1987 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51), when it was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the straight-8 on the smaller B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed.
Naming conventions used by GM since the 1910s for all divisions used alphanumeric designations that changed every year. Starting after the war, Oldsmobile changed their designations and standardized them so that the first number signified the chassis platform, while the second number signified how many cylinders. A large number of variations in nomenclature were seen over this long model run — Super, Golden Rocket, Dynamic, Jetstar, Delta, Delmont, Starfire, Holiday, LS, LSS, Celebrity, and Royale were used at various times with the 88 badge, and Fiesta appeared on some station wagons in the 1950s and 1960s. The name was more commonly shown as numerals in the earlier years ("Delta 88", for example) and was changed to spell out "Eighty Eight" starting in 1989.
First generation (1949–1953)
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new A-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower (101 kW). This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits.
It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real "King of NASCAR." This led to increased sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.
The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88", often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself.
The 1949 model was equipped with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. Pushing the starter button would engage the starter, but if the ignition key was not inserted, unlocking the ignition, the car would not start. The car was equipped with an oil bath air cleaner. At the bottom edge of the front fender directly behind the front wheel was a badge that said "Futuramic" which identified an Oldsmobile approach to simplified driving, and the presence of an automatic transmission. V8 Oldsmobiles were automatic-only in 1949 as Oldsmobile lacked a manual gearbox that could handle the torque of the new engine.1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic introduction In 1950, Oldsmobile offered a modified Cadillac manual gearbox for V8 models. The 88 now outsold the six-cylinder 76 lineup, which was dropped entirely after the 1950 model year. It had a 40 ft. turning circle. Hershel McGriff and Ray Elliot with the 1950 model won the 1950 Carrera Panamericana.
For 1951, the 88 became the entry-level Olds with the discontinuation of the six-cylinder 76 line, which meant that all Oldsmobiles were powered by Rocket V8s. An in-house manual transmission replaced the modified Cadillac gearbox, but as the 1950s progressed, manual shift became increasingly rare in Oldsmobiles and normally could only be obtained by special order. New this year was the more upscale Super 88 line on the new GM B-body which included restyled rear body panels, a more luxurious interior, and a slightly longer 120 in (3,048 mm) wheelbase as opposed to the 119.5 in (3,035 mm) wheelbase which had been standard since the 88's introduction. The station wagon was discontinued and would not reappear until the 1957 model year. New was an I-beam frame. Hydraulic power windows and seats were optional.
In 1952, the base 88 shared the Super 88's rear body panels and wheelbase, and came with a Rocket V8 and two-barrel carburetor while Super 88s came with a new four-barrel carburetor upping the output to 160 hp (119 kW). Other mechanical features were unchanged with styling changes amounting to new grilles, taillights, and interior revisions. New was the optional automatic headlight control.
For 1953, the base 88 was renamed the DeLuxe 88 for only this one year while the Super 88 continued as a more upscale version. Engines and transmission offerings were the same as 1952. Late in the 1953 model year, a fire destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan, which was then the only source for Hydra-Matic transmissions. The temporary loss of Hydra-Matic production led Oldsmobile to build thousands of its 1953 models with Buick's two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmissions until GM pressed its Willow Run Transmission plant into service to resume Hydra-Matic production. New options this year included Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.
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Common 1987 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The 1987 Oldsmobile 88 is known for several common problems, including ignition module failure, low fuel pressure, and issues with the idle air control valve (IAC) or throttle position sensor (TPS).
Ignition module failure is a prevalent issue in the 1987 Oldsmobile 88. The ignition module is responsible for controlling the spark to the engine. When it fails, the engine may have trouble starting or may run poorly. The ignition module is located on top of the engine, where it is exposed to heat and vibration. These factors can contribute to the failure of the ignition module. If you suspect ignition module failure, you should replace it with a high-quality part. Low fuel pressure can also cause drivability issues, including rough idle and stalling. If you have low fuel pressure, you may need to replace the fuel pressure regulator and pump to address the problem.
Another common problem with the 1987 Oldsmobile 88 is related to the IAC or TPS. The IAC controls the amount of air that enters the engine, while the TPS regulates the throttle position. If either of these components is not functioning correctly, it can cause a rough idle or other drivability issues. In some cases, cleaning or replacing the air flow sensor may help to address the problem. However, if the IAC or TPS is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
Finally, the 1987 Oldsmobile 88 may have issues with the fuel system. If the car has problems with it dying, it may be due to low fuel pressure or a faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and if it is not working correctly, it can cause drivability issues. If you suspect a problem with the fuel pump, you should have it tested and replaced if necessary.
In summary, the 1987 Oldsmobile 88 is known for several common problems, including ignition module failure, low fuel pressure, and issues with the IAC or TPS. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is essential to address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
Is the Oldsmobile 88 a muscle car?
In the first years of NASCAR, Oldsmobile's powerful 88 Coupe was the car to beat. In the earliest days of NASCAR racing, if a driver was winning races, chances are good that he was behind the wheel of an Oldsmobile 88 Coupe, arguably the first true American muscle car.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.
Why won't my Oldsmobile Delta 88 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 88 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Is the Oldsmobile 88 a muscle car?
