400-$1,500 repair) and Distributor Hall-Effect Pickup Heat-Soak Failure — Intermittent No-Spark Stall ($80-$350 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $30 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 8 Known Issues

On the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay powers the ignition coil, fuel injectors, and (via the fuel-pump relay) the fuel pump. When the ASD relay fails, contacts wear, or its connector corrodes, the engine cranks but gets no spark and no fuel and will not start; failure can also be intermittent, causing the car to die while driving and then restart later. On many LeBarons the relay sits on the driver's-side fender/strut tower. Because the same no-start symptom can come from the logic/power module or the pickup, the relay should be swapped or bench-tested to confirm.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Engine cranks but won't start — no spark and no injector pulse
Intermittent stalling while driving, restarts after a wait
No buzz/prime from the fuel pump at key-on
No power to the ignition coil or injectors when cranking

How to Fix

Test the ASD relay (listen for the brief click at key-on, verify it powers the coil/injector bus) and substitute a known-good relay; replace it if it fails to energize the coil/injector circuit. Clean and repair the relay connector and check for blown fuses and the PCM ground that controls the relay. Confirm fuel-pump and coil power return after replacement.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Auto Shutdown (ASD) / Fuel Pump Relay (primary repair part)
OEM4504205Owners useStandard RY-119, Standard RY-118, Wells 1S5032$10–$28
THE part. On these Chrysler EFI cars the ASD relay and the fuel-pump relay are the SAME 5-pin interchangeable relay (PCM grounds both together) mounted on the driver's-side fender/strut tower (Power Distribution Center on later cars). Mopar 4504205 is the genuine 'Fuel Pump (Shutdown) W/A.C. Relay'
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Typical repair cost:$30 - $150

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On the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, early LeBarons use a two-box system (separate logic module in the kick panel and power module near the battery); 1988+ cars use the combined SMEC, and later cars the SBEC. The power-module/driver section is a known weak point: heat and vibration crack solder joints and fail the injector/ignition drivers, producing intermittent stalling, no-spark/no-fuel no-starts, or a car that runs poorly and drops into limp-in. Fault codes (read by cycling the key on-off-on) help point at it, but the module can fail without a clean code. The logic module also enters limp-in and reduces performance when it loses key sensor data.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Intermittent stalling, sometimes restarts after cooling
Crank-no-start with no spark or no injector pulse
Reduced power / limp-in behavior
Erratic or no charging voltage (early power module)
Fault codes pointing to driver circuits or no-start

How to Fix

Pull stored fault codes via the key-on/off flash-code method to confirm a controller or driver fault, then replace the failed module (logic module, power module, SMEC, or SBEC) with a known-good or remanufactured unit and ensure clean grounds and battery voltage. Repair corroded connectors. Verify charging-system voltage, since the power module also regulates the alternator field and is stressed by a bad alternator/battery.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Logic Module (1985-1987 two-box system, mounted behind passenger kick panel)
OEM5227533Owners useCardone 79-7538, Blue Streak (BSE) EM538, Mopar 5226263 (1985 Turbo I A/T)$71–$150
The 'brain' of the early two-box system; lives behind the passenger-side kick panel and is the part that drops into limp-in / reduces performance. PN is engine- and transmission-specific (2.2 Turbo I vs TBI, A/T vs M/T): verify against the original module's printed number before ordering. 1986-and-e
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Power Module (1985-1987 two-box system, mounted in left front fender by battery)
OEM5227808Owners useCardone 79-6766, Cardone 79-6765, Blue Streak (BSE) EM765$57–$88
The injector/ignition driver section called out as the known heat/vibration solder-crack weak point (stalling, no-spark/no-fuel no-start, alternator-field regulation). Mounts in the left front fender next to the battery on the 1985-1987 cars. OEM 5227808 = 1985-87 2.2L & 2.5L TURBO FED power module;
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SMEC - Single Module Engine Controller (1988-1989, combined logic+power, replaces the two-box pair)
OEM5234932Owners useCardone 79-4932, Blue Streak (BSE) EM1696, Mopar 5235275$130–$250
1988-1989 cars use the combined SMEC (logic and power boards in one case: 60-way logic + 14-way power connector). Replaces the separate logic+power modules. OEM 5234932 confirmed via RockAuto cross-ref (Cardone 79-4932 reman lists 5234275/5234932/5235275/4111714). Engine/calibration-specific PNs app
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SBEC - Single Board Engine Controller (1990-1995, single-board PCM, replaces SMEC)
OEM4686558Owners useCardone 79-6409 (1990), Mopar 4686562 (1990 2.5 TBI M/T), Mopar 4778490 (1992 2.5 TBI M/T)$130–$260
1990-and-later LeBarons use the single-board SBEC. OEM 4686558 = 1990 2.5L TBI A/T (4686562 = M/T); 1992 TBI = 4778490 (M/T) / 4778494 (A/T); turbo variants 4686592 / 4686596. PN is highly year/engine/transmission/emissions-specific on these — confirm the number on the original unit. Cardone 79-6409
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $600

