Vehicle Segment:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-cylinder sports coupe.
Brand Positioning:
Premium performance and luxury sports car manufacturer.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 3 Series Coupe.
Performance Focus:
Tuned for a balance of performance, handling, and everyday usability, with turbocharging providing significant power gains.
Handling Characteristics:
Renowned for excellent weight distribution, balanced chassis, and precise steering, often praised for its 'modern' feel compared to earlier Porsches.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, component inspection, machining, torque specifications, timing procedures, lubrication systems, cooling systems.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (Bosch DME), ignition system, emission control systems, sensor diagnostics, ECU operation.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (G50/10 transaxle from 1987 onwards, before that the earlier transaxle), clutch system, differential, driveshafts, maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Transaxle, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, lubrication.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, alignment procedures, specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, hoses, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS system (if equipped), brake discs, calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder, bleeding procedures, specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay functions, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, instrument cluster, body control modules.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, structural components, collision repair information, rust prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, fuel tank, fuel pressure testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for DME system, symptom-based diagnostics.
Component Repair And Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for removing, repairing, and reinstalling virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Wiring Diagram Interpretation:
Comprehensive electrical schematics with component identification and circuit tracing guides.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Timing Belt Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years (critical component due to interference engine design).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic recommended. Porsche A40 approval is ideal.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.7 liters (7.1 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80. Check manual for specific Porsche recommendation (e.g., Mobilube PTX).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (high-performance synthetic fluid recommended)
Coolant Type:
Porsche approved coolant (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Timing belt tensioner, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, suspension bushings, clutch assembly, camshaft seals, rear main seal, CV joints.
Turbo Specific Issues:
Oil leaks from turbocharger lines, potential for turbocharger wear, DME relay failure.
Electrical Quirks:
Aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent issues; DME relay is a known failure point.
Brand Legacy:
Porsche, founded in 1931, is synonymous with performance, motorsport, and precision engineering.
944 Introduction:
The 944 was introduced in 1982 as a successor to the 924, aiming for a more refined and performance-oriented package.
Turbo Introduction:
The 944 Turbo (or 944 S2 Turbo) was launched in 1985 and received updates throughout its production, culminating in the later models covered by this manual.
Facelift Details:
The 1989 facelift brought significant revisions including updated bodywork (with a more integrated bumper design), revised interior, and the new G50 transaxle from the 911 Carrera for later Turbo models.
Production Years:
1985-1991
Manufacturing Location:
Neckarsulm, Germany
