🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Sierra

Year:

1988

Vehicle Code:

GB49

Chassis Type:

Body-on-frame (historically, though Sierra was unibody)

Generation Code:

GBS

Generation Years:

1982-1994 (Europe), 1985-1987 (South Africa - XR4Ti)

👋 Introduction

Historical Context:

The Ford Sierra was a pivotal model for Ford of Europe, designed as a successor to the Cortina and Taunus. It represented a shift towards more aerodynamic styling and a more modern, spacious interior. The 1988 model year falls within the facelifted Sierra range, which introduced updated styling and features.

Key Competitors:

Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 405, Renault 21, Fiat Croma

Aerodynamics:

Known for its distinctive 'jelly mold' aerodynamic design, a significant departure from traditional boxy car shapes.

Rear Wheel Drive Bias:

While front-wheel drive was common, performance variants like the Sierra RS Cosworth featured rear-wheel drive for enhanced handling.

Interior Space:

Offered a surprisingly spacious interior for its class, a key selling point.

📋 Manual Details

Markets Covered:

Primarily European market, but applicable to any Ford Sierra 1988 model

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Operating System Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and timing

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection systems (EFI), emission controls

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, operation, and maintenance

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, driveshafts, differential

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, geometry, adjustments, and repair

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering system, linkage, and alignment

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel filter

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, and gaskets

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, rust prevention

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (where applicable)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed instructions for removing, overhauling, and reinstalling parts

Cleaning:

Specific instructions for cleaning components during repair

Adjustments:

Alignment, timing, idle speed, and other necessary adjustments

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Mechanics

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF (.pdf)

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT)

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1988:

Various Ford 'Pinto' and 'Valencia' inline-four engines, including 1.3L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L petrol, and 1.8L/2.3L Diesel variants. The XR4i and XR4x4 models featured the 2.8L V6.

Engine Code Examples:

LC (1.3L), LD (1.6L), LB (2.0L), YTB (2.0L DOHC), VR6 (2.8L V6)

Hp Range:

Approximately 60 hp (1.3L) to 150 hp (2.8L V6), with performance models exceeding this.

Torque Range:

Approximately 90 Nm (1.3L) to 230 Nm (2.8L V6).

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (earlier models and lower trims) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) on higher trims and later models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating varies by engine, typically 95 RON recommmended for EFI)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Ford coolant recommendations (e.g., Ford Premium Gold).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions were common, depending on engine and trim.

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available on select models.

Drivetrain Options:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on most models; Four-wheel drive (4WD) available on Sierra XR4x4 variants.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Consult manual for exact specifications per transmission type.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Ford ESW-M2C138-CJ or equivalent Mercon/Dexron III (check specific transmission type). Capacity around 3-4 liters for drain and fill.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate/wagon (Sierra Turnier)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2600 mm (102.4 inches)

Length:

Varies by body style, roughly 4300-4500 mm (169-177 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1000-1300 kg (2200-2866 lbs), depending on engine and trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 1600-1800 kg (3527-3968 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euroncap Rating:

N/A (Euro NCAP was established in 1997)

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Discs or drums depending on model. ABS was an optional extra on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts. Rear seatbelts were often standard or optional depending on market and trim.

Structure:

Unibody construction with crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio and cassette player were common. Higher trims may have had upgraded systems with more speakers.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on higher-specification models.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models, particularly those with fuel-injected engines.

Car Phone:

Rare for this era, but some high-end luxury variants might have had provisions for early car phone systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 6,000 - 10,000 miles (10,000 - 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific engine.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (20,000 - 25,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type (copper, platinum). Typically 20,000 - 30,000 miles for copper, up to 60,000 miles for platinum. Consult manual.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For relevant engines (e.g., 1.8L, 2.0LOHC), typically every 36,000 - 60,000 miles (60,000 - 100,000 km). Critical to follow manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 for most petrol engines. 5W-30 or 5W-40 for colder climates or improved efficiency. Consult manual for specific viscosity and API rating for each engine variant.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 - 5.0 liters (4.2 - 5.3 US quarts) for 4-cylinder engines. 5.5-6.0 liters for V6. Consult manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Always use fresh, sealed fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Ford ESW-M2C134-B or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Consult manual.

Rusting:

Common issue for vehicles of this era, particularly wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.

Electrical Gremlins:

Wiring harness issues, faulty relays, and connector corrosion can lead to intermittent electrical problems.

Carburetor Problems:

Older carburetor systems can be prone to wear, leading to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and starting issues.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can wear over time, affecting handling and ride comfort.

Thermostat Failure:

Overheating can occur due to a faulty thermostat or water pump.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Of Europe:

The Sierra was a key model in Ford of Europe's lineup during the 1980s and early 1990s, representing a significant technological and design advancement.

Facelift 1987:

The 1988 model year is part of the Sierra's second generation (post-1987 facelift), which introduced revised styling, including a new grille, bumpers, and interior updates. Engine options were also rationalized.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced in Germany (Cologne), Belgium (Genk), and the UK (Dagenham).

Production Years Global:

1982-1994

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year:

While not winning a major 'Car of the Year' award in 1988, the Sierra was a very successful and popular model across Europe, contributing significantly to Ford's market share.

Reliability Index:

Varied widely based on engine and maintenance. Post-facelift models generally showed improvements over early versions.