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On the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, the distributor pickup is a three-wire Hall-effect sensor that tells the engine computer the engine is turning so it can fire spark and injectors. These pickups are prone to heat-related, intermittent failure: the car runs fine cold but suddenly stalls once the engine bay heats up, then restarts after it cools (heat-soak). The Hall sensor can fail without setting a code, and because the computer sees no engine-rotation signal, it cuts fuel and spark entirely. On the 3.0L, an intermittent no-spark can also come from the coil or ignition module, so the pickup must be confirmed with a scope/voltage test.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Engine stalls suddenly after warming up
Restarts only after sitting and cooling down
Crank-no-start with no spark when hot
Intermittent stalling that worsens in hot weather
No fault code stored despite the stall

How to Fix

Verify the pickup's 8V supply, ground, and switching 0–5V signal while cranking (a scope best catches heat-related dropout). Replace the distributor pickup/Hall sensor (or the distributor assembly) if the signal drops out when hot. Inspect the wiring and connector for heat damage. On the 3.0L also test the coil and ignition control module before condemning the pickup.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Distributor pickup / Hall-effect sensor (2.2L / 2.5L 4-cyl)
OEM83500935$22–$60
PRIMARY fix part for this issue. Mopar 83500935 is the 3-wire Hall-effect distributor ignition pickup for fuel-injected Chrysler 2.2L/2.5L 4-cyl engines (the LeBaron's main engine family in 1985-1995). It mounts under the distributor cap and is the heat-soak-failure component the issue describes: 8V
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Distributor assembly (3.0L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6)
OEMMD116211Owners useT5T62071$90–$220
Era-correct complete distributor for the 1988-1995 LeBaron 3.0L SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 V6. The 3.0L pickup is an OPTICAL (LED/window) unit integrated in the distributor and is NOT serviced separately like the 4-cyl Hall pickup, so the whole distributor is replaced when its pickup fails. OEM Chrysler M
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Typical repair cost:$80 - $350

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On the 1989-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, leBaron overheating is common and one trap is unique to these cars: in 1989 the 2.2/2.5 switched to a counter-rotating (reverse-rotation) water pump driven off the back side of the timing/accessory belt, whereas 1980–1988 used a clockwise pump. Installing the wrong-rotation pump (or a generic replacement) pushes coolant the wrong way and the engine overheats even though the pump looks correct. Combined with the small radiators, electric-fan failures, and tired thermostats on these aging cars, owners report boiling coolant, rising temp gauge, and on turbo cars heat-soak that can crack a head or blow the gasket. Always match the pump to the engine's rotation.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Temperature gauge climbing, coolant boiling/overflow
Overheats after recent water-pump replacement (wrong-rotation pump)
Cooling fan not running
Overheats at idle/in traffic but cools at speed
Coolant loss and sweet smell

