1987 PORSCHE 944 light

Luggage Compartment
Luggage and other belongings should be
protected from the sun and "inquisitive eyes"
by pulling the rolled-up luggage cover from
behind the rear seat back and hooking it into
the eyelets on the rear cross wall. When
unhooked, the cover rolls itself up
automatically.
To prevent luggage and other objects from
sliding around while the car is in motion, you
can secure them with spider straps available
through your dealer or other supply firms. The
eyelets for this purpose can be found behind
the rear seat back and on the luggage
compartment floor. Luggage space
To provide for additional luggage space, press the knob on the left or right side to release the rear seat back. Then tilt forward.
Luggage compartment light
The light is located on the left side of the
luggage compartment. The light can be
switched on or off, regardless of ignition or
vehicle light switch positions.
Roofracks
The installation of commercially available
roofracks is not compatible with the roof
design of your Porsche.
When installing the Genuine Porsche Roof-
rack available up till now, the maximum
permissible weight load of 75 Ibs or 35 kg
must not be exceeded.
The "New Genuine Porsche Roofload
Transport System" provides for maximum
permissible weight loads of up to 165 Ibs or
75kg.
Your Porsche dealer will be glad to advise you about which type of roofrack can best serve
your individual needs and load carrying
requirements.
WARNING
Make sure that the load is carefully
mounted. Secure it additionally by locking
the roof transport system.
57





Engine Hood
To unlatch the engine hood, pull the release
lever on the left underneath the instrument
panel. Opening the hood
Lift hood slightly and pull up on handle (arrow) to disengage safety catch. Then lift up the
hood.
Make sure the windshield wipers are not tilted
forward.
The engine compartment light on the hood will come on when the vehicle lights are turned
on.
Closing the hood
Lower the hood and press it down on the hood latch until you hear an audible click.
WARNING
Should you notice at any time while driving that the hood is not secured properly,
please stop at once and close it.

58

Electric / removable
prop-up roof
With the ignition on , you can raise (a) or
lower (b) the roof at the rear by depressing the front or rear half of the rocker switch in the
center console.
Removing roof

Clean the roof prior to removal to avoid
scratches and soiling your clothes.
1. Turn the ignition switch to position 1 (see
ignition/starter switch section). Depress rear half of rocker switch (a) until the prop-up
linkage mechanism unlocks the roof.
2.
Loosen front holding clamps.
3. Lift up and remove roof.
4. Store roof in the pouch provided in luggage
compartment.
Installing roof
1. From above hold roof at a slight angle and
insert in wind deflector grooves and front
guides.
2.
Lower roof toward rear.
3. Turn the ignition switch to position 1.
Depress front half of rocker switch (b) until
the prop-up linkage mechanisms has
locked the roof.
4.
Secure the front holding clamps.
59





Manual Operation
If the electrical drive mechanism should fail,
the roof can be closed manually. The motor for electrical operation is located at the left
sidewall of the luggage compartment, behind
the carpeting.
1. Remove the clips from the carpet and fold
back the carpet.
2.
Take off the cover from the adjusting screw. 3. With the spark plug spanner turn the now
visible hexagon nut clockwise until the roof
is closed.
4. Replace cover for screw.
Do not operate the rocker switch. Let your
Porsche dealer take care of the necessary
repair.

60

Car Care Instructions

Regular and correct care helps to maintain the value of your car and is also a
precondition for the long-life guarantee.

The Porsche paint finish is of a high quality
baked synthetic enamel. The color and
enamel type designation are indicated on the
"paint number sticker". When buying touch-up
paint, always give the paint and the car's
identification numbers to your dealer.
A well-cared for Porsche can look like new 10
years later. It all depends on the amount of
care the owner is willing to give the car.
Your Porsche dealer has a number of car-
care products and can advise you which ones to
use for cleaning the interior and exterior of
your car. Whether you use Porsche
recommended products or other commercially available cleaning agents first make sure of
their correct application.
WARNING
Cleaning agents may be poisonous. Keep
them out of the reach of children.
Observe all caution labels. Always read directions on the container before using any product. Most chemical cleaners are concentrates which require dilution. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, nail
polish remover or other volatile cleaning
fluids. They may be toxic, flammable or
hazardous in other ways. Only use spot
removing fluids in well ventilated areas.
Do not wash, wax or dry the vehicle with the
engine running.
Do not clean the underside of chassis,
fenders, wheel covers, etc., without
protecting your hands and arms you may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Moisture and road salt on brakes may affect braking efficiency. Test the brakes after each vehicle washing.
Washing and waxing
The paint on your Porsche is very durable but
must be protected from losing its luster due to
outside influences. Therefore, wash and wax
your Porsche often. The longer the dirt is left
on the paint, the greater the risk of damaging
the glossy finish, either by scratching if the dirt is rubbed into the paint, or simply by the
chemical effect dirt particles have on the paint
surface. Do not wash or wax in direct
sunlight. Do not use hot water. Lukewarm
to cool water is kinder to the paint.
Pamper your Porsche! Wash it by hand! The
mechanical brushes in an Automatic Car
Wash may not reach every angle of the
vehicle, and some tracks may cause
damage to the underbody.
Use plenty of water, a car-wash and wax
solution and a soft sponge or hose brush.
Begin by spaying water over the dry surface to remove all loose dirt before applying the car-wash and wax solution. Use plenty of water to
rinse the vehicle off. Wipe everything dry with
a chamois to avoid water spots.
61

