1988 Dodge W100 problems

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The Dodge Power Wagon is a four-wheel drive medium duty truck that was produced in various model series from 1945 to 1980 by Dodge. The Power Wagon name was revived for the 2005 model year as a four-wheel drive version of the Dodge Ram 2500. As a nameplate, "Power Wagon" continues as a special package of the four-wheel drive version of 3/4 ton Ram Trucks 2500 model.

The original civilian version, commonly called the "flat fender" Power Wagon (FFPW) or "Military Type", was mechanically based on Dodge's 3/4-ton WC series of World War II military trucks. The Power Wagon was the first 4x4 medium duty truck produced by a major manufacturer in a civilian version. It represents a significant predecessor to the many modern four-wheel drive trucks in use today. It was marketed as the WDX truck. Until about 1960 it was internally known by its engineering code T137 – a name still used for the original series by enthusiasts. Following Chrysler Corporation policy of badge engineering to provide a greater number of sales outlets overseas, Power Wagons were also marketed around the world under the Fargo and De Soto badges.

Starting in the 1957 model year, factory four-wheel-drive versions of the Dodge C Series trucks were produced and sold as the W-100, W-200, W-300, and W-500, alongside the older Power Wagon. The pickups had the "Power Wagon" badge on the fender. The older design Power Wagon was marketed as the "Military Type" to distinguish it from the styled pickup versions. Later the "Military Type" was given the series number W-300M, and ultimately WM-300.

The heavy-duty four-wheel-drive W-300 and W-500 trucks were marketed as "Power Giants". The four-wheel-drive version of the Dodge Town Wagon also got the "Power Wagon" badge. The "Military Type" sales in the United States ended by 1968, because the vehicle did not comply with new federal light-duty truck regulations. The "Power Wagon" options continued on the Dodge D-Series through the 1980 model year. For the 1981 model year, "Power Ram" became the marketing logo for the medium-duty Dodge trucks, and the "Power Wagon" name was not used until the 2004 revival.

Back in 1999 there was a Dodge Power Wagon concept.

1988 Dodge W100

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Common 1988 Dodge W100 problems

Common problems with the Dodge W100 1988, as reported by owners, include starting issues, transmission problems, leaks, issues with the windshield wiper switch, steering wheel play, problems with the message center, and condensor hose connections.

Starting issues are a common problem with the 1988 Dodge W100, particularly with vehicles that have been sitting for a long period of time. One owner reported that their vehicle only has power and turns over/starts if the steering wheel has pressure or is being turned one way or the other. This problem was traced to the steering column, but after tearing apart the steering column and cleaning the ignition and ignition switch, the problem persisted. The owner was able to get the vehicle to start by unhooking the steering rod under the hood where it splits, but this also caused a loss of power when driving and turning the wheel back and forth.

Transmission problems are another common issue with the 1988 Dodge W100. One owner reported that they were restoring a 1988 W100 for their son and had disconnected the computer, but were unable to get the lock up converter to work again. This problem was traced to the electric lockup for the converter, which obviously did not work since the computer was unplugged. The owner was looking for a way to use an older style valve body on the transmission.

Leaks are a common problem with the 1988 Dodge W100, with one owner reporting a leak that was coming from right under the engine. The owner was unable to find the source of the leak, but noted that it was clear oil.

Issues with the windshield wiper switch are also common with the 1988 Dodge W100. One owner reported that their windshield wiper switch didn't work and just spun. This problem was not addressed in the search results, but it is a common issue with older vehicles.

Steering wheel play is another common problem with the 1988 Dodge W100. One owner reported that there was a lot of play in the steering wheel, and that the previous owner had replaced the steering column and steering wheel, which was upside down. This problem can be caused by worn out steering components, such as tie rods or ball joints.

Problems with the message center are also common with the 1988 Dodge W100. One owner reported that they were having problems with the message center, which had power running to it but the lights did not light up. This problem was not addressed in the search results, but it can be caused by a blown fuse or a malfunctioning message center.

Condensor hose connections are a common problem with the 1988 Dodge W100. One owner reported that the valve for the hose for the condensor had broken off and they had replaced it with a hose from a 90 ram, but the connections were different. This problem can be caused by using the wrong hose or by not properly connecting the hose to the condensor.

1988 Dodge W100 engine

What engine is in 1988 Dodge D100?

1988 Dodge D100 2WD PICKUP (3.9L 6 -cyl Engine Code [X] X) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

Is a Dodge W100 a power wagon?

The first light-duty Power Wagons came out in 1957 with the introduction of the W100 and W200 pickups. All 4WD Dodge pickups were called Power Wagons from 1957 to 1981. After 1981 they were called Power Rams through 1993.

How big is the fuel tank on a 1988 Dodge D100?

5.2 liter,22 gallon.

Is 1988 Dodge Ram fuel injected?

By 1988, Dodge had replaced the slant-6 engine on its Ram trucks with a 3.9-liter fuel-injected V6 engine and a new 5.2-liter V8 with electronic fuel injection as well.

What engine is in 1988 Dodge D100?

1988 Dodge D100 2WD PICKUP (3.9L 6 -cyl Engine Code [X] X) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

Is a Dodge W100 a power wagon?

