1988 Pontiac Trans Am Repair Manual

The 1988 Pontiac Trans Am is a third-generation F-body sports car featuring the iconic 5.0L V8 engine, available with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. This comprehensive repair manual covers engine systems, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, bodywork, and routine maintenance procedures for the 1988 model year. Below are key sections for technical specifications, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Routine Maintenance 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Safety Precautions 11. Technical Service Bulletins

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data: Engine options, transmission types, dimensions, capacities, and performance figures.

Specification	Description
Engine	5.0L LB9 V8, 170 hp @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual (standard) or 4-speed automatic (optional)
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection (TPI)
Wheelbase	101.0 inches
Curb Weight	Approx. 3,400 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15.5 gallons
Oil Capacity	4 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Capacity	12.5 quarts
Brake System	Power-assisted front disc/rear drum
Suspension	Independent front with stabilizer bar

Routine Maintenance

Regular service intervals and procedures to maintain optimal performance.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months - Use 10W-30 motor oil
Oil Filter Replacement: Replace with every oil change
Air Filter: Inspect every 12,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles - AC Delco R44TS recommended
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Brake Fluid: Check every 15,000 miles, replace every 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid: Check level monthly, change every 50,000 miles

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle. Never rely solely on hydraulic jack.

Engine Systems

Detailed repair procedures for the 5.0L V8 TPI engine.

Tune-up Procedures: Spark plug gap 0.035", ignition timing 6° BTDC
Fuel System: Fuel pressure should be 9-13 psi at idle
Cooling System: Thermostat opens at 195°F, radiator cap pressure 15 psi
Ignition System: HEI distributor, rotor gap 0.010"
Emission Controls: EGR valve, PCV system, catalytic converter maintenance

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before working on electrical systems. Allow engine to cool before opening cooling system.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual Transmission: Borg-Warner T5, fluid capacity 2.1 quarts (75W-90 GL-4)
Automatic Transmission: GM 700R4, fluid capacity 11 quarts (Dexron II)
Clutch: Hydraulic system, master cylinder fluid DOT 3
Differential: 7.5" or 7.625" rear, fluid capacity 2.5 pints (80W-90)
Drive Shaft: Two-piece with center support bearing
U-Joints: Greaseable, lubricate every 15,000 miles

Suspension & Steering

Front suspension: MacPherson struts with coil springs. Rear: Torque arm with panhard rod.

Steering: Power-assisted recirculating ball, ratio 14:1. Turning circle 37.4 feet.

Alignment Specifications: Camber -0.5° to +0.5°, Caster +3.5° to +4.5°, Toe-in 0° to +0.2°. Shock Absorbers: Replace in pairs, inspect every 30,000 miles. Ball Joints: Check for play during tire rotation. Stabilizer Bar: 30mm front, 16mm rear.

Brake Systems

Front: 10.5" disc brakes with single piston calipers. Rear: 9.5" drum brakes.

Brake Pad Replacement: Minimum thickness 1/8 inch
Rotor Specifications: Minimum thickness 0.960 inch
Brake Drum: Maximum diameter 9.560 inch
Brake Fluid: DOT 3, bleed system after component replacement
Parking Brake: Adjust cable tension for proper engagement

Tip: Always replace brake pads/shoes in axle sets. Bed new pads properly with moderate braking for first 200 miles.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system. Battery: 600 CCA minimum.

Charging System: 90-140 amp alternator, voltage 13.5-14.8V
Starting System: 1.4 kW starter motor, draw 150-200 amps
Lighting: Headlight aiming specifications included
Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, tachometer, gauges troubleshooting
Wiring Diagrams: Color-coded schematics for all circuits
Fuse Panel: Location under left dash, amp ratings for each circuit
Computer Systems: ECM location and diagnostic procedures

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Use circuit tester, not test light, for computer circuits.

Body & Interior

Exterior: Fiberglass hood, steel body panels. Interior: Cloth or leather seating.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues and diagnostic procedures for the 1988 Trans Am.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel pump, ignition module	Check fuel pressure, test spark, scan for trouble codes
Rough idle	Vacuum leaks, dirty injectors	Inspect vacuum hoses, clean throttle body, test EGR
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn bands	Check fluid level/condition, adjust bands if applicable
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Measure rotor runout, resurface or replace rotors
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Test battery/charging system, clean ground points

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 minutes to clear ECM memory.

Safety Precautions

Always work in well-ventilated area. Use proper safety equipment including eye protection.

CAUTION! Support vehicle properly with jack stands. Avoid contact with hot exhaust components. Handle fluids properly and dispose according to local regulations.

Technical Service Bulletins

Common factory-issued updates: Transmission shift improvements, electrical connector corrosion prevention, brake component updates. For latest bulletins, contact GM Technical Assistance or authorized Pontiac dealership.