1987 PORSCHE 944 lock

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.

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When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should reach the minimum mark on the
expansion tank. When the engine is warm, the coolant level will be above the minimum mark. Since the closed cooling system loses almost
no coolant, topping up is normally not
required. An obvious loss of coolant indicates
leakage. In this case contact your dealer.
WARNING

Do not open the filler cap when the engine is hot because of the danger of
scalding. Allow the engine to cool down.
Protect your hands, arms and face.

Using a thick rag, open the cap carefully and only enough to allow excess
pressure to escape before removing the
cap.
To avoid damage to the engine, only add
cold antifreeze and cold water
to the cooling system when the engine is also cold. A warm engine should only be topped up if the coolant level has dropped appreciably below
the minimum mark. Too much added coolant
will escape through the pressure cap when coolant warms up.
If more than about 1.06 U.S qt or 1 liter must
be added, the cooling system should be bled.

Winter operation At the beginning of the winter season, have the coolant checked for anti-freeze
concentration.
The ratio between water and anti-freeze
necessary to prevent freezing depends on the
anticipated outside temperatures. The ratios
can be taken from the mixing chart listed
under "Filling Capacities" or from the container of the antifreeze manufacturer.
Increasing the anti-freeze in the coolant
further than shown on the container is not
only uneconomical, it is also detrimental to engine cooling.
75





944 Draining the coolant
Engine must be cold
1. Move temperature control lever to "warm".
2.
Remove filler cap from expansion tank.
3. Unscrew drain plug on radiator and on engine block (curved arrows). Allow coolant to drain completely.
Bleeding cooling system and topping up
coolant
1. Reinstall radiator drain plug. Do not overtighten plug (required torque is 43 in.
lb/5 Nm).
2.
When reinstalling engine block drain-plug,
use a new gasket. Do not overtighten plug
(required torque is 14 ft lb/20 Nm).
3.
Move temperature control lever to "warm".
4. Unscrew the vent plug (single white arrow)
and remove.
5. Remove the expansion tank filler cap and
slowly pour coolant into the tank. Stop
pouring as soon as fluid runs out of vent
plug opening.
6.
The expansion tank should only be about
half full so as to prevent any overflow once
the engine is warm.
7.
Screw in the vent plug loosely.
8. Start the engine. Let engine run at increased idle until it has reached operating temperature (the radiator fan will turn on
and off).
76

Collapsible Spare Tire
The spare tire is stored underneath the
luggage compartment cover.
Due to tread and space saver design features
of the collapsible tire, car handling may be
affected.
Therefore, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h) when using the collapsible spare tire. It is for emergency use and short
distances only. Remount the original road
tire as soon as possible.
Inflating the collapsible tire WARNING

Do not overinflate your spare tire.
Inflate the collapsible tire with the electric air
compressor that comes with your Porsche. Do not use other equipment!
1. Mount spare wheel before inflating the tire.The wheel nuts for the light alloy wheels of the vehicle can be used to mount the spare wheel. This applies to emergency use and
short distances only.
2.
Attach hose to tire valve. Insert plug of electric cord into cigarette lighter socket.
3. The required tire pressure is 36 psi or 2.5 bar/atm (front or rear). Check
pressure with tire pressure gauge.
4.
Disconnect hose and electric cord and store air compressor.
5. Have flat road tire repaired and remounted
on car at next service stop. Remember, the collapsible tire is for emergency use and short distances only.
When the air is released from the collapsible
tire, it will return to its original shape after
cooling down for several hours. Store
collapsible tire in luggage compartment.
The collapsible spare tire cannot be
repaired or mounted on the rims with
standard workshop equipment. Repair and
remounting must only be done by the tire
manufacturer.

Tire tread depth As required by law, the tread depth of the collapsible tire is the same as that of the
original equipment tire. Replace a worn
collapsible spare tire in time.
If air compressor does not work
...
Check if tobacco or any other foreign matter is lodged in the cigarette lighter socket.
Remove carefully with a wooden pick. Do
not use metal object to prevent short circuit.
... Check if fuse is blown. Replace with new
equivalent fuse.

