1988 Ford Tempo electrical system problems
50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1988 Ford Tempo — 40% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Smelled hot wire smell while driving on highway. Noticed 1 inch flame in left airvent which grew to 5 inches when stopped car. Unhooked battery, poured liquid over dashboard which was on fire, closed door, waited for firetruck. I think it started in headlight switch. Car totaled, most of dash burnt…”
filed Jan 6, 2004
“Nhtsa recall96v 071000/ manufacturer's recall 95s28 concerning ignition fai;ure. Consumer noticed from outside window that vehicle was on fire. Vehicle had been sitting I driveway for 30-45 minutes after being driven home. Vehicle had flames coming from under the hood. Consumer was confirming…”
filed Apr 11, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
Electrical System problems in other Tempo years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 Tempo | 19 | 12% |
| 1993 Tempo | 37 | 16% |
| 1992 Tempo | 43 | 24% |
| 1991 Tempo | 22 | 20% |
| 1990 Tempo | 46 | 35% |
| 1989 Tempo | 33 | 27% |
| 1987 Tempo | 28 | 53% |
| 1986 Tempo | 15 | 48% |
| 1985 Tempo | 13 | 43% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Ford Tempo
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.