To guard against corrosion from the inside
out, clean drain holes on the bottom of doors,
tail gates, hatches etc., after each washing.
Then wipe dry thoroughly. Also inspect all
weatherstrips to make sure they do not allow water to enter the body panels. Do not aim the water jet directly at door, hatch or rear lid locks. Tape the key holes to prevent water from seeping into the lock cylinders.
Water in lock cylinders should be removed
with compressed air. To prevent locks from freezing in the winter, squirt glycerin or lock
deicer into the lock cylinders.
Do not use any solution that can damage
the body paint.
The underside of the vehicle picks up dirt and
road salts used to keep streets and highways
free of snow and ice. To guard against
corrosion, it is important to remove mud,
debris and road salt from the underside with a
powerful jet of water. Be sure to include the
wheel housings, bumpers, muffler, tailpipe
and brackets. This should be done twice a
year and is best accomplished after the
vehicle has been driven through a heavy rain.
Let engine and exhaust system cool down
before washing.

Waxing is not really needed when you have
used a car-wash and wax solution. If you do
not use a car-wash liquid with wax, apply wax
to preserve the natural shine of the body
paint. To obtain a long lasting finish, apply
hard wax. Wax again if water remains on the
surface in large patches instead of forming
beads and rolling off.
Exterior
Care of the finish
Oils contained in the paint are the most
important ingredients contributing to the
elasticity of the finish. Because these oils
diminish gradually due to weather and similar
causes, they must be replenished through
regular and proper care of the finish. Given
proper care, the original finish will retain its
luster for many years. Ask your dealer for
approved cleaning agents and preservatives.
The use of polishes is recommended only
after it becomes evident that the normal
preservatives no longer accomplish the job.

Dull finishes and plastics
Plastic parts, such as light bulb lenses,
decorative strips, panels, etc., will come clean
during car washing. Should additional
cleaning or spot removal be necessary, use a
soft brush or cloth soaked with a mild
detergent solution. Then rinse thoroughly and
immediately with clear water. Do not use
anything which could mar the plastic or dull
finished surface, such as wax or polish,
abrasive detergents or chemical cleaning
solvents.
Metal trim
Bright or black anodized trim will come clean
when you wash the vehicle. To protect the trim, use car wax.
Touch-up paint
Your dealer has touch-up paint for minor
scratches and stone chips. Scratches should
be touched up soon after they occur, to
prevent corrosion. If corrosion formation
becomes visible, however, a simple touch-up
job will not suffice. The affected surface must
be smoothed with sand paper and covered
with an anti-rust primer, before restoring the
painted finish.


62

Tar or oil
Do not allow tar or oil to remain on the paint.
Remove as soon as possible with a cloth
soaked with a special paint cleaner. If you do
not have a tar or oil remover, you may
substitute with turpentine. After applying a
cleaning fluid, always wash with a lukewarm
soap water solution and apply a new wax
coat.
Insects
Remove as soon as possible with a lukewarm
soap/water solution or apply insect remover.
Tree sap Remove with a lukewarm soap/water solution. Do not allow tree sap or bird droppings to
harden on the paint.
Windows
Keep silicone sprays off the windshield to
avoid wiper smear in rain.
Generally, highway dust that settles on the
outside of the windshield contains material
worn from tires and oil residues. On the inside surfaces of the windshields, particularly in
strong sunlight, there are build-ups of dust
from the interior decor. These buildups are
reinforced by pollution in the air