Maintenance of air compressor
The air compressor is maintenance-free. Do
not apply oil or any other lubricant.
The air filter should be cleaned periodically to
assure maximum efficiency of the unit.

85



Lockable Wheel Nuts You can guard against wheel theft by installing lockable wheel nuts on your wheels. Each kit
contains three keys and four wheel nuts with
lock sleeve. The locking mechanism is
identical for all four wheel nuts. When taking
the vehicle to your Porsche dealer or to a
workshop for wheel or tire service, remember to leave one key with the service attendant.
In case of loss, duplicate keys cannot be
furnished by your Porsche dealer. Do not
leave these keys in the vehicle. Keep them
in a safe place.
To unlock a wheel

1. Remove protective plastic cap from wheel
nut.
2.
Insert key all the way and turn left about
30°.
3.
Remove lock sleeve together with inserted
key.
To lock a wheel
1. Turn the key again approx 30° to the right and remove.
2.
Push the lock onto the wheel nut until you
can feel it latch.
3.
Check whether the sleeve (of the lock) is up against the collar of the wheel nut.
4. Generally it is not necessary to balance the wheels after installing the lockable wheel nuts.

86

Jack support points
Black arrow: Jackport for car jack
White arrows: Lift points for workshop hoist or flo or jack
front on the inboard side members
rear on the side reinforcement brackets
Jacking at any other place may damage the vehicle o r may
result in personal injuries.
Changing a Tire
WARNING - Failure to follow these
instructions may result in serious personal injuries to you or to bystanders.
If you have a flat tire, move a safe distance off the road. Turn the emergency flasher on and use other warning devices
to alert other motorists.
Passengers must not remain in the vehicle when it is jacked up. Before you change a tire, be sure the ground is level and firm. If necessary, use a board under the jack to ensure that the jack does not sink into the ground. Set the parking brake and block the wheels opposite the flat tire on the other
side of the vehicle.
The jack is only to be used for changing
a tire. Do not use it as a support to work
under the car.
Never jack the car up by the body or the bumpers.
Sequence of operations:
1.
Loosen all wheel nuts. Do not yet remove
nuts.
2.
Securely place the jack in the jack support
at the indicated point. Place the jack at an
angle so that the jack base rests firmly on
the ground. If the ground is not firm under
the jack, use a board.
Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure
the jack is securely engaged.
3.
Raise the car by turning the handle
clockwise. Only raise the car as much as is
needed to change a wheel.
4.
Fully unscrew wheel nuts and remove wheel.

5. After you have mounted the spare wheel, insert the wheel nuts and hand tighten them crosswise. Snug wheel nuts with socket wrench and breaker bar.
6. To lower the car, turn the handle
counterclockwise till tire touches ground.
7.
Then go crosswise from one nut to another
tightening them firmly with the socket
wrench and breaker bar.
8. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack.
9. Correct the air pressure of the tire you have just put on. Have flat tire repaired at next service stop.
Correct tightness of the wheel nuts is
important. The torque of 94 ft Ib (130 Nm) can
be obtained with a socket wrenc
h and breaker bar by any person of average strength. If in
doubt about the correct tightness of the wheel
nuts, have it checked with a torque wrench by
your dealer or a service station.
87





Lifting Vehicle

The jack ports are located below the middle of the door underneath the left and right rocker
panels, hidden from view.
Lifting with car jack
The car jack must never be used as a
support to work underneath the vehicle. If
the jack is accidentally dislodged, you
could be seriously injured. When working
under the vehicle always use safety stands specifically designed for this purpose.
WARNING
Jacking at any other place may damage the vehicle or may result in personal injuries.
The vehicle should never be lifted or jacked up from underneath the engine oil pan, the transmission housing, or the front or rear axle. This could lead to serious
damage.
Lifting with workshop hoist
Make sure there is sufficient clearance
between pads and vehicle before driving
vehicle onto hoist, especially if the vehicle
has a large front panel or spoiler. The vehicle must be lifted only at the lift points illustrated.
The front lift points are located on the inboard
side members of the underbody.
The rear lift points are located on the side
reinforcement brackets of the underbody.
Take care to avoid damaging critical
components which are close to the lift
points.
WARNING
When removing components such as
engine block, transmission housing, fuel
tank, wheels, front or rear axle, anchor
vehicle to hoist or add corresponding
weights to maintain the center of gravity.
Otherwise the vehicle might tilt or slip off
the hoist, causing serious damage or
personal injury.
Lifting with floor jack