How to Fix

When replacing the water pump on a 1989+ engine, confirm it is the correct counter-rotating (reverse) pump for that year — do not fit an early clockwise pump. Then service the rest of the cooling system that commonly fails on these cars: thermostat, radiator (recore/replace if clogged), electric cooling-fan motor and fan relay/temp switch, hoses, and a proper coolant fill/bleed. On turbo cars, verify the fan operates to prevent post-shutdown heat-soak.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Water pump — counter-rotating / reverse-rotation (2.2L/2.5L, 1989+)
OEMR4621172Owners use5166861AA (Mopar supersession), Airtex AW7127, US Motor Works WP148$28–$75
THE critical part for this issue. From 1989 the common-block 2.2/2.5 uses a COUNTER-ROTATING (reverse) pump driven off the back side of the belt — NOT the 1980-88 clockwise pump. OEM Mopar R4621172 (now superseded by 5166861AA) fits 1990-1996 Chrysler/Dodge 2.2L/2.5L incl. LeBaron 1991-1995. Tell th
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Thermostat, 195°F (88°C)
OEM4494470Owners useStant 13789, Motorad 204-192, Gates 33019$8–$20
195°F thermostat for the 2.5L. Stant 13789 and Motorad 204-192 are cataloged for 1986-1994 LeBaron 2.5L. Mopar OEM 4494470 (housing 4425621, gasket 4425620). Tired/stuck thermostats are a routine overheating cause on these aging cars — replace as part of the job.
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Radiator (recore/replace if clogged)
OEM4267020ABOwners use4401635 (Mopar, J/Q/G body), Spectra CU1192, CSF 2459$90–$180
OEM Mopar 4267020AB is the A-body radiator assembly for the 1991 LeBaron sedan; 4401635 covers J/Q/G body variants, 4401968/4401974 are the turbo/C-body radiators. Small undersized radiators that clog with age are a documented contributor to LeBaron overheating. Verify body code (A vs J/Q/G) and tra
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Electric radiator cooling-fan motor (and shroud/fan assembly)
OEM4546538Owners use4401958 (Mopar fan-motor-shroud assembly), Four Seasons 35657 (motor), Four Seasons 75748 (assembly)$45–$120
Electric cooling-fan motor failure is a common overheating cause on these cars, and on turbo cars a dead fan allows post-shutdown heat-soak. OEM Mopar 4546538 is the fan motor (listed ~$57-73); 4401958 is the full fan-motor-shroud assembly; 4266939 is the 5-blade plastic fan. Confirm fan operates af
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Coolant temperature switch / sensor (fan trigger)
OEM33004281Owners useStandard Motor Products TX-series temp switch, Four Seasons 36499, NTC / Intermotor coolant temp sensor$10–$30
The temp switch/sensor that commands the fan relay — a failed switch keeps the fan off and the engine overheats. Mopar 33004281 is the cataloged coolant-temperature sensor for LeBaron. Note these cars can have BOTH an ECU coolant temp sensor and a separate fan-trigger switch depending on year/config
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Radiator hoses (upper/inlet and lower/outlet)
OEM4401978Owners use4401982 (Mopar outlet/lower), H0069045 (Mopar outlet alt.), Gates 21967 (coolant hose, 1992-94)$12–$40
Replace aged hoses as part of a full cooling-system service. OEM Mopar 4401978 = inlet (upper) hose and 4401982 = outlet (lower) hose for the 1991 A/J/G-body LeBaron; H0069045 is an alternate outlet hose. Also inspect the heater/bypass hose (Gates 28411 bypass cross-ref). Prices are per hose.
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Typical repair cost:$120 - $700

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On the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, the two-prong engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor at the thermostat housing feeds temperature data to the engine computer for fuel mixture and to the cooling-fan and gauge circuits. When it fails or its connector corrodes, the computer mis-fuels the engine: the car runs rough or floods when warm, stalls once hot, and is hard to restart until it cools (a classic heat-soak no/poor-start). The temperature gauge can read erratically or peg, and the electric cooling fan may not turn on, leading to overheating. Note this is the computer's ECT sensor, distinct from the dash gauge sending unit.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Stalls or runs rough only after the engine is fully warm
Hard to restart when hot, fine again after cooling
Erratic or pegged temperature gauge
Cooling fan doesn't come on / intermittent overheating
Poor fuel economy and black smoke (over-rich when cold-signal stuck)

How to Fix

Test the ECT sensor's resistance cold and hot against spec and inspect/repair the connector for corrosion; replace the sensor if out of range (Mopar coolant temperature sensor for the 2.2/2.5/3.0). Verify the cooling fan commands on and the gauge tracks after replacement. Rule out air in the cooling system and a stuck thermostat, which mimic an erratic gauge.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor — 2-prong, engine-computer type, thermostat housing
OEM5226374Owners useStandard Motor Products TX14, Niehoff DR3-equivalent, ACDelco aftermarket NTC 2-terminal$15–$43
The primary fix part. This is the two-prong NTC ECT sensor that feeds the engine computer (distinct from the 1-wire dash gauge sender, Mopar 4504203, which the issue explicitly excludes). Mopar OEM 5226374 is cataloged as the 'engine computer sensor' for LeBaron 1985-1994 across 2.2/2.5/2.6/3.0 (Mop
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Typical repair cost:$40 - $180