The first light-duty Power Wagons came out in 1957 with the introduction of the W100 and W200 pickups. All 4WD Dodge pickups were called Power Wagons from 1957 to 1981. After 1981 they were called Power Rams through 1993.

How big is the fuel tank on a 1988 Dodge D100?

5.2 liter,22 gallon.

Is 1988 Dodge Ram fuel injected?

By 1988, Dodge had replaced the slant-6 engine on its Ram trucks with a 3.9-liter fuel-injected V6 engine and a new 5.2-liter V8 with electronic fuel injection as well.

1988 Dodge W100 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge W100 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge W100 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Dodge W100 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge W100.

2015-05-08

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
  • VIN: 1B7HW04Y4JS
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A NEIGHBOR, IT WAS CLEAN AND STRAIGHT AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR YEARS. I DRAINED THE GAS AND INSTALLED A NEW PUMP IN THE TANK, THE MOTOR RUNS GREAT. IN PROGRESSING WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BEFORE TRYING TO DRIVE THIS PICK-UP I STARTED TO INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION FILTER WHEN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN I DISCOVERED A WEDGE OF CAST METAL THAT HAD A CUP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE THICK UPPER PORTION THAT WAS BROKEN OUT. I WAS DISAPPOINTED AS I KNEW THIS WOULD BE A PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A PARKING SPRAG JUST FROM LOOKING AT IT. THEY SAID THEY COULD ORDER ME ONE AND GAVE ME NO OTHER INFORMATION. SINCE I HAVE BEEN HOME I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS PART. MY VIN # IS [XXX] 1988 DODGE SHORT BOX D100 4 WHEEL DRIVE WITH A 5.2 MOTOR. SHOULD I GO AHEAD AND TRANSFER THE TITLE TO MY NAME OR SEW MY FRIEND FOR SELLING ME A LEMON? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2001-04-17

SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-02-12
  • VIN: 1B7HW04Y6JS
  • Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH AND FELT A LITTLE VIBRATION. SHE WAS ABLE TO STEER ONTO SHOULDERS. FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE FELL OFF, AND WAS ROLLING DOWN THE STREET . PICKED UP TIRE AND PUT IT INSIDE OF VEHICLE. PRODIGY, RADIALS, R15/31X10, HALF M/F #DOT CC82-VSK4200. *AK

1988 Dodge W100 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Dodge W100.

1990-07-06
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
  • Summary: IN A REAR END COLLISION, THE PICKUP BOX CROSSMEMBER COULD CONTACT THE FUEL PUMP MODULES FUEL LINE, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK WHICH WOULD BE IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 301.
  • Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LEAKAGE OF FUEL COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL TWO PICKUP BOX REINFORCEMENT BLOCKER BRACKETS TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE TO ELIMINATE CONTACT WITH FUEL LINE.
1987-12-26
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.
  • Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Dodge W100 problems:

1989 Dodge Power Ram W100....FUEL PRESSURE PROBLEM ...
1989 Dodge Power Ram W100....FUEL PRESSURE PROBLEM ...
https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/1989-dodge-power-ram-w100-fuel-pressure-problem-help.228450/

Dec 19, 2014 ... 1989 Dodge Power Ram W100....FUEL PRESSURE ... a very common driviblity problem on the TBI trucks [1988 ... Symptoms of two totally separate ...

1988 dodge ram w100 (need help!) | DodgeTalk Forum
1988 dodge ram w100 (need help!) | DodgeTalk Forum
https://www.dodgetalk.com/threads/1988-dodge-ram-w100-need-help.623674/

Nov 3, 2016 ... I just recently acquired a 88 ram w100 4x4 318 engine, It runs fine except for a few problems that I was hoping to get some help on. 1 ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting Cold Start Problems in 1988 Dodge Ram ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Cold Start Problems in 1988 Dodge Ram ...
https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/1jn1i-cold-weather-my-88-d150-ram-the318-engine-it-rough-stalls.html

Nov 5, 2008 ... I have had a cold weather problem for a time. When I start my 88 D150 RAM with the 318 c u engine, it runs very rough.

Dodge Ram W-100 1988 TBI 318 | Dodge RamCharger Central
Dodge Ram W-100 1988 TBI 318 | Dodge RamCharger Central
https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/dodge-ram-w-100-1988-tbi-318.145315/

Feb 16, 2011 ... I am posting this as a need help that may turn into a tech for diagnosis of this very common problem. Symptom: 65000 miles original. The ...

88 D100 Fuel delivery problems?? | DodgeTalk Forum
88 D100 Fuel delivery problems?? | DodgeTalk Forum
https://www.dodgetalk.com/threads/88-d100-fuel-delivery-problems.80347/

Dec 7, 2005 ... I don't know when it was tuned-up last (on my list for future maint.) and it is t.b.i. engine. Thanks for all the help.. *DodgeTalk.com ...

Other years of Dodge W100

dodge w100 1976 photo
W100 1976
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dodge w100 1985 photo
W100 1985
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dodge w100 1988 photo
W100 1988
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1988 Dodge W100 photo