88 XLT Check Engine Light
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2001
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88 XLT Check Engine Light
I own an 88 xlt for 2 days and I already got stuck, towed and paid $150 to have the ignition module changed. Now I have another problem. I noticed that the check engine light flashs on and off for no apparent reason. The RED engine also come an and off for no apparent reason and on top of that, my oil pressure gauge looks like a windshield wiper. At start up the pressure in the Normal range . After about 20 min, the oil pressure is right at the border of the red line. If i put the truck in neutral and rev the engine, the oil pressure goes up but when I'm in drive, the gauge move up and down but never going much past N. When stopped, i don't here any ticking or knocking. How do I fix this?
More Turbo
Joined: May 2000
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88 XLT Check Engine Light
Oil pressure fluctuations are very VERY common. You can try a few things. Age, mileage and previous owner maintenance have a great effect on things.
1. Change the oil pressure sending unit and replace it with a new one. OR
2. Install an oil pressure guage which should give you a true reading.
3. An additional item would be to replace the oil pump with a high volume oil pump.
I have two Broncos and each has it's own oil pressure personality. The older 1978 runs "okay" pressure until I get off the highway and get into traffic. My 84 has great oil pressure with little fluctuation (40K on rebuilt engine).
These oil pressure problems are common to most of the ford trucks on this site.
1. Change the oil pressure sending unit and replace it with a new one. OR
2. Install an oil pressure guage which should give you a true reading.
3. An additional item would be to replace the oil pump with a high volume oil pump.
I have two Broncos and each has it's own oil pressure personality. The older 1978 runs "okay" pressure until I get off the highway and get into traffic. My 84 has great oil pressure with little fluctuation (40K on rebuilt engine).
These oil pressure problems are common to most of the ford trucks on this site.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
88 XLT Check Engine Light
Sounds like you might have inherited somebody elses problems. I agree with putting a real oil guage on there and see what it says. If it reads low, your engine probably has alot of wear. How many miles?
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Freshman User
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88 XLT Check Engine Light
It's the 302 with 106K. I runs execellent and the previous owner has had the truck for the past 11 yeark and seems to be very well maintained. I have all his records of oil changes and any work done.
How difficult is it to install a new or mechanical guage?
How difficult is it to install a new or mechanical guage?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,756
From: Virginia
88 XLT Check Engine Light
Just unscrew the sending unit out of the block and install the fitting and tubing for the aftermarket guage. If this is just a test, hook the guage up and leave it in the engine compartment for diagnosis. If you want to use it permanently, run the tubing through the firewall and mount the guage under the dash.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,756
From: Virginia
88 XLT Check Engine Light
What is this used for? I know GM uses this to tell the fuel pump to run or not. But this is usually a switch unit mounted somewhere else. If this is the case, he could put a tee in the line and hook the sender back up.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Florida
88 XLT Check Engine Light
I also own an '88 XLT, it has the 351W engine and 135K. Never had a problem with the oil pressure gauge varying, usually stays put around center. I once owned a '79 Bronco with the 351M and the oil pressure gauge would drop to near "O" when the engine got hot in slow moving traffic. Replaced the oil pump on that truck, but it did not correct the problem.
I recently purchased an Actron Ford Code Scanner #CP9015 from Auto Zone for $30.00, because I also had the yellow "check engine" light flickering on an off. The Code Scanner plugs into a "jack" located in the engine compartment on the driver side, between the master cylinder and the air filter. The Scanner gave me a code "33" which is a problem with the EGR Valve Position Sensor. Well worth the 30 bucks, wish I had bought one years ago!
Your 302 engine with only 106K should be in relatively good shape if it had proper maintanence. You've also received excellent advice from others.
I recently purchased an Actron Ford Code Scanner #CP9015 from Auto Zone for $30.00, because I also had the yellow "check engine" light flickering on an off. The Code Scanner plugs into a "jack" located in the engine compartment on the driver side, between the master cylinder and the air filter. The Scanner gave me a code "33" which is a problem with the EGR Valve Position Sensor. Well worth the 30 bucks, wish I had bought one years ago!
Your 302 engine with only 106K should be in relatively good shape if it had proper maintanence. You've also received excellent advice from others.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8
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88 XLT Check Engine Light
I blew my head gasket and since replacing the gaskets and machining the heads, I too have an oil pressure gauge problem. Engine runs fine, but after 5-10 miles, the gauge fluctuates and then sinks to bottom...very frustrating. The engine still runs fine so I think I'll replace the oil pressure sending unit. Any other suggestions would be Greatly appreciated. Also, my power steering box is leaking. Shall I replace the seals or replace the unit? ( I hear rebuilding it is a pain and dangerous if you don't know what youre doing )
Thanx...!
Thanx...!