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On the 1985-1992 Chrysler LeBaron, the turbocharged LeBarons (Garrett T3-based Turbo I and the higher-boost Turbo II) suffer turbo center-bearing and oil-seal wear from oil starvation at cold start and shutdown, and from coking when the engine is shut off hot without a cool-down. Worn seals let engine oil pass into the intake or exhaust, causing blue smoke (especially on startup or boost), oil consumption, and eventually a frozen or noisy turbo. The small-frame T3 is prone to burnt oil cutting a groove in the turbine shaft so the seals can no longer hold oil. Lack of oil changes and hard acceleration on a cold engine accelerate the failure.

Common Symptoms

Blue/gray smoke from the exhaust, worst on startup or under boost
Excessive oil consumption with no external leak
Whining, whistling, or grinding noise from the turbo
Loss of boost / sluggish acceleration
Oil film inside the intake hose or intercooler piping

How to Fix

Replace or rebuild the turbocharger (CHRA/cartridge) with new bearings and seals; on the T3, install a wear sleeve if the shaft is grooved. Address the root causes: change oil on a strict interval with a quality oil, allow the engine to idle ~30–60 seconds before shutdown after hard driving, and avoid full boost until oil is warm. Inspect and clean the turbo oil feed/drain lines, which can clog with coked oil and starve the bearing.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Turbocharger assembly, Garrett TB0335 (T3-family) — 1984-1987 2.2L Turbo I (complete reman unit, the 'replace the turboc
OEM4323335Owners useGarrett 466298-5007, Garrett 466298-5007S, Mopar 4105794$521–$1023
Garrett TB0335/T3-family unit on the early (1985-1987) 2.2L Turbo I LeBaron — the 'small-frame T3' the PROBLEM text calls out as prone to shaft grooving. OEM Mopar PN 4323335 (also catalogued as 4105794/4105797/4105798/4105800/4397745). Garrett service number 466298-5007. Confirmed fitment 1982-1987
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Garrett TB0335 CHRA / center cartridge (bearing-housing core) — 1984-1987 2.2L Turbo I (rebuild path: replaces the worn
Owners useGarrett 409174-0048, fits TB0335 / TB0352 / TB0378 / TB0371$290–$360
Replacement CHRA (center housing rotating assembly) for the Garrett TB0335 Turbo I — directly cures the cited center-bearing/oil-seal wear and grooved turbine shaft by swapping a fresh balanced core into the existing comp/turbine housings. Garrett service cartridge 409174-0048 (~$290, invasionautopr
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Turbocharger assembly, Mitsubishi TE04H-13C — 1988-1992 2.2L/2.5L Turbo I (complete reman unit; LeBaron switched from th
OEM4387235Owners useMopar 4556016, Mopar 4556213, Mitsubishi 49183-01000$677–$795
For 1988-1992 LeBaron turbos: Chrysler dropped the Garrett T3 and fitted the Mitsubishi TE04H-13C (the cars went 2.2L Turbo I through '88, then 2.5L for '89-'92). OEM Mopar PN 4387235 (supersedes/co-listed 4556016, 4556213); Mitsubishi base 49183-01000 / -01090. Reman complete units ~$677 (Turbochar
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Turbo rebuild / bearing & seal kit, Mitsubishi TE04H-13C — 1988-1992 2.2L/2.5L (rebuild path: the journal bearings + thr
Owners useAmazon ASIN B00BEJA16E, GPOP Shop TD04/TE04H standard kit, Kinugawa TE04H rebuild kit$35–$80
15-piece rebuild kit for the '88+ TE04H-13C: 2 journal bearings, 2 journal retaining rings, turbine-end piston (seal) ring, compressor-end piston ring, thrust bearing, thrust spacer, oil deflector/flinger, seal plate + its O-ring & retaining ring, compressor-housing O-ring, shaft locknut. This is ex
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Turbo rebuild / bearing & seal kit, Garrett T3 (TB0335) — 1984-1987 2.2L Turbo I (rebuild path: 360-degree thrust bearin
Owners useAmazon ASIN B00BEJ9ES0 (Chrysler 2.2L T3 kit), AGP Turbo T3/T4 360 kit, Twisted Motion T3/T4 kit$40–$110
Garrett T3 rebuild kit for the early (84-87) TB0335 Turbo I: 2 journal bearings + retaining rings, turbine piston/seal ring, 360-degree thrust bearing with thrust collar & spacer, dynamic seal, seal ring, shaft locknut, comp-housing O-ring. Addresses the cited worn center bearing & oil seals. The 36
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Turbo oil feed line + oil drain flange + coolant/water line kit, TE04H — 1988-1992 (the FIX directive to 'inspect and cl
OEM4448992Owners useMAMBA 018-0251 (kit incl. oil feed adapter w/ 1.0mm restrict, Mitsubishi 49183-02010 TE04H-13C-6$90–$160
Directly satisfies the FIX root-cause step (clogged/coked oil feed & drain lines starve the bearing). Mopar OE assembly the kit replaces is 4448992 (TE04H oil/water line set on 88-90 2.2L and 88-95 2.5L LeBaron/Plymouth). MAMBA line kit (oil feed adapter w/ restrictor, water adapters, oil-drain flan
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,500