The same lift points as illustrated for the hoist
also apply when using a floor jack. To avoid
damage to the underbody or chassis frame, it
is necessary to insert a rubber pad between
the floor jack and the lift points.
88

must be charged at least every 6 weeks. A
discharged battery allows rapid formation of
sulfates, leading to premature deterioration of
the plates.
WARNING
Charge battery in a well ventilated area.
Keep away from open flame or electrical
spark. Do not smoke. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explosive.
Electrolyte fluid that may spill during charging should be washed off with a solution of warm water and baking soda to neutralize the acid. If you get electrolyte in your eyes or on your
skin, immediately rinse with cold water for
several minutes and call a doctor.
Never charge a frozen battery. It may
explode because of gas trapped in the ice.
Allow a frozen battery to thaw out first. Never use a fast charger as a booster to start the engine. This may seriously damage the
vehicle's electrical system and the charger.
Fast charging a battery is dangerous and
should only be attempted by a competent
mechanic with the proper equipment.
Slow battery charging
WARNING
Heed all warnings and follow instructions
that come with your battery charger.


Disconnect battery cables and remove the
battery.
All vent caps should be open. If fluid level is low, it should be topped up to the full mark in
each cell.
Connect charger cables.
Charger cables must be connected
POSITIVE (+) to POSITIVE (+) and
NEGATIVE (-) to NEGATIVE (-).
Do not connect or disconnect charger cables while charger is operating. Switch on charger. Normally, a battery should be charged at no
more than 10 percent of its rated capacity.
Rated capacity of the battery in your vehicle
is listed on the battery housing.
After charging, turn off charger and disconnect charger cables. Tighten the vent caps and reinstall battery.



91

Emergency Starting with Jumper Cables
WARNING
Improper use of booster battery to start a
vehicle may cause an explosion.
Lead-acid batteries generate explosive
gases. Keep sparks, flame and lighted
cigarettes away from batteries.
Do not charge a frozen battery, thaw it out
first. Gas trapped in the ice may cause an
explosion.
No attempt should be made to jump start any vehicle with a low electrolyte level in the
battery.
Check electrolyte level of each cell. If
necessary, fill with distilled water to just
above plates.
Make sure the voltage of both batteries is the same. The capacity (Ah) of the booster battery
should not be lower than that of the
discharged battery.
Vehicle with discharged battery: turn off
lights and accessories, remove key, move
lever to N or P and set parking brake.
Vehicle with booster battery should not be
running. Disconnect ground cable.
Remove vent caps from booster battery and
discharged battery. Preferably lay a cloth
over open vents to reduce explosion hazard.

How to use jumper cables WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to the vehicle, heed all warnings
and instructions of the jumper cable
manufacturer. The jumper cables must be long enough so that neither vehicles nor cables touch
another.
Improper hook-up of jumper cables can
ruin the alternator.
Always connect POSITIVE (+) to POSITIVE
(+), and NEGATIVE (-) to ground on engine
block.
1. Connect clamp of plus-cable to positive (+) terminal of discharged battery (1).
2.
Connect clamp on opposite end of cable to
positive (+) terminal of booster battery (2).
3.
Connect clamp of minus-cable to negative
(-) terminal of booster battery (3).
4.
Connect clamp on opposite end of cable to
a bare metal part bolted directly to the
engine block or to the engine block itself (x)
of car with discharged battery. Connect
clamp as far away from battery as possible.
5. Start engine in the usual manner. If engine
fails to start, do not continue to crank but
contact nearest workshop.
6.
With engine running, remove jumper cables from both cars in exact reverse order: Steps 4 through 1.


