1988 Ford ranger won't stay started
My 1988 Ford ranger won't stay started unless I'm holding the switch on as soon I i let off of it it dies and I noticed my fuel pump is not making a sound when I turn the switch on help please
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1988 Ford Ranger Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1988 Ford Ranger
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Jeremy M
Nov 11, 2021
I thought the truck was way over priced for a year and make.Nov 11, 2021
by Tracy H
Aug 03, 2013
Excellent little truck. I bought it more for look-good and daily driving. Super
cab, 2.3L 4 cylinder , 5-speed, AC, Stereo. I put a bed liner and light bar on it.
Not very fast but it goes pretty far. Not practical as my family grew.Aug 03, 2013
by Cherika W
Mar 03, 2013
The truck literally will run til it dies. Unfortunately im now working out some bugs. It does alright for an 88. The heater works well if by chance you lets say flip it... You will survivewhle wearing a seatbelt. I love this truck and would love to find another.Mar 03, 2013
User rating:
by Jeremy M
Nov 11, 2021
I thought the truck was way over priced for a year and make.Nov 11, 2021
by Tracy H
Aug 03, 2013
Excellent little truck. I bought it more for look-good and daily driving. Super
cab, 2.3L 4 cylinder , 5-speed, AC, Stereo. I put a bed liner and light bar on it.
Not very fast but it goes pretty far. Not practical as my family grew.Aug 03, 2013
by Cherika W
Mar 03, 2013
The truck literally will run til it dies. Unfortunately im now working out some bugs. It does alright for an 88. The heater works well if by chance you lets say flip it... You will survivewhle wearing a seatbelt. I love this truck and would love to find another.Mar 03, 2013
by Benjamin W
Apr 16, 2012
It has gone every where i have asked it to go. and it tow anything i ask to it its got the 2.9 and motor is still working good with 235K. and its got good gas mileage for its age groupApr 16, 2012
by Tyson W
Nov 25, 2011
Solid vehicle although a little small gets great gas millage and has decent power for its age. Relatively low maintenance costs and not too expensive to buy. It is relatively fun little truck to drive simply because it is a manual transmition. It is however on the small side but it helps when parking spaces are tight. It is a tough little truck and can hand loads of abuseNov 25, 2011
by Karyn C
Oct 31, 2011
The truck accelerates very well! It has a 5.0 Mustang motor in it and it growls like a beast! This truck scoots across the pavement. Braking and handling are very easy! It's a 23 year old truck, of course it's going to need repairs....though they are fairly simple! The back seats (jumper seats) are very uncomfortable for anyone who isn't tiny or short. This is an amazingly fun truck to drive around and squeal tires in!Oct 31, 2011
by Brian H
Apr 12, 2011
I love my truck but have found that its more difficult than easy to work on, like most fords are.. I wanna paint it dark gray and have black rims eventually. I also wanna get a lift kit and bigger mud tires on it..Apr 12, 2011
by Carl S
Dec 26, 2010
this is my ranger. its an 88, with a 302 v8 and a four speed auto. has dual ehaust is loud as hell and has crager ss wheels with 295/60r15 on the back. Its a fun truck and takes all the abuse i throw at itDec 26, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2010
it's a great utility vehicle, a 4X4 (can't go wrong with that) and is easy for me to get in and out. Don't know what the mpg is yet, I beleive it is about 18 highway but have to double check thatDec 22, 2010
by Garrett W
Dec 13, 2010
Performs excellent on and off road, extremely durable frame and suspension.
Its old so its seen a lot of action and needed some repairs/modifications to keep it
going but its always been a solid truck. Only complaints I have is its a little too small
inside for any more than 2 people, even with extended cab. Parts are cheap and
easy to find. Theres still a lot of performance upgrades available too.Dec 13, 2010
by Ron D
Dec 09, 2010
My first truck ends up being a project just like almost everything else i seem to buy ;)
The truck was originally purchased with one goal in mind, to be the replacement base for a paintball tank at my local paintball field. The previous truck, and 1990 Mitsubishi 4WD pickup, was too far gone to be saved with my limited knowledge of it, and the lack of parts availble for it.