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On the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, chrysler's throttle-body and MPI fuel-injection LeBarons use an Automatic Idle Speed (AIS) motor (idle air control) that meters air around the closed throttle to keep the engine idling and to catch the idle when the A/C compressor cycles or when the throttle snaps shut. The AIS pintle and its passage carbon up, and the motor itself wears out, causing a rough or hunting idle, idle that surges up and down, stalling when coming to a stop or when the A/C kicks on, and sometimes a high idle that won't come down. The symptoms overlap with vacuum leaks, so the intake and vacuum lines must be checked first.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Rough or unstable idle, sometimes stalling at stops
Idle surges/hunts up and down
Engine stalls when A/C compressor engages
High idle that won't return to normal
Stall when throttle is quickly released

How to Fix

Clean the AIS motor pintle and the air passage in the throttle body with throttle-body cleaner; if cleaning doesn't restore stable idle, replace the AIS motor. Confirm there are no intake/vacuum leaks (a common cause of the same symptoms) and that the throttle position sensor reads correctly before condemning the AIS. After replacement, let the system relearn idle.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Automatic Idle Speed (AIS) / Idle Air Control (IAC) motor — 2.2L & 2.5L 4-cylinder (TBI, MPI & turbo) LeBaron
OEM4300494Owners useMopar 4307897, Mopar 4467002, Mopar 4612740$19–$55
Primary replacement part for the documented fix on Chrysler-engine (2.2L/2.5L L4, including the 2.5L Turbo and TBI) LeBarons, 1985-1993. Canonical Mopar OEM 4300494 with several running-change supersessions (4307897/4467002/4612740/4861086/17119275) that all interchange. Standard AC8 and AIP IAC8 ar
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Automatic Idle Speed (AIS) / Idle Air Control (IAC) motor — 3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72) LeBaron
OEM4288298Owners useMopar 4300264, Mopar 4307899, Mopar 4419639$16–$50
DISTINCT part for the 3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72) LeBaron, 1990-1995 — do NOT substitute the 4-cylinder AIS (different valve/mounting). Mopar OEM family 4288298 with running-change supersessions; AIP IAC10 is the aftermarket equivalent. Listed separately so the correct era/engine PN is used per the FI
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Throttle body / air-intake cleaner (consumable for cleaning AIS pintle and air passage)
OEMCRC 05078Owners useBerryman B-12 throttle body cleaner, Gumout Throttle Body & Air Intake Cleaner, Sea Foam SF-16 (alternative)$10–$13
Required consumable for the FIX's first step — clean the AIS pintle and the throttle-body air passage with throttle-body cleaner before condemning the motor. CRC 05078 (12 oz aerosol) is the standard widely-stocked product (~$10-12). Use throttle-body-specific cleaner, not generic carb cleaner, on t
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Typical repair cost:$60 - $250

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On the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron, the heater/AC blower resistor block that controls the lower fan speeds is a common failure on these cars. When it burns out, the low and medium fan settings stop working and the blower runs only on High (which bypasses the resistor). The resistor typically overheats and fails because an aging, current-hungry blower motor draws too much current through it, so a resistor that's replaced alone often fails again if the worn motor isn't addressed. On the LeBaron the blower/resistor is buried under the dash/behind the glovebox, making access tight.

