What would cause my temp gauge on my 1989 Ford F-150 not to work
Temp gauge stays all the way to the left while engine heats up
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1989 Ford F-150 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Four-wheelers welcomed the introduction of automatic locking hubs on the 1989 Ford F-150. Buyers had their choice of a number of powerful fuel-injected engines: a 4.9 liter straight-six, a 5.0 liter Windsor V-8, and a romping 7.3 liter International Harvester diesel that churned out 180 horsepower.
The 89 Ford F150 was offered in XL, XLT, and XLT Lariat trims. Cab configurations included an extended-cab supercab, as well as a 2-door setup; short-bed and long-bed models were also available. The powerhouse pickup was perfect for farm and ranch uses, and the 4-wheel reliability delighted the off-road set.
You'll still find plenty of these reliable workhorses on the road; with plenty of muscle and iron, the 1989 Ford F150 remains a favorite with tuners and project truck junkies alike. The 89 Ford F-150 isn't likely to be a hit with Al Gore, though; without some aftermarket modification, you're looking at a thirsty 18 highway/16 city miles per gallon of gas.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1989 Ford F-150
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Shonna C
Jul 29, 2021
I actually had a 250 but my sibling had a 150. Both are strong running and reliable trucks Jul 29, 2021
by Ray T
Oct 15, 2013
This is the best truck there could possibly be. I love and I'm glad it is mine. It is a Ford F-150 XLT Lariat. I have some troubles with it, but it's a perfect truck for me. Love this truck.Oct 15, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2013
The dealer told me it wasn;t rusted through, his boy man told him $1,500 would redo
the body. he told me everything was working, The engine is shot it will cost $2,500
to replace it if one can be found.on our was home it died got it started added 2 quarts
of oil. large puddle of oil under the vehicle. He claimed the gas was bad, Lier
now he has called threating meMar 22, 2013
User rating:
by Shonna C
Jul 29, 2021
I actually had a 250 but my sibling had a 150. Both are strong running and reliable trucks Jul 29, 2021
by Ray T
Oct 15, 2013
This is the best truck there could possibly be. I love and I'm glad it is mine. It is a Ford F-150 XLT Lariat. I have some troubles with it, but it's a perfect truck for me. Love this truck.Oct 15, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2013
The dealer told me it wasn;t rusted through, his boy man told him $1,500 would redo
the body. he told me everything was working, The engine is shot it will cost $2,500
to replace it if one can be found.on our was home it died got it started added 2 quarts
of oil. large puddle of oil under the vehicle. He claimed the gas was bad, Lier
now he has called threating meMar 22, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 01, 2013
I like the classic look of this beefy 5.0 F-150 Lariat. Few left in such original condition still on the road. It's the perfect low budget, high return vehicle for a nice simple paint job restoration. Pure Texas truck of the eighties with the style of impressing Sissy at Gilley's on Saturday night!Mar 01, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 19, 2012
Has over 280,000 miles and still runs strong, with the slant six. She has a hole in the floor that needs fixed. And the bed should be replaced. She is an 89 and she was used and abused, but still runs like a champNov 19, 2012
by Anonymous
May 10, 2012
I enjoy driving this truck and am finding myself using it more and more every week. Easy to handle, good on gas, plenty of power, 4 speed w/overdrive tranny, and extremely dependable.
About the only thing I regret is I should have gotten a solid paint model. I have a 2 tone paint job, Burgandy with a White stripe down the side. May 10, 2012
by Anonymous
Mar 12, 2011
1.Slow and terrible in every way
2. Gas tanks leaked really bad, sounded terrible
3.looked like hell, rusty and oddly balanced
4.Really Bad gas mileage, costed barely anything
5.definately not fun to drive anywhere, It was 2wd so not good in bad weatherMar 12, 2011
by Chris G
Dec 31, 2010
all low gears so its terrible on gas. Handles like a car.
