20 Most Recent 1988 Ford Thunderbird Questions & Answers

Question edited for clarity and add maker. Question moved to model category. https://www.fixya.com/cars/t15449384-fuse_box_diagram_ford_thunderbird_turbo https://www.google.com/search?q=1988+ford+thunderbird+fuse+box+diagram Also look for a big fuse molded into the positive battery lead. Some have them, some don't. ..

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Turbocharger problems are some of the most difficult to troubleshoot. The main purpose of the turbocharger is to provide more air to the engine. The more air going into the engine the more fuel that can be burned, which results in an increase in horsepower. There are four main parts of the turbocharger: the wastegate, center rotating assembly, turbine housing and the compressor housing. By understanding how the turbocharger functions, it is possible to uncover the causes of problems.
Difficulty:Moderate Instructions

1. • 1 Check the air filter element as this is a main cause of blue exhaust smoke. This blue smoke occurs when there is not enough air going into the engine. Check all ducts and pipes for obstruction or leaks.
     
   • 2 Clean the turbocharger. Dirt that has caked onto the compressor wheel or the diffuser vanes can cause all types of problems. If the turbocharger is very dirty or the center housing contains sludge then you should also check the filters. Dirt coming in to the turbocharger is most likely due to broken filters.
     
   • 3 Check with the engine manual to ensure that the camshaft or pump is working at the correct timing. Adjustments may need to be made as the turbocharger can change over time. If the turbocharger is out of sync, then this will result in a noticeable decrease in engine power. An additional cause of decreased power is a gas leak in the exhaust manifold or the turbine outlet duct. The less gas the less power that is produced.
     
   • 4 Check the turbine blade and compressor for any damage such as indentations or notches. This type of damage will cause screeching noises, whining noises, rattling and scraping sounds. You will need to replace the turbocharger as well as locate the source of the damage to prevent further damage. There is a chance that the noises are due to other eternal components and not the turbocharger, but a visual inspection is easy to check before moving onto other components.
     
   • 5 Inspect the actuator if the entire turbocharger is frequently overboosting or underboosting. Make sure that the actuator is not loose and if so tighten it to the specified torque values. If there is visible damage to the actuator and air leak or if the actuator spring has broken a new actuator is needed.
     

brake line stoped up or bad rubber line

Could be the inertia switch or the EEC relay in the engine compartment.

have someone put it in gear with foot on brake and increase rpm. watch the motor if it rises more than say 1/2" then repeat with car in reverse. if it raise more the mounts are worn or broke and need replacement. if not sure have it checked at a shop.

The best way if it is damaged is to take it to a muffler shop. They are pretty reasonable and they have the special tools to do the work and the knowledge. The bolts and nuts get rusted and sometimes break off. if you need to just take a section off then there is a special tool to cut the muffler pipe and then you have to weld on a new section. When the bolts break of it becomes a real job. You may have to take the exhaust off the engine block and do it where you can get to the job. Sorry, but I need more information to give you more directions.

Go after the catalytic converter/s.

Check the back of the intake manifold...they are about 2-3" round, and silver in color.

Its just a speed reminder. You somehow pressed one of those buttons on the cluster and activated it. You'll have to hold a button down to turn off but which one I don't recall.

Use a can of starter fluid and spray around your vacuum hoses while engine is running (spray very lightly). Since the vacuum comes from the engine your engine will rev up when you get close to the leaking hose. Good luck

It's normally going to idle faster when cold, but you can change the idle speed down with a screwdriver at the throttle engine speed screw.

Sounds like your steering column wiring harness has come disconnected. Check the condition of the connector, which will be located between the brake light switch and the instrument cluster, plugging into your steering column. Also, check the ground connection at the steering column (single black wire).

check floor beside drivers seat and door

only the dealership can reprogram it but before you do that look under the trunk lid there should be a sticker with a 4 to 6 digit code if still dosent work needs to be reset