This issue also affects: Jeep Wrangler

Common Symptoms

Blower only works on the High setting
Low/medium fan speeds dead
No airflow on some settings, normal on others
Burnt-plastic smell from vents (overheated resistor/connector)

How to Fix

Replace the blower motor resistor; because resistor failure is usually driven by a worn high-draw blower motor, inspect the motor and replace it at the same time if it's noisy or drawing high current. Check the blower connector for heat damage/melting and repair as needed. Confirm all fan speeds work after the repair.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

HVAC Blower Motor Resistor (heater/AC blower speed resistor block)
OEM4462840Owners useStandard Ignition RU-95, Four Seasons 20107, 4P1323$8–$30
Primary fix part. Verified OEM Mopar 4462840 on MoparPartsGiant ($13.28, MSRP $19.00) fits 1990-1995 LeBaron 2.2L/2.5L/3.0L. Companion lower-cost variant Mopar 4462841 ($7.78) fits 1990-1992 & 1994. Year-specific OEM variants within this generation: 4462263 (1989), 4677073 (1993, uses insulator 4419
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Heater/AC Blower Motor (replace alongside resistor if motor is noisy or drawing high current — root cause of repeat resi
OEM5264068Owners useFour Seasons 35491, GPD 2311288, Mopar R5264068$35–$75
Secondary fix part called out in the FIX text. Verified OEM Mopar 5264068 'Motor Heater Blower' on MoparPartsGiant fits 1991-1995 LeBaron 2.5L/3.0L; cataloged as R5264068 (with insulator 4419526), superseded by 5015865AA. Aftermarket Four Seasons 35491 ~$39.97 at PartsGeek (listed for 1986-1995 LeBa
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Typical repair cost:$40 - $250

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chrysler LeBaron problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1989-1989 Chrysler LeBaron has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel), Engine Controller Failure (Logic/Power Module, SMEC, SBEC) — No-Start / Stalling, Chronic Overheating — Wrong-Rotation Water Pump (1989+) & Cooling System Neglect. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

The 1989-1989 Chrysler LeBaron has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel) and Engine Controller Failure (Logic/Power Module, SMEC, SBEC) — No-Start / Stalling and Chronic Overheating — Wrong-Rotation Water Pump (1989+) & Cooling System Neglect and Turbocharger Bearing/Seal Failure (Oil Starvation, Blue Smoke) and Distributor Hall-Effect Pickup Heat-Soak Failure — Intermittent No-Spark Stall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chrysler LeBaron problems?

Repair costs for known Chrysler LeBaron issues range from $30 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel), typically costs $30-$150 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel)?

The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay powers the ignition coil, fuel injectors, and (via the fuel-pump relay) the fuel pump. When the ASD relay fails, contacts wear, or its connector corrodes, the engine cranks but gets no spark and no fuel and will not start; failure can also be intermi… Repairs typically run $30-$150. Severity: high.

All 8 Known Issues

1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel)#

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1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: Engine Controller Failure (Logic/Power Module, SMEC, SBEC) — No-Start / Stalling#

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1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: Distributor Hall-Effect Pickup Heat-Soak Failure — Intermittent No-Spark Stall#

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1989-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: Chronic Overheating — Wrong-Rotation Water Pump (1989+) & Cooling System Neglect#

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1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure — Hot Stall, Erratic Gauge, Hard Restart#

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1985-1992 Chrysler LeBaron: Turbocharger Bearing/Seal Failure (Oil Starvation, Blue Smoke)#

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1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: Automatic Idle Speed (AIS) Motor Failure — Rough Idle, Stalling, Hunting#

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1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron: HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure — Fan Works Only on High#

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Other Chrysler Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chrysler LeBaron problems?

Is the Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chrysler LeBaron problems?

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Failure — Cranks but Won't Start (No Spark/No Fuel)?

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Engine Controller Failure (Logic/Power Module, SMEC, SBEC) — No-Start / Stalling?

What is the 1989-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Chronic Overheating — Wrong-Rotation Water Pump (1989+) & Cooling System Neglect?

What is the 1985-1992 Chrysler LeBaron Turbocharger Bearing/Seal Failure (Oil Starvation, Blue Smoke)?

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Distributor Hall-Effect Pickup Heat-Soak Failure — Intermittent No-Spark Stall?

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Automatic Idle Speed (AIS) Motor Failure — Rough Idle, Stalling, Hunting?

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure — Hot Stall, Erratic Gauge, Hard Restart?

What is the 1985-1995 Chrysler LeBaron HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure — Fan Works Only on High?