7. Reconnect ground cable of booster battery.
A - Discharged Battery
B - Booster Battery
Do not try to start car by pushing or towing.
Damage to the catalytic converter, the
transmission, and/or other components of the
car may result.

92

Engine Design Specifications
Design
Operating cycle
Lubrication
Cylinder block
Cylinder head
Valve operation
Camshaft drive
Crankshaft
Fuel injection 4-cylinder, in-line engine, front mount with two ba
lance-shafts
4-stroke
Pressure oil circulation from oil sump,
full flow filter
Light metal
Light metal
Overhead camshaft
(944 S: 2 overhead camshafts)
Spur belt drive
Forged, 5 main bearings
AFC (Air Flow Control) Power Train
Manual transmission
Gear ratio
1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
4th gear
5th gear
Axle ratio Gear ratio 944
3.600:1
2.125:1
1.458:1
1.071:1
0.730:1
3.500:1
3.889:1 Gear ratio 944 S
3.500:1
2.059:1
1.400:1
1.034:1
0.829:1
3.500:1
3.889:1 Gear ratio 944 Turbo
3.500:1
2.059:1
1.400:1
1.034:1
0.829:1
3.500:1
3.375:1
Clutch
Power transmission Single plate dry disc, hydraulically operated
Double constant velocity joints and drive shaft
Automatic transmission 944
Gear ratio 1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
Reverse gear
Axle ratio
Clutch 2.714:1
1.500:1
1.000:1
2.429:1
3.455:1
Hydrodynamic torque converter
109

Filling Capacities
Engine oil With filter change approx. 6.34 (Turbo: approx. 6.87) U.S. qts. or 6 (Turbo: approx. 6.5) liters.
Check oil level with dipstick a few minutes after e ngine has stopped. The difference between
the max. and min. marks on the dipstick is approx. 1 U.S. qt. or 1 liter.
Only use brand name oil which has been tested and a pproved by Porsche.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be glad to advi se you.
Porsche does not recommend the use of oil additives . See also "Engine Oils".
Cooling system with heating
Approx. 8,2 U.S. qts. or 7,8 liters. Factory filled to -31°F (-35°C). Only use phosphate-free
anti-freeze containing ethylene glycol recommended for aluminum engines and radiators.
Manual transmission
Approx. 0.53 U.S. gal. or 2.0 liters. Use hypoid oi l SAE 80 labeled "For Service API/GL4 or
Mil-L 2105".
Automatic transmission with
torque converter Approx. 1.72 U.S. gal. or 6.5 liters ATF Dexron®. At oil c hanges 3 U.S. qts. or 2.8 liters are
required.
Differential of automatic transmission
Approx. 1 U.S. qts. or 1 liter hypoid oil SAE 90 ac cording to API classification GL 5 or
Mil-L 2105 B.
Power steering
Approx. 0.63 U.S. qts. or 0.6 liter ATF Dexron®
Fuel tank Approx. 21.1 U.S. gals, or 80 liters including a re serve of 2.1 U.S. gals, or 8 liters.
Unleaded fuel only! Minimum octane rating 944 91 RO N (87 CLC or AKI ((R+M)/2) rating on fuel
pumps in U.S.A.), 944 S / 944 Turbo 95 RON (90 CLC or AKI ((R+M)/2) rating on fuel pumps in U.S.A.)
Brake fluid Approx. 0.42 U.S. pint or 0.2 liter. Only use brake fluid conforming to specifications
SAE J 1703, DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Windshield and headlight washer system
Approx. 1.59 U.S. gals, or 6.0 liters.
Refrigerant for air conditioning Approx. 33.5 oz or 950 g. Refrigerant R 12 (CCI2F2)
Cooling system mixing chart
(Approximate values)
Anti-freeze-Water
Consult your authorized dealer about
the approved anti-freeze mixtures. Temp, down to
-13° F (-25°C) -23° F (-30° C) -31° F (-35° C)
Anti-freeze
40%
45%
50% Water
60% 55% 50%
Anti-freeze

