1988 Ford F350 problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
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Common 1988 Ford F350 problems
The 1988 Ford F350 is known for several common problems, including transmission issues, fuel filter head leaks, and starting problems.
- Fuel Filter Head Leaks: Fuel filter head leaks are a common problem for the 7.3 diesel engines in the 1988 Ford F350. This issue is more likely to occur if the previous owner has not kept up with the recommended SCA/DCA additives in the coolant.
- Starting Problems: Some 1988 Ford F350 owners report experiencing issues with starting the engine. These problems can be caused by a faulty ignition distributor, fuel pump, or air filter. Additionally, the ignition key may be hard to insert and turn in the switch. In some cases, the fuel gauge may not work properly.
- Power Steering Issues: Leaking power steering pump or hoses, or both, are known problems for the 1988 Ford F350. These issues can lead to difficulty in steering the vehicle and may require replacement of the affected components.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: Leaking transmission fluid is not only messy but can also lead to serious transmission damage if left unaddressed. Common areas for leaks include the transmission pan gasket, seals, and cooler lines.
- Hard Shifting: Difficulty changing gears, or hard shifting, can make driving the F350 an unpleasant experience. This problem may be caused by low transmission fluid, a malfunctioning solenoid, or worn transmission components.
- Transmission Overheating: Heavy towing or driving in extreme conditions can cause the transmission to overheat, leading to reduced performance and potential damage. Installing a transmission cooler and keeping proper fluid levels and quality can help prevent overheating and prolong the lifespan of your transmission.
To address these common problems, regular maintenance checks, including fluid level inspections and replacements, can help prevent many transmission problems before they occur. Consult your vehicle's manual for recommended maintenance schedules and procedures. Fluid replacements, solenoid replacement, seal and gasket replacement, and automotive manuals can help restore proper transmission function and prevent premature wear and tear.
What engine does a 1988 F-350 have?
1988 Ford F350 PICKUP (7.3L 8 -cyl Engine Code [M] M Diesel) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 Ford F-350 get?
Based on data from 8 vehicles, 132 fuel-ups and 40,620 miles of driving, the 1988 Ford F-350 gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.52 with a 0.63 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 10 outliers (7.04%) removed.
How much can a 1988 Ford F-350 diesel tow?
The Super Duty is powered by the standard 7.5L EFI V-8 with the 7.3L V-8 diesel optional. Gross combined weight ratings for towing applications go up to an impressive 26.000 pounds with the gasoline engine and 17.000 pounds with the diesel.
How many miles can you put on a F-350?
Ford F-350 Super Duty leads the pack
The Ford F-350 Super Duty was built for the long haul. A new study found that the truck is more likely to remain in service for 250,000 miles than any other vehicle.
What engine does a 1988 F-350 have?
1988 Ford F350 PICKUP (7.3L 8 -cyl Engine Code [M] M Diesel) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 F-350 get?
Based on data from 8 vehicles, 132 fuel-ups and 40,620 miles of driving, the 1988 Ford F-350 gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.52 with a 0.63 MPG margin of error.
How much can a 1988 Ford F350 diesel tow?
The Super Duty is powered by the standard 7.5L EFI V-8 with the 7.3L V-8 diesel optional. Gross combined weight ratings for towing applications go up to an impressive 26.000 pounds with the gasoline engine and 17.000 pounds with the diesel.
How many miles can you put on a F-350?
Ford F-350 Super Duty leads the pack
The Ford F-350 Super Duty was built for the long haul. A new study found that the truck is more likely to remain in service for 250,000 miles than any other vehicle.