brought in with the fresh air supply. Use a
lukewarm soap/water solution or an alcohol
based commercial window cleaning agent for t
he inside and outside. If a chamois is used for polishing the glass, it should exclusively be
used for that purpose.
To assure that windshield washers also
function at freezing temperatures, antifreeze
must be added to the washer fluids reservoirs
beforehand. It is advisable to use window
washer solvent with anti-freeze all year round. Follow directions on the can for the right
amounts to be used. Do not use engine
coolant anti-freeze or any other solution
that can damage the paint.
In vehicles with Sekurif
lex windshields, the plastic coating on the inside of the
windshield must not have gummed labels
put on it or be cleaned using abrasive
agents or dry methods. If very dirty, it can
be cleaned with benzine. The use of
benzine in a confined environment may be
dangerous to your health. Make certain
that the plastic coating is not damaged in
cleaning by hard objects such as jewelry
or wristwatches.
Do not remove ice on the inside of the
windshield by any means except warm air
from the defroster nozzles. Do not use any
deicer sprays, scratching tools, or
scrapers!

A foil base must be applied to the windshield prior to application of any labels or stickers
such as those used for state registration or
inspections. Failure to utilize foil base
between sticker or label and the Sekuriflex
coating will result in damage to the Sekuriflex
coating. Three foil bases were included with
the vehicle and additional foil bases may be
ordered from any Porsche dealer.
Instructions:
1. Clean the windshield in the area for
application.
2.
Cut the base of the foil to the required size.
Round off the edges.
3.
Pull off the protective film.
4. Spray the gummed side of the foil base and the windshield with a soap solution (distilled water and liquid soap or grease-free
detergent in a mixing ratio 10:1).
5.
Apply the foil base to the windshield and spray it once again.
6. Any liquid and bubbles under the foil base must be brushed out using a flexible plastic
scraper.
7.
Dry the windshield using a soft cloth.
8. Install label/sticker on the foil base.
63

When removing the label/sticker or the
backing foil, first spray the foil with a soapy
solution (see point 4).
Wiper blades
Always loosen frozen wiper blades from glass as they may tear otherwise.
Remove all wiper blades periodically and
clean them thoroughly with an alcohol base
cleaning solution. Use a sponge or soft cloth
and wipe lengthwise.
Weatherstrips
To seal properly, weatherstrips around hood,
hatch, windows, doors, etc., must be pliable.
Spray with silicone or coat with talcum powder or glycerin to retain flexibility of the rubber and to protect against freezing in the winter.
Light alloy wheels
To preserve the decorative appearance of the
light aluminium castings, some special care is
necessary. Aside from road dirt and salt
sprays, brake metal dust will exert corrosive
effects.
If left on too long, brake metal dust can cause
pitting. Wash the wheels with a sponge or
hose brush every other week.

Roads salts should be removed weekly with
an acid free cleaning solution.
The acid free cleaning solution must not have
a pH value greater than 10 (see explanation),
in case of doubt, it is recommended to check
with the manufacturer of that particular cleaner.
Every three months (after regular cleaning)
the wheels should be coated with petroleum
jelly. Rub it in firmly with a soft cloth. Never use abrasive or metal polishing cleaning
agents.
Explanation of pH value
The pH value is a measurement for the
hydrogen-ion concentration in a liquid. This
value tells if the liquid reaction is sour (acid) o r alkaline (lye solution). At a pH value of 7, the reaction of the liquid is
neutral (that is, chemically clean water), it is
not an acid or alkaline. Acids have a pH value
under 7, the strength of the acid increases
with a lower pH value. Alkaline lies between a pH value of 7 and 14, the strength of the
alkaline increases with higher pH values.

For example: a mineral water mixed with
carbon dioxide has a pH value of 6-6.5,
reaction is also light sour. Battery acid in
comparison has a pH value of 1.
or
the pH value for normal soap solution is 8-9,
but the soap solution for a dishwasher is
approximately 12.5, this would not be suitable
for wheel cleaning.
Your Porsche dealer can advise you which
product to use.
Remember that moisture and road salt on
brakes may affect braking efficiency. Test
the brakes after each car or wheel wash.


64

Interior Glass

Use the same cleaning agents as for the
exterior and polish dry with a soft cloth or
paper towel.
Fabric
Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft bristle brush
to remove dust and loose dirt from carpeting,
upholstery, headliner and other trim. Dirt
stains can usually be removed with lukewarm
soap water or an all purpose cleaner solution,
or a dry foam cleaner. For greasy, oily and
other stubborn stains, use a spot remover. Do
not pour the liquid on the fabric. Dampen a
clean cloth and rub carefully, starting at the
edge and working inward.
Safety belts
Keep belts clean. Very dirty belts may not
retract properly. Do not remove belts from the
vehicle to be cleaned. Do not use chemical
cleaning agents, bleach or dyes. They
contain corrosive properties which will
weaken the webbing. Do not allow inertia
reel safety belts to retract before they are
completely dry.

For cleaning, use a mild soap water solution.
Let belts dry out thoroughly and away from
direct sun light.
Plastic, vinyl and leatherette
Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to keep
this trim free from dust. For other spoilage,
use a lukewarm all purpose cleaning solution
or a mild saddle soap for vinyl and leather
trim. Remove water spots and soap traces
with a clean, damp cloth or sponge. Use a clean, soft cloth to rub dry.
Grease, tar or oil stains can be removed with
a clean cloth or sponge soaked with all
purpose cleaner or with a solvent type vinyl or
leather cleaning agent.
Occasionally apply a colorless vinyl or leather
preservative to retain the material's luster and
pliability.
Leather and leather trim
To keep leather seats and trim beautiful and
soft, they should be cleaned and cared for
regularly. Clean leather with a soft, white
woolen cloth and a mild soapwater solution. Do not use chemical or abrasive cleaning
agents. Do not let moisture seep through
perforated surfaces to safeguard against
corrosion and cracking from underneath. After cleaning, apply a leather preservative re-
commended by Porsche to all dry surfaces with a clean and soft woolen cloth. Let your
Porsche dealer advise you on the use of the
leather preservation product.
Corrosion protection
The engine compartment, as well as all
engine, transmission, front and rear axle
assembly surfaces have been treated with a
wax based coating at the factory for protection against corrosion.
WARNING
Do not apply additional undercoating or
rustproofing on or near the exhaust
manifold, exhaust pipes, catalytic
converter or heat shields. During driving,
the substance used for undercoating could overheat and cause a fire.
Engine Compartment
If it becomes necessary to steam clean or
otherwise wash the engine compartment, the
wax based protective coating is usually lost. It is therefore important to reapply this
protective coating to all engine compart-

65

ment panels, flanges, cavities, seams and
engine assembly surfaces.
When washing the engine compartment,
only use commercially available grease
cutting solvents made especially for this
purpose. Carefully fol
low directions printed on the container by the manufacturer.
Chassis
The lower body shell of your Porsche is
thoroughly protected against corrosion.
However, it is recommended to have the
underbody inspected twice a year. Any
detected damage to the undercoating, due to
road hazards, should be repaired promptly. Oil based protective sprays must not be applied. Only tar or wax based anti corrosion protectors are compatible with the factory applied undercoating. Before application, road dirt and oily substances must be removed.
Whenever the lower body shell, axle,
transmission or engine assemblies are
repaired, the lost anti-corrosion coating of
the affected surfaces should be renewed.
Let your Porsche dealer advise and assist you.



66

944

944 S

944 Turbo Engine Oil Level
Engine oil consumption
It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the
quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate, road
conditions as well as the amount of dilution
and oxidation of the lubricant.
Because of these variables, no standard rate
of oil consumption can be established, but
drivers should expect an increased oil
consumption at high speeds and when the
engine is new.
The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lubricate and cool all of its moving
parts. Therefore, the engine oil should be
checked regularly and kept at the required level.
Make it a habit to have the engine oil level checked with every fuel filling. Lack of sufficient engine oil may lead to severe engine damage. The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level indicator.
Checking oil level
To get a true reading, the car should be on
level ground. After turning off the engine, wait
a few minutes for the oil to return to the oil
sump.
1. Pull out dipstick and wip
e it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Reinsert dipstick: push it in all the way
down for an accurate reading.
3.
Pull dipstick out again. The oil level is
correct if it is between the "max" and "min"
marks on the dipstick.
4.
If oil level is below "min" mark, or not
showing on dipstick, add oil immediately.
The difference between the "max" and "min",
marks is about 1 U.S. quart or 1 liter. 69



Adding engine oil Only add the amount of oil that is needed. The correct oil grade and viscosity
recommendation is given under "Engine Oils". 1. Remove oil filler cap and remove dipstick.
2. Top up with quality oil labeled "API Service
SE or SF".
3.
Check oil level with the dipstick. The "max"
mark should not be exceeded.
4.
Replace cap and tighten securely.
WARNING
The oil filler cap and dipstick must be
secure to avoid oil spills and resulting fire
hazard.

944-Turbo
Engine Guard
Before working on the underside of the engine for the 944 Turbo, remove the two-part engine guard.

70

Changing Engine Oil
and Filter
High quality-multi-
grade oils are suitable for all year round driving. Seasonal oil changes are
therefore not necessary. Only if multi-grade
oils are not readily available, a single-
grade oil of the correct viscosity can be used.
Specifications of the various oils to be used
are detailed under "Filling Capacities and
Engine Oil". The use of oil additives is not
recommended by Porsche.
WARNING

When removing oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arms as high as
possible. This will prevent hot oil from
running down your arm. Wear eye
protection.
Always use a new gasket when reinstalling the plug. Do not overtighten
the plug.
Before changing the engine oil yourself,
make sure that the disposal of the engine
oil and the oil filter, as special wastes, can
be carried out in the proper manner. Under absolutely no circumstance should used
oil find its way into the sewage system,
soil, rivers, ponds, or other
environmentally damaging areas. If there is no possibility of disposing of used oil in the proper manner
(when in doubt, consult local authorities),
please have the oil changed by your dealer or a service station.

Oil change intervals specified in the Warranty
& Maintenance booklet accompanying the
vehicle apply to normal operating conditions
and must be adhered to, including intervals for oil filter change.
If you drive mostly short distances, or if you
operate the vehicle in dusty areas, or under
predominantly stop-and-go traffic conditions,
or when temperatures remain below freezing
for extended periods, the engine oil should be
changed more frequently.
When chang
ing the engine oil and the oil filter, the splash shield under the car has to be
removed first.
Drain the oil when the engine is still warm.
71

The oil filter should be changed at the inter-
vals listed in your Maintenance Schedule.
1. Unscrew the oil drain plug (arrow), remove the oil filler cap and allow oil to drain
completely.
2.
Loosen oil filter element with appropriate wrench and remove.
3. Lightly coat new filter seal with engine oil.
4. Screw on filter by hand until gasket
contacts, tighten by one further turn and
finally recheck tightness of filter with the oil
filter wrench.
Specified tightening torque:
20 Nm (14 ftlb).
5.
Clean oil drain plug. Always use a new
gasket when reinstalling the plug. Do not
overtighten the plug. Correct tightening
torque is 43 ft. Ib. or 60 Nm.
6.
Fill the crankcase with the required amount of engine oil labeled "API Service SE or SF" (see "Filling Capacities"). Do not overfill.
7. Check oil level with dipstick. Top up if necessary. Reinstall oil filler cap and tighten securely.
8. Run the engine at various speeds for 3-5
minutes and check for leaks.
See Exercise Extreme Caution


72

Power Assisted Steering
The hydraulic assistance system allows
effortless steering under all driving conditions.
Slight hissing or squeaking sounds during
sharp turns (turning steering wheel from lock
to lock) are normal and do not indicate a
defective steering mechanism.
If the engine is not running, po
wer assisted steering is no longer effective. You can
continue to steer the car but more effort
will be required to turn the steering wheel.

Checking the fluid level
The hydraulic fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. The fluid reservoir is
mounted on the right wheel housing in the
engine compartment.
1.
Unscrew cap from reservoir and wipe
dipstick with a lint free cloth.
2.
Let engine run at idle speed. Reinstall cap
and unscrew again. The fluid level should
be between the upper and lower mark on
the dipstick.
If necessary, top up with ATF-Dextron®.
3. Reinstall cap and handtighten securely.
73

Cooling System
Only use additives recommended for
aluminium engines and radiators. Your
Porsche dealer will be able to advise you.
For year round driving, phosphate-free
antifreeze is added at the factory for
temperatures down to:
-31° F / -35° C
Because of its anti-corrosion properties,
antifreeze should also remain in the cooling
system for summer operation. Cooling system capacity and specified antifreeze and water
ratios are listed under "Filling capacities".
Use any quality phosphate-free anti-freeze
containing ethylene glycol, available at your
Porsche dealer. Anti-freeze other than
specified by Porsche for aluminium engi-
nes and radiators may cause corrosion of
the cooling system, leading to engine
overheating and damage.

Only
for topping up coolant, a small amount of anti-freeze containing ethylene glycol and
phosphates may be used if recommended
anti-freeze is not available.
The anti-corrosion properties and the
antifreeze consistency will diminish gradually.
We recommend renewing the coolant mixture
at least every 2 years.
WARNING
The radiator fan is electrically driven. It is
switched on automatically by a thermostat
when the coolant reaches 198°F / 92°C.
Even when the engine is turned off, the fan will continue running, until the coolant
temperature has dropped to 189°F / 87°C
and until the engine itself has cooled down sufficiently.
Checking coolant level in expansion tank
A correctly functioning cooling system requires only minor care. The coolant level
should be checked from time to time, and
always before going on a longer trip.
The
expansion tank with filler cap opening is
located in the engine compartment (see
illustration). Since the expansion tank is
transparent, the coolant level can be checked
visually without removing the filler cap.

74