3.1 liters / 3.3 U.S. qts.3.5 liters / 3.7 U.S. qts.3.9 liters / 4.1 U.S. qts.
Water
4.7 liters / 5.0 U.S. qts.
4.3 liters / 4.5 U.S. qts. 3.9 liters / 4.1 U.S. qts.
110

Transmission Diagram Manual gearbox 944Turbo
125

Gas Station Information Fuses and relays
The fuses are located within the
central electric box at the rear left
of the e
ngine compartment in front of the pivot point for the left windshield wiperarm (under black plastic cover). The use of the
fuses and relays is shown in a
list on the inside of the cover of
the fuses and relays.
Fuel recommendation
944: 91 RON (87 CLC or AKI
((R+M)/2) rating on fuel pumps in
U.S.A.) minimum.
944 S / 944 Turbo: 95 RON (90
CLC or AKI ((R+M)/2) rating on
fuel pumps in U.S.A.)
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY.
Fuel tank capacity: 21.1. U.S.
gals, or 80 liters.
Federal law prohibits use of
leaded fuel in this vehicle. Starting Manual transmission: Only start in Neutral, clutch pedal depressed. Automatic transmission:
Start in Park.
Starting cold or hot engine
Just turn ignition key. No need to
depress accelerator pedal.
Emergency starting
Car must not be started by
pushing or towing.

Seat adjustment

Pull lever in front of seat.
Backrest

Lift lever on side of seatback.
Fuel cap

Located in the right rear panel. To close, turn cap clockwise to stop. 126

Engine hood release
Pull lever on left underneath
dashboard. Disengage safety
catch and lift engine hood up.
Battery
In cowl area in engine
compartment. Check each cell.
Top up with distilled water.
Never disconnect battery while
engine is running. It can ruin
the alternator.
Before connecting quick-charger,
battery must be disconnected. Brake fluid reservoir
Level should be between MIN and MAX marks.
Only use new brake fluid
according to SAE
recommendation J 1703, DOT 3
or DOT 4 and conforming to Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116.
Do not use silicone base brake
fluid (DOT 5). Even the smallest
traces may cause severe
corrosion in the brake system.
Coolant reservoir
Antifreeze must remain in cooling
system all year round.
Coolant level should be between
minimum and maximum mark
when engine is cold. Always add antifreeze and water in ratio specified under "Filling
Capacities".
Use quality antifreeze containing
ethylene glycol.
Windshield and headlight
washer reservoir

1.6 U.S. gal. or 6.0 liters
127


Rear Lid
Unlock by turning door/ignition
key counter-clockwise or
operating the control switch.


Engine oil dipstick

Check oil level a few minutes after engine has stopped. Level should
be between upper and lower
marks on dipstick. Difference
between marks is approx. 1 U.S.
qt. or 1 liter.
WARNING
Before checking anything in
the engine compartment, let the
engine cool down. The fan
blades will rotate
spontaneously (even with
ignition off) until coolant
temperature drops.
Engine oil Always use quality oil labeled "API" Service "SE or SF". Details
under "Engine Oils" .
With filter change approx. 6.34 U.S. qts. (6.0 lite rs)
944 Turbo: approx. 6.87 U.S. qts. (6.5 liters)
Check oil level as described on "Engine oil level".

Manual transmission oil with differential
Hypoid oil SAE 80 according to API classification G L 4 or Mil-L 2105.

Automatic transmission
ATF lubricates torque converter and transmission. U se ATF "Dex-
ron®" only. Quantity at oil change: approx. 3 U.S. qts. or 2.8 liters.
Check ATF level visually through transparent reserv oir at rear end of
transmission housing.
Difference between marks approx. 1 U.S. pint or 0.4 liter. Check ATF
level when ATF is warm, with engine idling, selecto r lever in Neutral
and car on level ground.
For differential use oils API/GI 5 (or Mil-L 2105 B ), viscosity SAE 90.


128