1988 Toyota Celica All Trac Repair Manual

The 1988 Toyota Celica All Trac is a four-wheel drive sports coupe featuring a 2.0L 3S-GTE turbocharged engine, 5-speed manual transmission, full-time AWD system, independent suspension, power steering, and advanced electronics for its era. This comprehensive repair manual covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all major systems including engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine System 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake System 7. Electrical System 8. Fuel System 9. Cooling System 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Technical Service Bulletins

Vehicle Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the 1988 Toyota Celica All Trac model.

SpecificationDetails
Engine2.0L 3S-GTE turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Transmission5-speed manual
DrivetrainFull-time AWD with viscous coupling
Suspension FrontMacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Suspension RearDouble wishbone with stabilizer bar
Brakes FrontVentilated discs
Brakes RearSolid discs
Fuel Capacity15.9 gallons
Curb Weight3150 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Oil and filter change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
  2. Spark plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
  3. Timing belt: Replace every 60,000 miles
  4. Coolant flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
  5. Transmission fluid: Change every 30,000 miles
  6. Transfer case fluid: Change every 30,000 miles
  7. Brake fluid: Replace every 2 years
  8. Air filter: Replace every 15,000 miles
  9. Fuel filter: Replace every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use Toyota Genuine Parts or equivalent quality replacements. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine System

3S-GTE turbocharged engine repair and maintenance procedures.

  1. Compression test: Should read 142-171 psi, max variation 14 psi between cylinders
  2. Turbocharger inspection: Check for shaft play and oil leaks
  3. Valve adjustment: Hydraulic lifters, no adjustment required
  4. Ignition timing: 10° BTDC at idle
  5. Fuel pressure: 38-44 psi at idle
  6. Boost pressure: 8.5 psi stock

CAUTION! Allow turbocharger to cool before shutting off engine. Use premium unleaded fuel only.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Suspension & Steering

Front: MacPherson strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar. Rear: Double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar.

Alignment Specifications: Front camber: -0°25' ± 45', Front caster: +2°55' ± 45', Front toe: 0 ± 2mm, Rear camber: -1°00' ± 45', Rear toe: +2 ± 2mm

Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion, 2.9 turns lock-to-lock.

Brake System

Front: Ventilated discs (10.0"), Rear: Solid discs (10.3"), ABS equipped.

  1. Brake pad replacement: Minimum thickness 1.0mm
  2. Rotor specifications: Minimum thickness front 20.0mm, rear 9.0mm
  3. Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4
  4. Bleeding sequence: RR, RL, FR, FL

Tip: Check brake fluid level regularly and inspect for leaks at calipers and lines.

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with 70-amp alternator and 45-55AH battery.

  1. Battery voltage: 12.6V fully charged, 13.5-14.5V charging
  2. Fusible links: Main 100A, Alternator 80A
  3. Spark plug gap: 0.031 inch
  4. Ignition coil primary resistance: 0.4-0.5 ohms
  5. Ignition coil secondary resistance: 10.2-13.8 kohms

WARNING! Disconnect battery before working on electrical system. Use proper circuit protection.

Fuel System

Electronic fuel injection with turbo-specific calibration.

  1. Fuel pump pressure: 38-44 psi
  2. Injector resistance: 13.4-14.2 ohms at 20°C
  3. Fuel filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
  4. Throttle position sensor: 0.3-0.7 kohms closed, 3.5-6.5 kohms open

Cooling System

Pressurized cooling system with turbocharger cooling circuit.

Radiator cap pressure: 0.9 bar (13 psi), Thermostat opening: 82-88°C, Coolant capacity: 7.5 liters, Coolant type: Toyota Long Life Coolant or equivalent

CAUTION! Never open radiator cap when engine is hot. Check coolant level in overflow tank when cold.

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Turbo lag or no boostBoost leak, wastegate stuckCheck intercooler hoses, test wastegate operation
Hard starting when coldCoolant temp sensor, fuel pressureTest sensor resistance, check fuel pressure
AWD system noiseCV joints, transfer caseInspect CV boots, check transfer case fluid
OverheatingThermostat, radiator, water pumpTest thermostat, check coolant flow
Transmission grindingSynchros, fluid levelCheck transmission fluid, inspect synchro wear

Diagnostic Codes: Use diagnostic connector in engine bay to read ECU codes.

Technical Service Bulletins

Common factory-issued service updates for 1988 Celica All Trac:

Service: Contact Toyota Technical Assistance at 1-800-331-4331 for additional support.

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