23rd Jan 2003, 09:48

I had a 1992 Diamante (110k) and I miss it so much (traded it for a pathfinder). The power is unbelievable. The handling is great and the body style is distinguished and sexy... to sum it up, I found the Diamante to be a very affordable luxury car.

The only downside is how expensive the repairs can be and the smoking/valve problem seems to be the signature problem of the Diamante. The only advice I can give is to keep up the scheduled maintainence because if you start to neglect it, you will pay for it in the long run.

-Chinaye.

27th Mar 2003, 11:55

I know the above comments are old, but I just saw them, OK?

On the idling/stalling problem, try taking the hose of your intake and spraying carb/intake cleaner in there. You should also see a hose that plugs into your intake hose and the other end goes into the valve covers. Try taking that hose off and putting a breather filter on the valve cover instead of the tube. That tube is supposed to recycle extra pressure from the valve covers, but ends up spewing gunk into the intake hose which gets into your intake.

30th Nov 2003, 11:45

I also have a 92 Diamante SOHC. It currently has about 112,000 on the clock. I would like to comment on some pluses, negatives and ask a question to the person who wrote on 31 Aug 2003.

Pluses:

- Engine runs like a champ with lots of freeway power

- very roomy

- best front seats I've ever sat in

- redundant radio controls are a God-send in heavy traffic

- smooth ride

- powerful brakes, ABS not used to date

- bright lights for non HID

- styling still stands out (you won't mistake this car for anything else from Toyota or Honda)

- big trunk

- lots of gear on base model

- very cheap buying price due to poor resale

- interior design would look good in a 2004

- some of the nicest looking fake wood this side of an 82 Olds Delta

- and probably 1000 other subtle items you would have to drive and own one to notice.

Negatives:

- Transmission starting to not want to shift out of third until it hits 40+ and shifts rough at times (I suspect the motor mounts have self destructed)

- some smoke

- a/c not blowing very cold on hot days (can someone give me insight on this? Is this also a "nature of the beast?")

- burns fuel like the Mustang someone mentioned

- weak offline power

- parts are expensive

- power antenna retracts when the car starts and extends when the car is shut off

- window design allows for tremendous wind noise at highway speeds, especially if it's a windy day

- the windshield is so badly eroded from the wipers I cannot see in bright sunlight (any help here is appreciated)

- dark interior color hates direct sunlight, seats are badly faded and ripping at the seams

- replaced my left front hub bearing and ABS sensor, which could have been OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive (the sensor alone was $350. Total cost to replace both could be near the $900 range). Due to this being a luxury car, it has some very complex systems. The costs aren't coming down.

My question is this: where did you get your aftermarket upgrades and what are they? I've searched the net for anything related to the D and have come away without much. I've been limited to a K&N replacement filter, better shocks and struts and upgraded rotors and pads. I want the same thing you've got: a better performing SOHC. How about some bushings?

13th Dec 2003, 18:18

Help! My 92's transmission just went into "limp home" mode. It won't shift out of 3rd gear. The last owner put dexron into it last trans service (about 8k ago.) I just had the trans flushed with no results. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a reasonably cheap fix? It's a SOHC engine.

15th Dec 2003, 23:31

Limp home mode was caused by a burnt trans computer in mine. I pulled one from a junk yard and now it work, minus OD which I am unable to figure out. Could have been bad from the get go.

I can post a pic if needed.

John.

2nd Feb 2004, 06:30

Hey, if you could tell me where the Transmission computer is located on the car, it would be great! My Car just started doing the 3rd gear no shift business this weekend! Help will be greatly appreciated. I love this car. I had to put in new shocks and boy I wish I had done it sooner. The car has its awesome feel all over again. Amazing how suspension makes your car feel like brand new again.

Leo.

6th Feb 2004, 21:43

Leo,

The transmission computer is located behind the radio. I can take a picture if needed. I still have been unable to fix the OD problem. The story is longer than I let on.

I bought the car with "3rd and reverse only" for $100. I put the trans computer in after I pulled it, and opened it and it was cooked. Now all gears except OD work. I haven't a clue. I don't much care... $100 car. However, I like it and I'm going to pull that computer again and see if the model numbers match. I can take a picture at that time.

John.

10th Feb 2004, 15:11

I bought this car 2 months ago, +140,000 miles.

Everything runs perfectly, powerful motor, easy driving, very comfortable, big space.

Only one issue: the A/C. It turns on when it wants and it does not work when I want it to work, is there some place I can get more information on the A/C?

14th Feb 2004, 19:16

If your torque converter isn't locking, check your engine temp. If the engine doesn't get to its normal operating temp then the torque converter won't lock. Had that problem with a 93 accord. All I had to do to fix that problem was change the thermostat and it worked fine ever since.

17th Jul 2004, 10:11

I just bought a 92 diam ante and it runs good, but when it is in idle it idles up and down. Also when I stop the rear end feels like it is going to come up to the front. Other than that it seems to be a good car. Can someone help me?

Please email me at smirl@sbcglobal.net if someone can tell me what the problem is.

17th Mar 2011, 16:26

Wow! I wish my 92 Mitsubishi ran as smooth as yours.. my car only had one owner before me.. and my car doesn't pick up very well. Trans is fine, but that little button you're talking about does nothing for my car... I'm regretting trading my other car for this one.

18th Mar 2011, 10:20

Sue.

My 92 Diamante has only 80,000 miles. When I put the key in, I get a clicking sound, and sometimes not even that. It takes a few times for it to turn on...??? Alternator is good, and stater is new. Can anyone tell me what that problem may be, please!! Thanks ;-)

17th May 2011, 15:29

You need to replace the temperature control unit. It is located behind the radio, straight all the way in the back. The soldering inside is shot. I took mine to a TV repair shop that soldered it for $20.00.