1988 Ford F350 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F350 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford F350 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford F350
The NHTSA has received 35 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford F350. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford F350 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-25
- VIN: 2FTJW36G3JC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH WOULD NO LONGER LOCK OR LATCH . WHEN REPLACING THE LATCHING SIDE ASSEMBLY I FOUND THE WEB WAS COVERED WITH AN INTERIOR COLOR MATCHING TRIM PIECE . RUNNING INSIDE THE TRIM PIECE WAS AN ELECTRIC HARNESS WHICH OPERATED THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE HARNESS EXITED THE TRIM AND WAS ROUTED BACK TO THE CENTER OF THE SEAT. IT MORE OR LESS MADE A 90 DEGREE TURN . THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS SPLIT HALFWAY THROUGH THE BELTS WEBBING . TO ME THIS SEEMED TO HAVE WEAKENED THE RESTRAINT OF THE SEAT BELT BY 50% . *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FTJW36G6JC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE, THANKFULLY WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY, BECAUSE IT TOOK MORE THAN A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT IT OUT, HAD TO USE HOSE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. FORTUNITELY FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE ALT. AND PLUG. WHEN I CALLED ABOUT REPLACING THE PLUG WAS TOLD IT CAME WITH THE NEW ALT. BECAUSE OF INHERENT PROBLEMS WITH SHORTS AND FIRES. CAN YOU IMAGINE IN I WAS HOOKED TO MY FIFTH WHEEL AND OUT IN THE DESERT, WITCH I AM ALOT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN HUGE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT I CAN'T BELIEVE WASNT ATTENDED TO.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FDKF38GJCA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS ENGULFED INTO FLAMES BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD GET TO VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS SECOND OWNER OF VEHICLE, AND DIDN'T KNOW IF RECALL EVER APPLIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FDLF47M4JC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE, RENDERING ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS INOPERABLE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-30
- VIN: 2FTJW35M6JC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRST, RIGHT REAR TIRE SHREADED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY BREAKING OFF FRENDER, SENDING DEBRIES INTO CAR BEHIND CAUSING DAMAGE. SECOND TIRE SEPARATION ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO STEERING AND BRAKES.*AK (DOT NUMBER: ADOR9J6082 TIRESIZE: LT23585R16)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-30
- VIN: 2FTJW35M6JC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRST, RIGHT REAR TIRE SHREADED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY BREAKING OFF FRENDER, SENDING DEBRIES INTO CAR BEHIND CAUSING DAMAGE. SECOND TIRE SEPARATION ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO STEERING AND BRAKES.*AK( DOT NUMBER: ADOR9J6082 TIRE SIZE: LT23585R16 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-08
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2FTJW35M6JC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THERE HAS BEEN TWO CATASTROPHIC FAILURES THAT HAVE RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TIRE TREADS ARE DELAMINATING AND SEPARTATING FROM DONUT. CAR CASSES HAVE BEEN RETAINED FOR YOUR INSPECTION AND RETESTING. MANUFACTURER IS DEMANDING THAT ALL TIRES AND PIECES NEED TO BE IMMEDIATELY DELIVERED TO THERE FACILITIES.*AK (DOT NUMBER: H20RYD3E TIRESIZE: 235/85R16)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-05-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: '88-FORD-35
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SLOW RPM BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO 1 INCH FROM FLOOR,DEALER INSTALLED ALL NEW BRAKE PARTS,STILL HAD PROBLEM,DEALER CALLED FORD ENGINERS AND WAS TOLD TRUCK IS OK IF PEDAL DON'T GO THE LAST INCH FROM FLOORBOARD-FORD CALLED THIS "BRAKE PEDAL STEP THROUGH'.OWNER (W.G.STANG INC. OF HAMILTON,OH-WILBUR STANG)WROTE FORD A LETTER AND WAS TOLD ALL WAS FINE IF PEDAL DIDN'T TOUCH FLOORBOARD! BULL ?!@#$%!!!! *AK *RM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-05-10
- VIN: '88-FORD-35
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SLOW RPM BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO 1 INCH FROM FLOOR,DEALER INSTALLED ALL NEW BRAKE PARTS,STILL HAD PROBLEM,DEALER CALLED FORD ENGINEERS AND WAS TOLD TRUCK IS OK IF PEDAL DON'T GO THE LAST INCH FROM FLOORBOARD-FORD CALLED THIS "BRAKE PEDAL STEP THROUGH'.OWNER (W.G.STANG INC. OF HAMILTON,OH-WILBUR STANG)WROTE FORD A LETTER AND WAS TOLD ALL WAS FINE IF PEDAL DIDN'T TOUCH FLOORBOARD! BULL ?!@#$%!!!! *AK *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FDLF47M6JC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED FIRE WALL FLEKES AND CAUSES CLUTH NOT TO ENGAGE, PROBLEM IS BECAUSE OF IMPROPER WELD ON FIREWALL TO SUPPORT CLUTH WHEN DEPRESSED TO ENGAGE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-04