The Ranger was purchased in non-running condition, off the road for 2 years, for 300 dollars off of Craigslist. The non-running part was easy to fix, as there was only a couple of fried connections and a blown fuse to the fuel pump. After a tune up, the engine ran like a dream, despite having over 116k on the clock.
Right now the truck is serving double duty as a farm vehicle and a paintball tank, with the eventual goal being to put it back on the road and use as a work truck. Only thing stopping me right now is a new bed, an exhaust, and some frame repairs.
The few times i've had to take it up through the gears it does drive quite well; you can really only get to 4th gear on the back roads i drive it on before you run out of space or don't feel like rattling your teeth out on the bumps. Combine a 2.9 V6 with the M5OD 5 speed in the truck and you've got a good setup for just about anything.
However the upside is also the downside; the Cologne V6 engine is fraught with head gasket issues from 86-88, thanks to a flaw in the cylinder head design on American Cologne engines only. Also, being only 2.9 liters means this truck won't win any speed trials; it will get up and go, but it's no V8 and shouldn't be expected to smoke the tires. as long as you keep that in mind, and keep a good eye on the engine's vitals, these can last well into 200k miles before needing any work.
Dec 09, 2010
by Bryan M
Oct 17, 2010
nothing special really. the v6 engine lacked power, but it was still a good little truck. real fun to drive and i didnt have to sink to much money into it at all. the electronic 4wd wasn't as reliable as a manuel shift, but it was convienient. good little beater truck.Oct 17, 2010
by Meagan M
Jun 24, 2010
i bought it for $50 when i was 15. it had a freshly rebuilt engine and transmission but needed a lot of body work. a summer spent making it look snazzy and i was happy. eventually, we had to install a manual switch for the fuel injection so it would work when needed. i sold it for $1000 and got a new car.Jun 24, 2010
by Jon M
Dec 25, 2009
Not much power under the hood. A good truck for getting small/light load from a to b.
Very small cab. One of the worst features of this truck.
Like I said earlier, a reiable form of transportation.
Good truckDec 25, 2009
by Thomas S
Dec 08, 2009
engine - 2.0L 86hp
transmission - automatic
I'm planing on putting a 302 V8 in it or a 4.0L V6.
Color - blue , body is actually pretty good, some dents on the
fenders. needs some work yet. I'm only fifteen so i got some
time before i start driving.Dec 08, 2009
by Jordan K
Oct 27, 2009
the quality is good and its good performance shes slow but good apperances ever body knows its my truck when i go anywere because is a one of a kind its fun to dive and stick good good good goodOct 27, 2009
by Allan K
Oct 26, 2009
the performance is good as hell, and brakes are strong. handle is very poor. the quality is not bad, but i been replace lots of stuff. i like a a wood style interior and feel more room. gas milage is not bad for 2.9L V6, and it littbit boring to drive with auto. Oct 26, 2009
by Travis S
Oct 26, 2009
my college years ride. standard cab 4 wheel drive 4 cyl motor that top end speed was about 80-ish. dad's plan to teach me to drive a stick paid off and i drove this one about 4 years, until i started in on my 5.0 mustangs...Oct 26, 2009
by Eric S
Feb 21, 2009
built 302 zf 5 spd
3 inch body lift
4 inch suspention lift
33" micky thompson baja's
this truck =has alot of power and will go though and climb just about anything.
FOR SALE if anybody wants it
2500 oboFeb 21, 2009
by Anthony W
Nov 15, 2008
This truck is MY TOY...From the rumble of the dual mufflers to the the the boom of the subs. This truck is modified a bit...lol..It may say FORD on the front, but under the hood its powered by a V8 CHEVY..When you wanna get somewhere fast.....You can..;)Nov 15, 2008
by Corey D
Oct 09, 2008
I love my Truck Its a 1988 ford ranger it is silver with blue and red trim It has next to no rust and runs great I have only had to put 20 bucks into it to replace a ruptured power steering line The only thing that sucks is I payed 2800 for the damn thing and it has no cd player I know, I know I shouldn't complain hey It only has 68,000 miles on it!Oct 09, 2008
by A D
Aug 04, 2008
I absolutely loved this car, but it was a pain in the butt to maintain. I mean, it was my first car and just as old as I am so I couldn't really expect more. The body was in great condition until I wrecked it, but everything under the hood needed some help. It had a cracked head, the oil leaked, the transmission fluid leaked, the gas gauge was broken... Lots of maintenance and lots of money spent on fluids, but I still loved it. It had great handling. Awesome turning radius for a truck. I drove it like it was a zippy little sedan. Except I couldn't drive over 75mph or else the entire thing would shake up a storm. But it was so much fun and I wish I still owned it.Aug 04, 2008
by Russ H
Jul 02, 2008
good all around truck, great for me at that time of my life.
