I'm excited to say that I bought the same model truck that I was brought home from the hospital in, a 1988 F-150 351W.

A little back story to let you know what I'm looking at, I bought this truck as a second car so my soon to be wife and I don't have to share my other car anymore. I'm planning on using this as a hunting, camping and all around adventure truck here in Idaho; no long distance road trips, just backwoods fun, and a get-around vehicle when needed.

I took it into the shop to a trusted mechanic after purchase and was blown away with how little the truck needed mechanically, she's not a looker but built the Ford tough way. The only issue is the reverse lights, left turn signal, hazard lights, and horn aren't functioning.

I assume the turn signal and hazards are related, but I'm afraid that I have an electrical nightmare infront of me (I admit that I'm not the best with electrical conundrums).

Just wondering if this is a common problem, or a problem with a relatively easy remedy or am I going to have to send the truck back to the shop and pay the piper (mechanic) to have this taken care of.

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Check the fuses first… flasher modules second. You may need a turn signal switch to fix the turn signal or maybe just a new bulb or repaired ground connection.

Good luck.

 

Thanks.
I've checked the fuses and replaced all the bulbs. so I guess the next I will look into the modules and check for a clean ground.

 

For the reverse lights the simplest option I've found is to simply have a dash mounted switch. Odds are the switch inside the transmission is broken.
It can be very convenient at times when you need the extra light, and it scares the $#!+ out of tailgaters. Simply run it off of an always hot wire.
Personally I have auxiliary fuse box for things like this, fog lights, fans and such.
Also, in relation to the horn, turn signals, and reverse lights not working, should you find blown fuses I'd advise checking the wires. After 25+ years, wires can rub their protective covers and short out, you may need to rub new wire. For brakes and reverse I recommend 14 or 16 AWG, 14 for the horn.

 

You have just made me feel OLD. I had one a year old when I was 24...

Scott

 

First, congrats on picking up a survivor of an old truck and giving it a new lease on life! I have no doubt you'll have lots of fun with it and working on it. Let's see some pics of it! We love pics on FTE!!

As for your lights, all of the suggestions given are good ones. One other thing to check is for corroded connections where the bulbs plug in. I ran into that on a few of my '92's lights. If they're corroded, you may be able to clean them up. If that doesn't work it's not hard to snip the connector end off and wire in a new bulb connector. Just a thought for you.

Keep us posted!