🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Porsche Model: 944 Years Covered By Manual: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Codes Vehicle Chassis Codes: Type 944 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, transaxle sports coupe. Historical Significance: The Porsche 944 was a significant model for Porsche, broadening its appeal with a more accessible price point and a V8-like inline-four engine, while maintaining the brand's performance and handling ethos. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Ford Mustang, Datsun 280ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 3 Series. Key Features Transaxle Design: Engine mounted at the front, transaxle (transmission and differential) mounted at the rear, providing near 50/50 weight distribution. Engine Layout: Inline-four cylinder, front-mounted, often referred to as a 'balanced four' due to its smooth operation, derived from the Audi EA831 engine. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download File Format Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system. Engine Management Control System: Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensor diagnostics, ECU troubleshooting. Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement. Emission Control: Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, emission control systems specific to model years and regions. Intake And Exhaust: Air intake system, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers. Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, oil cooler, lubrication specifications. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, cooling fan operation. Ignition System: Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (early models), ignition timing, troubleshooting. Starting And Charging: Starter motor, battery, alternator, voltage regulator, wiring diagrams for starting and charging circuits. Automatic Transmission: Internal components, hydraulic control, torque converter, fluid specifications, troubleshooting (where applicable). Clutch System: Clutch disk, pressure plate, release bearing, slave cylinder, master cylinder, hydraulic lines, adjustment procedures. Manual Transmission: Gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, clutch operation, fluid specifications, repair procedures. Transfer Case And Propeller Shaft: Propeller shaft U-joints, balancing, maintenance (relevant for some AWD variants if applicable, though 944 is RWD). Drive Shaft And Differential: Axles, CV joints, differential housing, gear oil specifications, repair and overhaul. Suspension System: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications, wheel bearing service. Wheel And Tire Service: Tire pressure recommendations, wheel balancing, lug nut torque specifications, wheel bearing maintenance. Brake System Control: Brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS system troubleshooting (if equipped). Brake System: Brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, parking brake mechanism, hydraulic system repair. Parking Brake: Adjustment, repair of parking brake mechanism and cables. Steering System: Steering column, steering rack, tie rod ends, power steering pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting. Air Conditioning System: Refrigerant types (R12 for this era), system diagnosis, component replacement, charging procedures. Supplemental Restraint System: Airbag system diagnostics and replacement (if equipped, limited in early 944 models). Seat Belts: Inspection, repair, and adjustment of seat belt systems. Engine Immobilizer: Information on factory immobilizer systems if applicable for specific markets/years. Cruise Control: System operation, diagnosis, and repair of cruise control components. Wiper And Washer System: Wiper motor, wiper arms, washer pump, fluid reservoir, operation and repair. Door Locks And Mechanisms: Door lock actuators, latches, handles, central locking system troubleshooting. Meter Audio Visual: Instrument cluster diagnostics, audio system wiring, speaker replacement. Horn System: Horn operation, wiring, horn replacement. Windshield Glass And Mirrors: Windshield replacement, mirror adjustment and replacement, seals. Instrument Panel: Instrument cluster removal, repair, and illumination. Seats And Interior Trim: Seat adjustment mechanisms, seat cover replacement, interior trim panel removal and installation. Engine Hood And Doors: Hood latch and springs, door hinges, door panel removal, glass run channels. Exterior And Interior Trim: Fascias, spoilers, body moldings, interior paneling, carpet replacement. Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults. Multiplex Communication: Information on multiplex systems or CAN communication (likely limited for early 944s but covered if present). Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical issues, transmission problems, and other common faults. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all covered systems. Overhaul: Detailed procedures for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension component refurbishment. Technical Specifications: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, timing settings, electrical resistance values. Diagnostic Charts: Flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common problems. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Specifications File Type: PDF Printability: All pages are printable. Searchability: Implied by PDF format, likely text-searchable. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Downloadable PDF) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Product) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-four cylinder Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2479 cc)...
The Porsche 944 was a significant model for Porsche, broadening its appeal with a more accessible price point and a V8-like inline-four engine, while maintaining the brand's performance and handling ethos.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Ford Mustang, Datsun 280ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 3 Series.
Key Features
Transaxle Design:
Engine mounted at the front, transaxle (transmission and differential) mounted at the rear, providing near 50/50 weight distribution.
Engine Layout:
Inline-four cylinder, front-mounted, often referred to as a 'balanced four' due to its smooth operation, derived from the Audi EA831 engine.
Flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common problems.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Specifications
File Type:
PDF
Printability:
All pages are printable.
Searchability:
Implied by PDF format, likely text-searchable.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Product)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2479 cc) for most models; Turbo and S2 variants had variations.
Bore X Stroke:
104.0 mm x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (non-turbo), varies for turbo models
Performance
Horsepower Range:
143 hp (base 944) to over 250 hp (944 Turbo S/S2 Cabriolet).
Torque Range:
170 lb-ft (base 944) to over 280 lb-ft (944 Turbo S).
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic (early 944), Bosch Motronic (later models and Turbo).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)
Engine Maintenance
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years, critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transaxle (standard on most models).
Optional
Transmission Type:
3-speed automatic transaxle (optional on many models).
Features
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and transmission type; detailed in manual.
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 169.3 inches (4300 mm).
Width:
Approximately 68.5 inches (1740 mm).
Height:
Approximately 50.3 inches (1278 mm).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.4 inches (2500 mm).
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,756 - 3,100 lbs (1250 - 1406 kg) depending on model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3,600 - 3,800 lbs (1633 - 1724 kg).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
While formal NHTSA ratings from this era are limited for enthusiast cars, Porsche's engineering focused on occupant safety through structural integrity.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models and Turbo variants.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard in later years; passenger airbag optional or not available on all models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed for occupant protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette player with AM/FM radio, speaker systems varied by trim and option packages. Often upgraded by owners.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models, allowing for highway cruising comfort.
Connectivity
Early Electronic Features:
While basic by modern standards, features like fuel injection, electronic ignition, and optional ABS represented significant automotive technology for the early 1980s.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on fuel quality.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 rated, viscosity typically 5W-40 or 10W-40, check manual for specific recommendations (e.g., Mobil 1 5W-50 was popular).
Coolant Type:
G11 coolant (blue) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific manual for correct weight).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or compatible hydraulic fluid.
Known Issues
Timing Belt Failure:
Catastrophic engine damage can occur if the timing belt breaks. Regular replacement is critical.
Fuel Pressure Regulator:
Can fail, leading to rich running conditions or poor performance.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on rubber bushings (control arm, sway bar) can lead to sloppy handling and noise.
Fuel Injector Seals:
Can degrade over time, leading to fuel leaks or poor spray patterns.
Window Regulators:
Can become weak or break, causing difficulty in raising/lowering windows.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Porsche AG, Germany.
Model Evolution
924 To 944 Transition:
The 944 evolved from the Porsche 924, utilizing a new, larger inline-four engine and extensive chassis, suspension, and bodywork redesigns to create a more potent and distinct Porsche sports car.