no power, but reliableJul 02, 2008
by Trevor W
Jul 02, 2008
its a good truck and gets me from point a to point bJul 02, 2008
by Mike W
May 28, 2008
We really used this truck. It was my daily commuter and then on weekends we'd throw everything in the back and go camping. I learned that it was NOT a four-wheel-drive... It was a nice color of blue.May 28, 2008
by Nathan B
May 12, 2008
its a $500 pile that is barely gettin the job doneMay 12, 2008
by Kevin S
Apr 27, 2008
Its old, still runs, and gets from point A to point BApr 27, 2008
by David W
Apr 27, 2008
havent drove it still fixing er upApr 27, 2008
by Charlie P
Apr 16, 2008
Now, normally I hate Fords, but the Ranger is the one exception. My Grandpa's friend Jack H. who is now deceased, owned a 1988 Ford Ranger that he bought new. He commuted from his home in Maine to his work in Massachusetts so the truck had lots of miles, more than 400,000 at the time of his death. Jack died of kidney failure in his early sixties. I really miss him. Anyway, this Ranger is now in the possession of his son if I remember correcectly. Remembering a guy with an old Volvo with 1 million plus miles who won a new Volvo, I told Jack about this, and he told Ford and got a thousand bucks plus a place in a company magazine.Apr 16, 2008
by Rob N
Mar 29, 2008
4 cyl. engine was way underpowered in the 4X4. Couldn't use overdrive into a head wind. Put the poor little thing through hell and it kept going though. It only quit on me once (after abusing it through some pretty serious mud)...went back the next day and she fired right up!Mar 29, 2008
by Erica R
Mar 02, 2008
I drove my family's Ranger for the first year of college. What a trooper! It started in the coldest of Fargo days always on the first try. I also got in a wreck with it there, but it held up great. It's a cute little silver Ranger with tinted windows. And when it's in 4 wheel drive it's unstoppable. Oh, and it's a manual shift, so it's fun to drivet too!Mar 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2008
Good gas economy pickup in standard 4 version but engine a bit weak especially while go uphill. Jan 19, 2008
by Ross D
Jan 16, 2008
This truck was purchased new buy my grandfater when i was just a kid. As i grew older he told me someday i'd be driving this truck, and I did! I had no problems with this truck at all! Ford makes an amazing truck! If the tranny didn't give out i'd still be driving this truck today!! I miss it terribly! Jan 16, 2008
by Mike W
Jan 12, 2008
2.9 V6, 5-speed manual trasmission, 205,000 miles when I traded it in for the F-Bird, This thing was thru hell and back......a few times.....lol My dad bought it when it had like 100,000 miles on it so we had this thing forever and yes we beat the hell out of it, deer hunting, ditch/field running, mudding, snow drifting it did it all.Jan 12, 2008
What users have asked
1988 Ford ranger won't stay started
My 1988 Ford ranger won't stay started unless I'm holding the switch on as soon I i let off of it it dies and I noticed my fuel pump is not making a sound when I turn the switch on help please
3 views
do 1998 Ford Ranger 6cylinder 4wd have 2 catalytic converters?
wont'pass smog inspection because I'm told it needs 2 catalytic converters - is this possible?
430 views
does my 1988 2.3 ford ranger have 2 fuel pumps
i cant get my truck i bought to run right and it sat for 3 years. trying to rev it up and it sputters and cuts out kind of like its getting no fuel. I replaced all the plugs, wires, distributor, rotor and new fuel filter but still runs like crap..
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Can yall help with Under hood wiring?
I have an 88 ford ranger that's been sitting and wires go chewed up under hood on driver side does anyone have a picture of one or know what all goes where
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1988 Ford Ranger?Compare this car
1988 Ford Ranger Pricing
Original MSRP
$7,493 to $14,816Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Audio System
AM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent