1988 Ford Lariat problems

General information about Ford-Lariat
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

History

The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.

The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).

Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.

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Common 1988 Ford Lariat problems

The 1988 Ford F150 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues primarily fall into the categories of electrical, engine, and drivetrain problems.

Engine Problems: The most frequently reported engine problem is the truck not staying running. This issue is often caused by a faulty fuel pump, fuel pump relay, or a wiring problem. The average cost to fix this problem is not available, and it typically occurs at around 134,000 miles.

Electrical Problems: The most common electrical problem is the dash illumination lights not working. This issue is often caused by a blown fuse, a faulty dimmer switch, or a wiring problem. The average cost to fix this problem is not available, and it typically occurs at around 86,000 miles.

Drivetrain Problems: The most common drivetrain problem is the transmission shifting hard or not shifting at all. This issue is often caused by a faulty transmission solenoid, a wiring problem, or low transmission fluid. The average cost to fix this problem is not available, and it typically occurs at around 105,000 miles.

Oil Pressure Issues: Some owners of the 1988 Ford F150 have reported issues with oil pressure. These problems can be caused by worn-out main and rod bearings, a faulty oil pump, or a wiring problem. The solution to this problem might be as simple as replacing the main and rod bearings and the oil pump, depending on what is found when the oil pan is removed and inspected. This issue typically occurs at around 119,000 miles.

Idle Problems: Some owners of the 1988 Ford F150 have reported issues with the engine idling high or fluctuating. These problems can be caused by a faulty throttle position sensor, a dirty Air Bypass Valve, or a faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) valve. The solution to this problem might be as simple as adjusting the IAC valve or cleaning the Air Bypass Valve. This issue typically occurs at around 119,000 miles.

In summary, the 1988 Ford F150 has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues primarily fall into the categories of electrical, engine, and drivetrain problems. The most common problems are the truck not staying running, the fuel pump fuse blowing when turning the steering wheel, the dash illumination lights not working, and the transmission shifting hard or not shifting at all. Other issues include oil pressure problems, idle problems, and drivetrain issues. The average cost to fix these problems is not available, and they typically occur at around 119,000 miles.

Is a 1988 Ford F-150 reliable?

The solid durability and reliability of this workhouse truck made it a great choice for farm and ranch; its rugged 4-wheel drive lent it popularity with off-roaders. Tuners especially love the solidity of this classic muscle truck.

What was the worst years for the Ford F-150?

The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.

What engine is in a 1988 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat?

5.0L EFI V8 engine

This vehicle came highly optioned from the factory with the XLT Lariat trim package and a 5.0L EFI V8 engine and an automatic transmission. This package gives the truck a contemporary exterior including a chrome front bumper with black rub strips, aero halogen headlights, and many more exterior details.

How reliable is the F-150 Lariat?

The Ford F-150 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 17 for fullsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $788 which means it has higher than average ownership costs.

Is a 1988 Ford F-150 reliable?

How long do Ford Lariats last?

Best Used Ford F-150 Lariat Trucks

The 2012 Ford F-150 Lariat is among the best for its longevity. While the 2012 has no problem reaching 300,000 miles on the odometer with regular maintenance, the Lariat can last up to 21 years of reliable service, if cared for properly.

What engine is in a 1988 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat?

5.0L EFI V8 engine

How reliable is the F-150 Lariat?

The Ford F-150 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 17 for fullsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $788 which means it has higher than average ownership costs.

1988 Ford Lariat car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Electrical system problems

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

1988 Ford Lariat complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Lariat.

2001-04-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
VIN: 2FTHF26H2JC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED AT ANY TIME. DEALER UNABLE TO REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK POSSIBLE IGNITION SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND STALLS. THE DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AFTER 3 WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY SOLVED, BUT THE CONSUMER STILL HAD DOUBTS. *YH

Add Complaint

2000-12-18

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: FUEL GAUGE CONSTANTLY FAILS. *SLC

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Ford Lariat problems:

1988 Ford F250 Common Problems | Snow Plowing Forum

https://www.plowsite.com/threads/1988-ford-f250-common-problems.35135/

Apr 4, 2006 ... I had the dual setup in my old F150 and it went the first month I had the truck! Thanks!!! :drinkup: -1995 Ford F350 XLT Regular Cab 4X4 7.3L ...

1988 Ford F150 5.0 Engine Problems - Q&A on Common Issues ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/0iyhn-1988-ford-f150-pu-302-5-0l-2wdproblem.html

Dec 21, 2006 ... Also if the module is okay, check the connections of the hall effect sensor in the distributor. Main thing, especially if you have a fuel ...

buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - Ford ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1117933-buying-an-86-96-f150-250-common-problems-to-look-for.html

Nov 25, 2011 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - ok, i'm looking for a clean 86-96 ...

1988 Ford F150: Surging Idle & Backfiring on Deceleration ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/4l4q8-ford-f150-lariat-1988-ford-150-cyl-surges-when-idling.html

Feb 12, 2011 ... Causes of rich running can be a defective fuel pressure regulator, should be 39psi regulated and 43 unregulated. Another common problem is a ...