Needed alot of work but well worth all of it.
Interior is mint and pain is a little rough.
Only getting 12mpg if im lucky.
Its fun as hell since its a 5.8L v8 with 4x4
Put 33inch tires for looks and gas milage my quad jut fits in the back.
Not a bad truck for 500. Put 2,000 into it but like i said well woth it
Dec 31, 2010
by Anonymous
Nov 14, 2010
my first truck and glad it was, had tranny problems when i got it and neglected to fix it, i drove this truck for a couple years till the spider gears went out. i loved the 4.9l straight six had the power to pull and pull. two wheel peel upset me a lil but over all i loved this truck, frame was cracked had a welded chain for a motor mount, 36 inch glass pack. 5 speed tranny awesome truck and very missed ripNov 14, 2010
by Ian H
Nov 01, 2010
dual thrush exhuast, 31 inch mud rovers, turbine rims, hijacker air shocks, 3.55:1 rearend . custom cold air / functional hood scoop in the workings, hopefully leveling it out soon, maybe race buckets come spring time and better paint job instead of spray bombs Nov 01, 2010
by Alexandrea L
Jul 28, 2010
i really like it. it is a very good vehicle. it runs like a champ but doesnt have original motor it has a 302 pi. it costs alot in fuel. its fun to drive. its just an all around good vehicle.Jul 28, 2010
by Chris B
May 27, 2010
it runs excellent. accelerates fast will scoot down the road its got a cb. needs radio fixed it gets around 16-17 miles to the gallon got a 5 speed tranny looks good on inside and out excellent to driveMay 27, 2010
by Carl T
Feb 19, 2010
I don't easily get attached to vehicles, but I got pretty
emotional seeing this truck go. I had lots of memories with it,
and it was very reliable. The 5.0l was not perfect, but it made
enough power to make the truck an exciting drive. I got
around 16 mpg combined driving.Feb 19, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2010
good trucks.drives like a truck should and does everything a truck must.have some pride of ownership and buy american.easy to maintain and parts are readily available and cheap.buy an old truck and make it the way you want it!!! lots of aftermarket accessories available to suit it to your needs.i tow boats ,campers with mine and go camping/fishing with itJan 10, 2010
by Ken L
Dec 05, 2009
It is rusting away underneath, the clutch is gone The engine has 350,000 km on it It is a gas hog needs steering parts I liked it better than the 97 I had I would have taken it anywhere we traveled a long way togetherDec 05, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 24, 2009
This is a truck you can rod-on from sunup to sundown get back on the road unlock the hubs and drive anywhere!i really love this brand truck ive owned it for a year now ive put through absolute hell and hadnt have anything break.i bought it from my buddy and he beat it to.Ford has an outstanding well built truck.Nov 24, 2009
by Scott E
Oct 16, 2009
it drives and pulls the boat when needed and gets around the hills and mountains with ease so far it hasnt been to much of a hassle to keep maintained and has been pretty cheap to repair other than the major things that have rarely happenedOct 16, 2009
by Joshua M
Sep 29, 2009
best truck i ever had wish i still did we lost track of how many times the odomiter turned over at least 5 and had the original engine. thats built ford tough. we went all over the united states in this truck Sep 29, 2009
by Brandyn W
Sep 27, 2009
proformance motors good hanldling not so good 4x4 is mint
build its a ford what can i say
appearance XLT Lariat with extenda cab
fun factors she 4 wheel peels and one wheel peels cant kill it built ford toughSep 27, 2009
by Dave R
Sep 13, 2009
It's a fun truck to have. You can do just about anything in it if you want. It's a pretty big truck for just being a 1989 Ford F150, but it's not to big to do anything in. I don't like the dual gas tanks it has though, that's to much money to fill both of them up.Sep 13, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 30, 2009
when i first got the truck it ran like a bull it had a stranded 5.0L that was chipped but over the years the bull got old and leaked way to much oil i checked the seals and oil pan it has to be a cracked head and bad value tap. but if i bought the car new and still kept it as new it would still run like a bull pushed this f-150 far past its limits Aug 30, 2009
by Daniel R
Aug 13, 2009
It has great acceleration because of its massive amounts of tourque and darn good brakes to keep you out of the trees. Styling is good apperance because of age is not so great. gas mileage is great for a truck of that size and engine. Aug 13, 2009
by Anonymous
Jun 03, 2009
