Thanks to Radu Boghici and Mike Savage, I've joined this mailing list. I own a
1989 405 DL with 61k miles. She was relatively trouble-free until recently,
when I experienced a series of problems. Before the troubles, I was an
unabashed fan. The 405 was virtually "cab-forward" before Chrysler, and was an
inexpensive true 4-door sports sedan (well, okay, the engine isn't the fastest
but she's peppy and rides great!) when the next best alternative in 1989 would
have been a Ford Escort GT! I also love the interior layout, ergonomics, and
overall driving experience. I'm still a fan, but hopeful that you all will
restore some of my faith. I've lost some of it with regard to her reliability.
I know it's been asked before, but I'd love to hear from fellow 405 owners about
their impressions, and what I should keep an eye out for. My own litany of
probs, in order of most recent first: 1) head replaced last week (I'm told it
was a bad design in the 89s--88 for Europe?-- and redesigned for later years),
2) alternator replaced last month, 3) radiator had slow leak about 6 months
ago, 4) clock died, then 3 months later miraculously revived about a year ago,
5) computer board replaced 3 times (this happened between 92 &93 I think) 6)
alarm installed, but car's electronics freaked out, so I had it disconnected
(also happened very close in time to one of the computer incidents) 7) power
locks sometimes malfunction (at least 3 times a year, then mysteriously work
again); the last few are ongoing: 8) lousy radio reception on both bands and
some kind of loud engine noise interference in AM except on strongest stations
(I was just told it may be a loose antenna so I'll check it this weekend) 9)
head light plastic front "fogs" up over time -- is there a replacement? 10)
left wiper chatters-- dealer says there's no cure.
My quick bio: I live in New Haven, CT, and run a local program for a national
nonprofit that funds neighborhood nonprofits and their projects in the area of
community economic development in the inner city. Beautiful wife, even more
beautiful 3-year old daughter, and cat complete the circle.