- VIN: 1FTHF36HXJN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HAD JUST RETURNED FROM HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED BY THE FORD AGENCY AND HAVING BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTED. BRAKES FAILED APPROXIMATELY TWENTY MILES AWAY. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE DRAGGING TO THE LEFT (SLIGHTLY) STOPPED ONCE TO LOOK AT WHEEL THINKING IT MIGHT BE GOING FLAT. COULD NOT OBSERVE ANYTHING WRONG. ABOUT FIVE MILES FURTHER ALONG WHILE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BY DOWNSHIFTING AND THE PARKING BRAKE BROUGHT VEHICLE TO STOP. FORTUNATELY IT OCCURRED IN THE RIGHT PLACE AS I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE (JUST AFTER PASSING A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION). *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FTJW36G8JC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VERY BAD SHIMMY IN FRONT END SUSPENSION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FTJW35MXJC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HAD VEHICLE IN FOR BRAKE SERVICE. WAS GOING DOWNHILL & NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT. STOPPED VEHICLE & CHECKED. BRAKES ON FIRE. PUT FLAMES OUT. DEALERSHIP TOWED VEHICLE. MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKES. NO RECALLS ON VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS RECEIPT FROM THE SAME DEALER STATING THEY PERFORMED BRAKE RECALL REPAIRS 100 MILES PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-09
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 96V017 . AFTER A WEEK THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE MOTOR MELTED. CONSUMER HAS NOTIFIED THE DELAER AND MANUFACTURER. %AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FDKF37G3JC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FTJW35M3JC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER CRACKED CAUSING SEPARATION FROM THE DASH PANEL, RESULTED IN LEAKAGE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTJF35HAJN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 96V-07100 AND MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 95S28 REGARDING IGNITION SYSTEM. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO CORRECT PROBLEM DUE TO OWNER WAITING TOO LONG , PAST DUE DATE, TO BRING VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS BEFORE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTJX35M4JK
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS TO BE PUSHED VERY HARD IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THIS IS DUE TO THE CRACKING OF THE FIREWALL. OWNER HAS INSTALLED A MINOR REPAIR BRACKET. DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM AND STATED THAT THERE IS A MAJOR REPAIR KIT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-05
- VIN: 2FTHF36H8JC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION MAKES VERY LOUD NOISE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FTJW35G6JC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FTJW35G6J0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SPARE TIRE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO LOCATION NEAR EXHAUST SYSTEM.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-01
- VIN: 1FDKF38G8JN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCK UP. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDKE30G8KH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN GOING DOWN THE HILL BRAKE HEAT UP AND THERE NO BRAKE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HILL APPLY THE BRAKE THERE IS NO BRAKE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FDLF47M6JC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TRUCKS TOOLBOX DOOR CAME OPEN, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
1988 Ford F350 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 Ford F350.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
- Summary: A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED GREATER HEAT TRANSFER TO THE CALIPER PISTONS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OVERHEAT THE BRAKE FLUID AND DIMINISH BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS DURING SEVERE BRAKING CONDITIONS.
- Consequence: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND INABLILITY TO HOLDVEHICLES ON A STEEP GRADE RESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT IN THE EVENT OFA SUDDEN STOP OR WHEN CONSTANT BRAKING IS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THROUGH AREAS WITHSTEEP GRADES.
- Remedy: ADD SNAP-IN INSULATORS THAT ATTACH TO EACH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WITH 7.5 L ENGINES WILL HAVE INSULATION ADDED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BRAKE LINES.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: SLIDING REAR WINDOW MAY CONTAIN GLAZING PANELS WHICH DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 205.
- Consequence: A FRACTURED WINDOW MAY CONTAIN FRAGMENTS THAT ARE LARGERTHAN THE 425 GRAMS ALLOWED.
- Remedy: REPLACE SUSPECT WINDOW PANELS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROL STEERING TYPE WOBBLE ALLOWING THE FRONT END TO SHIMMY.
- Consequence: SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE VEHICLE FRAME OR STEERINGGEAR CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
- Remedy: MODIFY AND/OR REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, TIRES, AND FRAMES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford F350 problems:
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