I have a 1989 150,two tone silver and grey.Efi 302 and granny 4 speed and 3.55 gears.My dad bought it new and it was handed down to me when I was 10 in 2000,after it develeped a blown head gasket.It has f250 springs in the front and add-a-leafs out back so its sits higher then stock with a rake to it.4x is great and I wished it currently ran good.Jun 03, 2009
by Anonymous
May 02, 2009
This is the last brand-new vehicle I bought, 23 years ago. It's an XLT Lariat with all the toys, a 302 and 5-speed manual. I found it at Gilmore Ford in Prattville, Alabama, and it was just as I would have ordered it. Now in 2012, with 233,000 miles, it drives good and looks reasonably good. It has all the toys, the air still cools (after a new compressor), PS (new pump) & PB work, and power windows work (new motors). The original clutch lasted until 202K, but the engine keeps on going. Good fuel economy & it will even tow when asked.May 02, 2009
by Kyle R
Jan 09, 2009
I had a 1989 Ford F-150 reg-cab, 2wd,longbox,5-speed. the truck had a 302 efi. this truck was amazing. i loved it, it had power when you needed it, it stopped when you wanted to stop, and the steering was so light. this was a truck that never let me down. it started everytime. it had a little bit of FORD rust. and every ford owner knows what im talking about. and for the truck being a V-8 it was pretty darn good on fuel, and the maintenance was cheap and rare. My ford was a blast to have it was a sweet ride. I wanna rebuild it somedayJan 09, 2009
by Jeffrey C
Jan 06, 2009
well lets just say it an '89 F-150 its not gonna be fast and lets just say the trucks nick name it ol' rustyso it aint real good lookin but other than that and the speedomiter not working it still wook like it was newJan 06, 2009
by Jamie M
Dec 31, 2008
It was a phenominal truck. Had it for 12 years, put 189,000+ miles on it and it never missed a beat.
It looks real bad in the current picture, but it was better than new when I got it back from the body shop.Dec 31, 2008
by Robi P
Nov 22, 2008
Its old and goes ,hauls ass and moves fast. Eats gas but made to last. Looks good too. Not too rusty but smells kind of musty. Shes red and filled with lead but I'd rather driver when she fed. Shes got air helper bags out back cuz when shes loaded the springs are slack. Five speeds ahead and one back keeps her on track, rather have a Ford than a Mack..........Seeya.........Nov 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 05, 2008
Best 15,900.00 I ever spent
Rating *****
by Michael Tirpak
This F-150 has 252,000 miles on it, still has the original 5.0 liter motor. I did have to replace the transfer case at about 230,000 miles and told the guy to rebuild the transmission while he was in there even though it was not giving me a problem. I pull a 18 foot boat and use it when I am hunting and have not been stuck even though I travel down roads on a military base that are traveled by M1 tanks so they get really messy when it rains. I have 315,000 miles on it now I did have to replace the rear pinion seal and bearings so of course I rebuilt the rear end and installed a Richmond Gear Powertrax No Slip Locker, it was real easy to install only took me about 40 minuets and it works great. I would recommend this locker to anyone, it takes a little getting use to when driving on the street but is worth the traction you gain off road especially if you only have a two wheel drive truck.Oct 05, 2008
by Grace O
Oct 01, 2008
anyone that knows me knows that i am nothing without my truck. New motor is in and gonna be tearing up the PA streets at xmas when i come home. gotta love the small block with a 5 speed. Its a ford of course it is awsome!!!! Has 306, with cam, headers with straight exhaust, m5od tranny,8.8 rearOct 01, 2008
by Matthew S
Jul 27, 2008
great truck. has the 300 L6 EFI and pulls/hauls just as well if not better then a 302 V8. not the best fuel milage but it is a truck with a big six cylinder. solid truck that you can do anything with. looks good from the factory and easy to fix/change the oil. lots of aftermarket for it also.Jul 27, 2008
by Dave B
Jul 16, 2008
I love this truck, its a shame i cant keep it around anymore. Lifted, wheels, tires, exhaust. It all makes up for the damn lead based paint. Cant beat the straight six, and the five speed manual. ive had it for three years and need to get rid of it but dont want toJul 16, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 14, 2008
Being 6'4" in wish the seat could go back a little bit farther. Other than that it is a great all around ride. I've own other 300 CID, but this is the first one with EFI. Wow what a difference that made. This is my daily driver and I have not one complaint.Jul 14, 2008
by Robbie B
Jul 04, 2008
250,000 miles and running strong. lets see anything else hang with it.
