1988 Ford E150 problems
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).
With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).
The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.
Social links
Common 1988 Ford E150 problems
The 1988 Ford E150 is known to have several common problems, primarily related to fuel pressure issues, transmission shifting, stalling, and exhaust leaks.
- Transmission Shifting Problems: The 1988 Ford E150 may experience transmission shifting issues, such as difficulty shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear without lifting off the accelerator, or the transmission may only stay in 3rd gear at higher speeds. Additionally, the van may exhibit a tendency to shift from 2nd to 1st gear and back constantly, and it may stall when shifting into reverse unless the accelerator is heavily depressed. These issues could be caused by various factors, including a faulty transmission, worn-out clutch, or issues with the shift linkage or throttle position sensor.
- Stalling: The 1988 Ford E150 may experience random stalling, which could be due to a clogged catalytic converter resulting from a rich fuel mixture caused by a faulty MAP sensor. This module is responsible for controlling the ignition system, and a failure may result in stalling or other ignition-related issues.
- Exhaust Leaks: The Ford Triton family of engines, used in some E-Series vans, is known to have issues with the exhaust manifold bolts snapping due to the constant expansion and contraction caused by extreme heat exposure.
To address these issues, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance checks and address any problems as soon as they arise. Replacing worn-out parts, such as the fuel filter, can help prevent some of these issues, while diagnosing and repairing electrical or mechanical faults may require the assistance of a professional mechanic.
How long do Ford Econoline vans last?
What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.
When did Ford stop making e150?
Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.
How much can a Ford e150 carry?
Payload Capacity:
The E-150 has a payload capacity of 3,220 pounds. The E-250 has a payload capacity of 3,470 pounds.
How much does a 1988 Ford Econoline weigh?
(6) 3,985 lbs.
Is the e150 reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 19% for the Ford E-150, compared to an average of 16% for commercial vans and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
How long do Ford Econoline vans last?
What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.
When did Ford stop making e150?
Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.
Why is my Ford E-150 not turning over?
The most common reasons a Ford E-150 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
1988 Ford E150 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford E150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Ford E150 complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford E150.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-13
- VIN: 1FTEE14N1JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COULD THIS BE THE SAME IGNITION MODULE THAT THEY ARE CONCERNED WITH IN CALIFORNIA? WHILE NO ONE WAS INJURED WHEN MY IGNITION MODULE FAILED, IT COST MY COMPANY $453.46 TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED AND REPAIRED. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO ABOUT $900.00 IN LOST REVENUES FOR THAT VAN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-10
- VIN: 1FDEE14N8JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE CUT OFF COMPLETELY,WAS GOING 35MPH , HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN CONTROLLING STEERING AND OPERATING POWER BRAKES . VAN WOULD NOT RESTART ,HAD A PULL IN. DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT FORD DEALER INDICATED VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW IGNITION MODULE
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-16
- VIN: 1FMEE11NXJH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO OF THE FIRESTONE FR480 TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND AIR LOSS. *MJS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-20
- VIN: 1FTEE14N9JH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING.THEN FELT A BUMP UNDER VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE SHOOK HARDER. FOUND OUT THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. TRIUMPH RADIO 2000 P235/75 R15. *AK DOT HYHLT28046, TIRE FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-03
- VIN: 1FDEE14N0JH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BOTTOM OF WHINDSHIELD WIPER ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS CORRODED AND, WATER COULD GET INSIDE OF VEHICLE THROUGH THAT CORRODED PART.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14N6JH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS CAP DOES NOT VENT. ON HOT DAYS THE TANK PRESSURIZES AND GAS LEAKS FROM CAP. WHEN CAP IS THEN OPENED IT COMES OUT LIKE A HOT RADITOR. IS THERE A RECALL?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FPDE14N8JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS KEPT ON FLICKERING, STOPPED, NOTICED SMOKE UNDER HOOD, CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES, PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE INFORMED DRIVER IT WAS ALTERNATOR, DID NOT GO TO DEALER. *AK *SLC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-26
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT IDLES OKAY THEN AS PUTTING IT INTO GEAR ITS RPMS SEEM TO JUMP. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS IT CALMS DOWN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STOPPED AT GAS STATION AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD,AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, CONSUMER SAW FIRE FLAMES AND THEN THREW WATER ON IT TO PUT IT OUT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-29
- VIN: 1FDEE14NOJH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD HAVE BURNED AND THE TRUCK WILL NOT TURN OFF WHEN KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITON. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-06
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED FOUR TIMES. *DH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: PURCHASE USED THE TIE ROD AND BRAKE WAS BAD . TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: PURCHASE USED THE TIE ROD AND BRAKE WAS BAD . TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-28
- VIN: 1FDEE14N9JH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NOTICE HOLE IN UPPER PORTION OF THE GAS TANK. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-14
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING IN REAR OF VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT. *SKD
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford E150 problems:
1988 Ford Econoline Van: Common Problems & Q&A
May 30, 2017 ... The problem you are describing sounds like you may have a weak fuel pump so I would start with checking the fuel pressure while the problem is ...
1988 E150 Conversion Fuel Pressure Issues - Ford Truck ...
May 13, 2004 ... The tank pumps are LOW pressure @ 8-10 psi. If you have dual tanks I am going to say with very good probability that the manual tank selector ...
1988 E150 5.0L idle problems and check engine light is on - Ford ...
Apr 11, 2006 ... Ford Econoline E Series - 1988 E150 5.0L idle problems and check engine light is on - Hi folks, New to this group. I have a 1988 E150 5.0L ...
1988 ford van start problems - The Show - Car Talk Community
Mar 23, 2011 ... ... Ford E-Series Van ford van starting problems I have a 1988 ford van e150 ... ford van starting problems ... Ignition module failure is fairly common ...
Ford 4.9l reliability and problems| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
... common problems with them... Last one I had was in an e150 with blown head gasket... spitfirebill PowerDork 2/6/16 11:30 a.m..
Leave your review of 1988 Ford E150