If the starter on your 1988 Ford 150 goes out you can either have it replaced by a mechanic or you can purchase one yourself and install it. The cost of a replacement starter for your F-150 is approximately $80. However, labor costs to install your new starter can run as high, if not higher than the cost of your starter itself. Installation of your new starter only requires the removal of two wires and four single bolts. You can save yourself a significant chunk of change by replacing it yourself.
Open your F-150 hood and loosen your negative battery cable. Once it is loose, remove it and stretch it off to the side so it doesn't touch metal.
Jack up the front end of your F-150 and place jack stands under the frame for complete support. Lower your truck down on the jack stands.
Locate your F-150's starter. On your F-150 it is located on the passenger side of the truck, near the undercarriage next to the front, right wheel well. It will be silver in color and will have two wires attached to it.
Access the starter by crawling under your truck with the socket set and your replacement starter. Remove the lead connection from your old starter with the socket set. Install it to the corresponding terminal on your new starter. Do the same with the second wire on the old starter.
Locate the four retainer bolts that hold your old starter in place. Remove them with your socket set. Set the old starter down and lift your new one into place. Start the retaining bolts by hand and then tighten them with your socket set.
Replace your negative battery cable and lower your truck from the jack and jack stands.