Best pickup in it's class! This truck is a great overall mid-size truck. If you want a nice looking, good performing, solid truck for work or for yourself, and you don't want to spend over 20K on a new car, then this truck's for you.
stole that from the preview, but it works...hahaJul 04, 2008
by Anonymous
May 19, 2008
Truck uses a little oil (weak valve guides on inline 300 6); five speed tranny; acceptable gas mileage (15+ city)...rides great, steers good. Is quiet, reliable, dependable, strong. First F150 I have owned. Seems well built. Has tow ball and special trailer lights; has tow pkg as part of suspension systemMay 19, 2008
by Jason N
Apr 13, 2008
It was a dog untill i did cam, and heads to it. It dyno 260 rwhp, and 340rwtApr 13, 2008
by Clinton G
Apr 04, 2008
As with all vehicles they have thier problems, but they seem to be a pretty sturdy dependable truck.Apr 04, 2008
by Jason L
Mar 24, 2008
Took a beating and wouldn't die.4X4 Highboy Cuatom model, V8 302ci engine, 5spd. Manual Transmission, Manual Transfer case, 35x9.5 inch Tires on 15in rims. Had sufficent power considering it was only a 1/2 ton. Nice low gear range great for Climbing steep hills while off-roading. hard to get stuck even harder to get loose when it was stuck in the mudd Mar 24, 2008
by Jeremy D
Jan 30, 2008
I love this truck i have put in through some hard places and it keeps on goingJan 30, 2008
by Joshua P
Jan 10, 2008
after i got it running right i loved this truck it wus big loud and it wus a really nice truckJan 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 27, 2007
This is my 3rd ford truck and not a disappointment in any of them. Dec 27, 2007
by David H
Dec 01, 2007
Good vehicle but horrible gas mileage even for a truckDec 01, 2007
by Katy T
Nov 04, 2007
worked great until the clutch died.Nov 04, 2007
What users have asked
Spark Plug Gap size for...
My 1989 FORD F-150 5 Litre V8? Thanks in advance!
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When slowing down to turn my truck dies
So when slowing down to turn ( like pulling into my driveway) my truck dies. Fires right back up, but it still does it. I've tried advancing the timing from the distributor but that did nothing but use more gas. 1989 ford f150 with the 302. Any suggestions or ideas would be great
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should there be power to both post on the start solenoid with the key turn off
i have put in 4 starts and 5 solenoid in the last 4 week.should there be power to both big post on the the solenoid with the key turned off.
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Replacing positive battery cable with firewall diagram
Someone tried to replace the positive battery cable on a 1989 F150 4.9 6 cylinder EFI. When you try to connect the negative cable sparks fly
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1989 Ford F-150?Compare this car
1989 Ford F-150 Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,117 to $17,899Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal