1988 Toyota Corolla GTS Repair Manual

The 1988 Toyota Corolla GTS is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive compact sports sedan featuring the 4A-GE 1.6L DOHC 16-valve engine, 5-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, and rear trailing arm suspension. This comprehensive repair manual covers engine mechanical, fuel injection, electrical systems, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, body, and troubleshooting procedures for the AE92 chassis platform.

1. Technical Specifications 2. Engine Systems 3. Fuel Injection System 4. Electrical Systems 5. Transmission & Drivetrain 6. Brake System 7. Steering & Suspension 8. Body & Interior 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Wiring Diagrams

Technical Specifications

Key technical data for the 1988 Toyota Corolla GTS including engine, dimensions, capacities, and performance specifications.

Specification	Details
Engine Code	4A-GE (1.6L DOHC 16-valve)
Displacement	1587 cc
Horsepower	112 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	100 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual (C52)
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Brakes Front	Ventilated discs
Brakes Rear	Drum brakes
Wheelbase	95.7 inches
Curb Weight	2350 lbs

Engine Systems

Complete engine mechanical service procedures including timing belt replacement, cylinder head service, and bottom end rebuilding.

Timing Belt Replacement: Remove covers, align timing marks, replace belt and tensioner.
Cylinder Head Service: Valve adjustment, head gasket replacement, camshaft service.
Bottom End Rebuilding: Piston ring replacement, crankshaft inspection, bearing clearance checks.
Cooling System: Radiator flush, thermostat replacement, water pump service.

WARNING! Engine components are heavy; use proper lifting equipment. Always disconnect battery before working on engine systems.

Fuel Injection System

Troubleshooting and repair procedures for the Toyota EFI system including injectors, fuel pump, and ECU diagnostics.

Fuel Pressure Testing: Connect gauge to test port, check for 38-44 psi with vacuum disconnected.
Injector Testing: Measure resistance (13-16 ohms), check spray pattern, clean or replace as needed.
Air Flow Meter Service: Inspect flap movement, check resistance values, clean contacts.
ECU Diagnostics: Check for trouble codes using diagnostic connector terminals.

CAUTION! Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting fuel lines. Work in well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Electrical Systems

Battery: 12V 45Ah, located in engine compartment.
Alternator: 60A output, test charging voltage (13.5-14.5V).
Starter: Direct drive type, check solenoid operation and pinion engagement.
Ignition System: Distributor with vacuum and centrifugal advance, check timing at 10° BTDC.
Lighting: Headlight adjustment, bulb replacement procedures.
Fuses & Relays: Location diagrams and testing procedures.
Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, tachometer, and warning light service.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Service procedures for 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, CV joints, and differential.

Transmission: C52 5-speed manual, fluid capacity 2.2 quarts 75W-90 GL-4. Clutch: Hydraulic system, master and slave cylinder service, clutch disc and pressure plate replacement.

Driveshaft: CV joint inspection and boot replacement. Differential: Final drive ratio 4.30:1, fluid capacity 1.5 quarts.

Brake System

Front disc and rear drum brake service including master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, and ABS components.

Turn off engine and set parking brake before brake service.
Bleed brakes starting from farthest wheel from master cylinder.
Adjust rear brakes through access hole in backing plate.

Tip: Always replace brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Inspect brake lines for corrosion.

Steering & Suspension

Front MacPherson strut and rear trailing arm suspension service with alignment specifications.

Strut Replacement: Support vehicle, remove wheels, disconnect sway bar and steering linkage.
Ball Joint Inspection: Check for play, replace if movement exceeds specifications.
Tie Rod Ends: Check for looseness, replace and perform wheel alignment.
Alignment Specs: Camber -0°45' ± 45', Caster +1°15' ± 45', Toe-in 0 ± 2mm.
Wheel Bearing Adjustment: Proper preload procedure for front and rear bearings.

WARNING! Use proper spring compressor when disassembling struts. Never heat suspension components.

Body & Interior

Body panel replacement, door adjustment, window regulator service, and interior component repair.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filters, belts, and fluid replacements.

CAUTION! Follow factory maintenance schedule to maintain vehicle reliability and resale value.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel pump, ignition, battery	Check fuel pressure, spark, battery voltage, starter operation.
Poor acceleration	Fuel filter, timing, injectors	Replace fuel filter, check ignition timing, test injectors.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, worn pads	Resurface or replace rotors, install new brake pads.
Steering pull	Alignment, tire pressure	Perform wheel alignment, check and adjust tire pressures.
Transmission noise	Low fluid, worn bearings	Check fluid level and condition, inspect for bearing wear.

Reset: Clear ECU memory by disconnecting battery for 10 minutes.

Service: Refer to Toyota dealership or qualified technician for complex repairs.