1988 Pontiac Trans am problems
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.
First generation (1967–1969)
The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the "pony car" market by sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($24,361 in 2023 dollars) and the convertible was $2,903 ($28,519 in 2023 dollars).
The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. Based on the architecture of the standard Chevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm.
The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently enlarged for 1968 to 250 cubic inches (4.1 liters), the base version developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a one-barrel carburetor, and the high-output Sprint version the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 354 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered to start in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). The power output of the other engines was increased marginally.
There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air 400(now often colloquially but incorrectly called the "Ram Air III," a name never used by Pontiac). The Ram Air IV was rated at 345 hp (350 PS; 257 kW) at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm; and 335 hp (340 PS; 250 kW) respectively. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing applications that were not available in production cars.
Modifications for 1968 included the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows was replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front-end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel.
In March 1969, a US$1,083 ($8,998 in 2023 ) optional handling package called the "Trans Am performance and appearance package", UPC "WS4", named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. A total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made.
Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.
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Common 1988 Pontiac Trans am problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1988 Pontiac Trans Am, several common problems have been reported:
- Electrical System Issues: Owners have reported various electrical system problems, including issues with the car's wiring, fuses, and electrical components. These problems can lead to malfunctions in the car's lights, dashboard instruments, and other electrical features.
- Engine Performance: Complaints regarding engine performance include issues with stalling, rough idling, and overall poor engine performance. These problems can be caused by issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or engine components.
- Transmission Troubles: Owners have reported transmission problems such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and transmission fluid leaks. These issues can affect the car's drivability and may require repairs or replacements of transmission components.
- Cooling System Concerns: Cooling system problems, including overheating, coolant leaks, and radiator issues, have been reported by owners. These issues can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if not addressed promptly.
- Braking System Malfunctions: Complaints related to the braking system include brake noise, brake fluid leaks, and brake performance issues. Proper functioning brakes are crucial for safety, and any problems should be addressed promptly.
- Suspension and Steering: Owners have reported issues with the suspension system, including worn-out shocks, struts, and bushings. Steering problems such as difficulty steering, vibrations, or unusual noises have also been reported.
- Interior and Exterior Trim: Complaints regarding interior and exterior trim components include issues with door handles, window regulators, and exterior body panels. These problems can affect the car's aesthetics and functionality.
- Fuel System Problems: Issues with the fuel system, such as fuel leaks, fuel pump failures, and fuel injector malfunctions, have been reported. These problems can impact the car's fuel efficiency and overall performance.
Addressing these common problems with the 1988 Pontiac Trans Am requires thorough diagnostics and proper maintenance. Owners are advised to consult with experienced mechanics or automotive professionals to accurately diagnose and resolve these issues to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their vehicles.
What is the best year of Trans Am?
- 7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
- 3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.
What engine is in a 1988 Trans Am?
1988 Trans Am GTA equipped with a 305 TPI V8, rare 5-speed manual transmission, and 9 bolt limited slip rear differential.
What is the rarest Trans Am?
1969 Trans Am
The '69 Trans Am is among the rarest of the rare 'Birds with fewer than 700 built—only eight were convertibles and all were Cameo White with Tyrol Blue stripes.
What year was the fastest Pontiac Trans Am?
1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA World Record 267.618 mph
A Banks Power twin-turbo, 1800-hp Pontiac GTA set a new “World's Fastest Passenger Car” speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats at 277 mph as certified by the Southern California Timing Association. This record stood for the next ten years.
What engine is in a 1988 Trans Am?
1988 Trans Am GTA equipped with a 305 TPI V8, rare 5-speed manual transmission, and 9 bolt limited slip rear differential.
What is the best year of Trans Am?
- 7 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 6 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 5 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 7.5/10. ...
- 4 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8/10. ...
- 3 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 2 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10. ...
- 1 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 8.5/10.
Is Firebird Trans Am reliable?
It ranks 2nd in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Pontiac score is 11.72 while the Firebird comes in at 2.71.
What year was the fastest Trans Am?
1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA World Record 267.618 mph
Clocking a 277 mph, mile and a 268 mph two-way record, Banks' 1987 Twin-Turbo, 1800 hp, gasoline-burning big block Pontiac GTA, set a passenger car standard that would stand for ten years.
1988 Pontiac Trans am car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Trans am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Pontiac Trans am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Pontiac Trans am complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Pontiac Trans am.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G5FW2173KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILURE. DRIVER NEEDS INFORMATION ON RECALL #90C03.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Pontiac Trans am problems:
common 3rd gen problems - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
Mar 29, 2004 ... And what TA said, its not just Trans Ams.. all Firebird models can have that problem. GTATransAM's Avatar. GTATransAM , 03-30-2004 07:56 AM.
buying WS6 friday any common problems to look for? - LS1TECH ...
Aug 22, 2012 ... so im buying a 1999 ws6 with 100k miles on it friday I have been in love with 98-02 WS6 trans ams since i first saw this exact car back in ...
1988 Trans am GTA doesnt start - Third Generation F-Body ...
Oct 3, 2010 ... ... 1988 trans am gta ... common - juts a few at the end of the 1988 run I guess. ... pontiac, pro, problems, purple, trans, transmission, vats.
Q&A: 1988 Firebird Trans Am GTA - Common Issues & Solutions
Jul 17, 2011 ... If the time remains shorter than twenty minutes, leaking injectors are suspected. To confirm that there are leaking injectors, raise the fuel ...
Anybody know of any common problems with a 1988 Pontiac ...
Jun 13, 2019 ... Anybody know of any common problems with a 1988 Pontiac sunbird gt? Need a new daily and am thinking about getting this.
Other years of Pontiac Trans am
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