In the first years of NASCAR, Oldsmobile's powerful 88 Coupe was the car to beat. In the earliest days of NASCAR racing, if a driver was winning races, chances are good that he was behind the wheel of an Oldsmobile 88 Coupe, arguably the first true American muscle car.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
What is the difference between the Oldsmobile 88 and 98?
The 98 was a longer and heavier car than the 88. The 98 had a 126-inch wheelbase and weighed in at 4,500 pounds compared to the 122.5-inch wheelbase, with a weight of 4,150 pounds, on the 88. Both used a 371-cubic-inch engine."
1987 Oldsmobile 88 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 88 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Oldsmobile 88 complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Oldsmobile 88.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-01
- VIN: 1G3HN5135H1
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 1) MY 1987 DELTA 88 OLDSMOBILE WILL NOT STEER LEFT WHEN COLD, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. 2) MY BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THEY KEEP PULSATING. THIS WEARS OUT MY TIRES VERY FAST. 3) WHEN FIRST CRANKED, IT WILL DRIVE FOR A MILE AT A MEDIUM RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR BECAUSE THE IDLE IS MESSED UP, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN ADJUSTED. 4) THE WINDSHIELD WASHER HAS NEVER WORKED. ALL THESE THINGS CONTINUALLY HAPPEN THE 5 YEARS I'VE OWNED IT. *CB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-15
- VIN: 1G3HY543XH1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANK SENSOR CONSTANTLY COME LOOSE. WEATHER CHANGES AND TEMPERATURE CHANGES IN THE ENGINE CAUSE THIS CHANGE. REALIGNINMENT AND RETIGHTENING COSTS 25.00 EACH INSTANCE. THIS HAS OCCURED WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER AS WELL [AS I CALLED HER AND ASKED HER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM] THIS HAS OCCURED MORE THAN 50 TIME AS FAR AS I KNOW. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO BE INOPERATABLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, DRIVER NOTICED THAT SPEED STARTED TO DECREASE, DRIVER HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE, WITHIN MINUTES SMOKE FILLED THE CAR WITH MORE POPPING NOISE AND THEN FIRE STARTED, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, DRIVER NOTICED THAT SPEED STARTED TO DECREASE, DRIVER HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE, WITHIN MINUTES SMOKE FILLED THE CAR WITH MORE POPPING NOISE AND THEN FIRE STARTED, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE DEVELOPED A LARGE BUBBLE(4") IN TREAD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2KC P15 TIRESIZE: 205/75/14)
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HY1439HW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING PROBLEM BEGAN IN 1993 AND GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE STEERING WAS ALMOST INOPERABLE IN COLD TEMPERATURES AT FIRST BUT BECAME A PROBLEM EVEN IN WARM TERMPERATURES. THE WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED TO THE LEFT UNTIL THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR MANY MINUTES. THE PROBLEM INCREASED AND THE DIFFICULTY IN STEERING TO THE LEFT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, EVEN IN SUMMER MONTHS. IT BECAME A HAZARD. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A COST OF $1,200 AND THE MECHANICS WERE FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE. THEY ALSO INDICATED THE ENGINE MOUNT APPEARED TO BE FAULTY. MINNESOTA WAS MISSED ON THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND GM HAS BEEN FORCED TO ADD THIS ONTO A RECALL LIST BUT THE OLDSMOBILE 88 DELTA IS NOT INCLUDED. YOUR WEB SITE INDICATES OVER 50 PROBLEMS WITH RACK AND PINION STEERING FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL. THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS FAILURE TO WARN ON THE PART OF GM TO DRIVERS OF THIS YEAR AND MODEL CAR. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HY1439HW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HN513XHW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: RIGHT WHEEL FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HY5139HW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT STUCK , THE VEHICLE DID NOT RETURN TO IDLE, CAUSING A COLLISION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-02
- VIN: 1G3HN5434HW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING ALONG VEHICLE STARTS TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. IT BECOMES HARD TO STEER AND EVENTUALLY LOSES CONTROL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HY5436H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND STOPPING AT A LIGHT THE CAR STALLS AND ONE OCCASION THERE WAS NO POWER AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-03-24
- VIN: 1G3HY5433HW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN5430HH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PARK IN SHOPPING CENTER IN A PARKING SPACE FACING FORWARD GOT INTO VEHICLE AND STARTED ENGINE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT OTHER CARS. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN543XH1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR CABLE STUCK, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION/ACCIDENT. *DSH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN5431HH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT PRIOR TO RECALL. (88V-080)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HN5431HH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WOULD NOT PULL OUT. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-11-01
- VIN: 1G3HN5439H1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HY5438HH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN5435HW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR CABLE FAILED, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION/LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-01-01
- VIN: 1G3HY5135HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAMSHAFT FAILED AFTER REDESIGNED FRONT COVER INSTALLED. *TW
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-08-01
- VIN: 1G3HY143XHW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FLUID DEGRADES, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. *DH
1987 Oldsmobile 88 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Oldsmobile 88.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.
- Consequence: THIS COULD PREVENT THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO CLOSED(IDLE) POSITION WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED; THUS, ENGINE SPEED WOULDNOT DECREASE, AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
- Summary: AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.
- Consequence: THE IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THEPLASTIC WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET MAY, UNDER A HIGH RESISTANCE LOAD,MELT DOWN AND IGNITE THE WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET RESULTING IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
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