1988 Oldsmobile 98 problems

Common 1988 Oldsmobile 98 problems

The Oldsmobile 98 1988 is known for several common problems that car owners have reported. One of the most prevalent issues is related to the anti-theft system, which can cause the car to fail to start. This problem occurs due to a raised-chip key that is required to disengage the anti-theft system. If the key is not correctly programmed or becomes damaged, the system may prevent the car from starting, resulting in a frustrating experience for the owner.

Another common problem with the Oldsmobile 98 1988 is the sagging headliner. This issue is particularly prevalent in older cars, and the 1988 model is no exception. The headliner is the cloth material that covers the interior ceiling of the car. Over time, it can begin to sag, creating an unappealing appearance. While repairing this issue is relatively straightforward, it can be time-consuming. A replacement cloth kit can be found for less than $70, but it may take up to four hours to install correctly. Despite the effort required to fix this issue, it is a common problem that many Oldsmobile 98 1988 owners have faced.

The 1988 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham is also known for its idle problems. These issues are often caused by the Idle Load Compensator, a silver part located on the right side (driver's side) of the carburator. When this part goes bad, it can cause vacuum problems, leading to stalling or rough idling. This issue can be particularly frustrating for drivers, as it can cause the car to die while sitting at a light or while driving. Replacing the Idle Load Compensator can solve this problem, but finding the part can be challenging.

In addition to these common problems, the Oldsmobile 98 1988 is also known for its fuse block wiring issues. The fuse block wiring schematics for this model can be difficult to find, making it challenging to diagnose and repair electrical problems. For example, the #11 fuse circuit or the 20 amp-chime/cig ltr/radio/pwr ant fuse can drain the battery when the fuse is in that #11 spot in the fuse block. This issue can cause the battery to fail to hold a charge, requiring the owner to replace the battery frequently. A recall was issued in 1990 to revise the fuse usage sticker, but many 1988 models still have the outdated sticker, causing confusion for owners trying to diagnose electrical issues.

In summary, the Oldsmobile 98 1988 is known for several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues include anti-theft system failures, sagging headliners, idle problems, and fuse block wiring issues. While some of these problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair, many resources are available to help owners address these issues and keep their cars running smoothly.

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."

How much is an Oldsmobile 98 worth?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $1,000 for a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 on Aug 27 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 98? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 98 is $35,073.

What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?

In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.

How much does a 1998 Oldsmobile 88 weight?

3,465 lbs1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight / Curb weight

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."

How much is an Oldsmobile 98 worth?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $1,000 for a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 on Aug 27 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 98? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 98 is $35,073.

What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?

In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.

What was the last year of the Oldsmobile 98?

But personally, I feel like Oldsmobile died when they discontinued the 98 in 1996, as it was the last one to carry the torch lit by the brand in its mid-century heyday—big, American cars that transported us in comfort and style.

1988 Oldsmobile 98 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 98 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Steering problems
• Service brakes problems
• Hydraulic problems
• Power train problems
• Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.