1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass International 5 Speed Manual

The 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass International is a classic American sedan featuring a 5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive configuration, and the renowned 3.8L V6 engine. This model year represents one of the final iterations of the traditional rear-wheel drive Cutlass before the platform transition. Below are comprehensive sections covering specifications, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for this iconic vehicle.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Exterior Features 3. Interior Features 4. Engine and Drivetrain 5. Transmission Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Driving Instructions 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Technical Data 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical details: Rear-wheel drive platform with 5-speed manual transmission and fuel-injected V6 powerplant.

SpecificationDetails
Engine3.8L V6 LG3 with electronic fuel injection
Transmission5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-5)
DrivetrainRear-wheel drive
Horsepower125 hp @ 4400 RPM
Torque195 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
Fuel SystemElectronic fuel injection
Fuel Capacity18.5 gallons
Curb Weight3,250 lbs
Wheelbase108.1 inches
Overall Length200.3 inches

Exterior Features

Classic American sedan styling with distinctive Oldsmobile design elements.

  1. Body Style: 4-door sedan with formal roofline
  2. Grille: Traditional Oldsmobile horizontal bar design
  3. Headlights: Quad rectangular sealed beam units
  4. Bumpers: Color-keyed with impact-absorbing design
  5. Wheels: 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
  6. Paint: Acrylic enamel with clear coat protection

NOTE! Regular waxing recommended to preserve factory paint finish.

Interior Features

Comfortable cabin with traditional American luxury appointments.

  1. Seating: Cloth bench seating front and rear
  2. Dashboard: Standard analog instrumentation with quartz clock
  3. Climate Control: Manual heating and air conditioning system
  4. Audio: AM/FM stereo with cassette player
  5. Steering Wheel: Vinyl-wrapped with horn buttons
  6. Shifter: Floor-mounted 5-speed manual transmission lever

CAUTION! Use only mild cleaners on vinyl and plastic surfaces.

Engine and Drivetrain

Transmission Operation

The 5-speed manual transmission features synchronized forward gears with overdrive fifth gear.

Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.76, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73, Reverse: 3.67

Shifting Pattern: R 1 3 5 - - - - 2 4 -

Operation: Depress clutch fully before shifting. Allow engine RPM to match vehicle speed when downshifting. Use overdrive (5th gear) for highway cruising to improve fuel economy.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
  2. Transmission Fluid: Check every 15,000 miles
  3. Coolant: Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years
  4. Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
  5. Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 miles
  6. Brake Fluid: Flush every 2 years

Tip: Use only GM-approved fluids and filters for optimal performance.

Driving Instructions

Proper operation techniques for the 5-speed manual transmission.

  1. Starting: Depress clutch fully, shift to neutral, start engine
  2. Moving Off: First gear with smooth clutch engagement
  3. Shifting: Upshift at 2,500-3,000 RPM for normal driving
  4. Downshifting: Match engine speed to lower gear ratio
  5. Reverse: Come to complete stop before engaging
  6. Parking: Engage parking brake, leave in first gear or reverse
  7. Hill Starts: Use parking brake to prevent rollback
  8. Fuel Economy: Use overdrive gear for highway cruising

WARNING! Do not rest hand on shifter while driving to prevent premature wear.

Safety Features

Standard 1980s safety equipment including passive restraint system.

Care & Cleaning

Regular cleaning preserves appearance and prevents corrosion.

Exterior: Wash with mild car soap, wax every 3 months. Interior: Vacuum regularly, use vinyl protectant. Underbody: Rinse after winter driving to remove salt.

CAUTION! Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage finishes.

Technical Data

Additional specifications and capacities for reference.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Difficulty shiftingLow clutch fluid/worn clutchCheck clutch fluid level; inspect clutch wear
Gear grindingSynchronizer wearDouble-clutch when shifting; check transmission fluid
Clutch slippageWorn clutch discReplace clutch assembly
Transmission noiseLow fluid levelCheck and fill transmission fluid
Hard startingClutch safety switchCheck clutch pedal position switch

Service: Consult qualified mechanic for transmission repairs.

Parts: Genuine GM parts recommended for replacement.

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