🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

944

Generation Name:

First Generation

Generation Years:

1982-1991

Chassis Code:

944

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Porsche 944 was positioned as a more affordable, yet still sporty, alternative to the flagship 911, offering excellent handling and a well-balanced chassis.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 6 Series, and various other European sports coupes of its era.

Design Philosophy:

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, transaxle design for optimal weight distribution, advanced suspension tuning, and a powerful inline-four engine.

Durability:

Known for its robust engineering and build quality, characteristic of Porsche's reputation.

Transaxle Advantage:

The innovative transaxle design (engine at the front, transmission and differential at the rear) provided an almost 50/50 weight distribution, contributing significantly to the 944's renowned handling and balance.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Total Pages:

2151

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance for all 944 variants

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank

Cooling System:

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

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition timing, DME control unit

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission service, clutch, differential, drive shafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, linkages

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, ABS (where applicable), parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, corrosion protection

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, ventilation, climate control

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems

Removal Installation:

Procedure for removing and installing all major components and sub-assemblies

Disassembly Assembly:

In-depth instructions for disassembling and reassembling components

Adjustment:

Precise adjustment procedures for engine, brakes, suspension, etc.

Diagnostics:

Methods for diagnosing faults using specifications and testing procedures

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for required special service tools

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners in assembly and installation procedures.

Wear Limits:

Includes reference to wear limits for components to ensure proper function and longevity.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and diagnostics

Diagnostic Focus:

Emphasizes systematic troubleshooting, diagnosis, testing, and adjustment procedures, including factory specifications and allowable limits.

Description:

This manual provides comprehensive data, characteristics, instructions, and methodology for performing repair interventions on the Porsche 944 and its components. It includes special notes, important points, service data, precautions, and detailed step-by-step procedures with pictorial diagrams and illustrations.

Target Audience:

Intended for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts seeking to maintain, adjust, or repair their Porsche 944.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High resolution, printable pages

Searchability:

Searchable text content for easy navigation

Download Method:

Instant Download via secure payment processor.

Printability:

Yes, all pages are printable

Os Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader

Binding:

Digital Download (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, front-mounted

Displacement:

2.5L (2479 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

104.0 mm x 72.3 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1 to 10.2:1 (depending on model year and variant)

Horsepower:

143 hp (early models) to 163 hp (later naturally aspirated models); Turbocharged S models offered significantly more.

Torque:

170 lb-ft (early models) to 189 lb-ft (later naturally aspirated models)

Injection Type:

Bosch L-Jetronic / Motronic electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Codes:

M44.01 (Early), M44.02, M44.03 (Late NA), M44.04 (Turbo)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transaxle

Type:

3-speed automatic transaxle (Tiptronic on later models)

Design:

Transaxle design (transmission and differential integrated at the rear) for balanced weight distribution.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4200 mm (165.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1720 mm (67.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1275 mm (50.2 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2450 mm (96.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Specific ratings vary by year and testing agency; generally considered safe for its era with a robust chassis.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes, power-assisted steering, excellent weight distribution for stability.

Passive Safety:

Impact-absorbing crumple zones, bolstered seats, three-point seatbelts.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models and as an option.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems were available, often from Blaupunkt or Becker, with cassette players and upgraded speaker options.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

ABS:

As mentioned, available on later models.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic audio system connectivity; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt:

Crucial: Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years due to interference engine design.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3; Viscosity: 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40, 10W-50 (refer to specific model year recommendations).

Coolant:

Glysantin G05 or equivalent (silicate-free ethylene glycol based) with distilled water (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5; Viscosity: 75W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent

Common Issues:

Timing belt failure (catastrophic engine damage if not replaced), fuel pressure regulator issues, hatch seal leaks, ABS sensor failures, clutch slave cylinder leaks, idle control valve issues, cracked dash panels.

Key Checks:

Regular inspection of timing belt, coolant hoses, fuel lines, and brake components is critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Porsche, a brand renowned for performance and motorsport, introduced the 944 as a more accessible sports car.

Evolution Summary:

Evolved from the 924 platform, featuring a larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine, improved suspension, and distinctive styling. Later models included the 944S (16v head) and the powerful 944 Turbo (S2).

Production Period:

1981-1991

Manufacturing Location:

Neckarsulm, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

The 944 was a regular contender on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production years, particularly the Turbo models.

Overall Reputation:

Highly regarded for its driving dynamics, balanced chassis, and relative affordability within the Porsche lineage.