Does anyone have a 1986 911 coupe?

[pistolpete]

I am hoping someone that has a 1986 911 coupe could take a photo of their fuse box showing the wires. I am trying to solve a mystery of where a wire goes. Cannot find it anywhere on a wiring diagram but it comes out of the harness. So if you could just take the photos and send them in a private message or post here.
Thanks You

[Matt Monson]

Just post a picture of yours. 9 times out of ten it’s an old aftermarket alarm wire.

[pistolpete]

I am trying to find out where the red wire with the white stripe that is sticking out with the black tape on it goes.

Cannot figure it out

[tholyoak]

If it is going to the second position in the the second fuse block (red fuse), it goes to the hazard light switch. I can't seem to get the images to work on this computer but the link below shows the fuse diagram from the relevant page of the manual

-Todd


https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xott9mp9jgblgpvmdwm0f/fuses.png?rlkey=amaebhy5wdf8v0fsfxoadhgzn&st=82br6v7q&dl=0

[Rsnellie]

Can’t help you with a photo of an 86, but if ou have AC you might check to see if your front condenser fan in the nose area is turning on with AC on. You are leaning over it from the front while checking the fuses. They are notorious for seizing and catching fire. They also melt the plastic replacement fuses. I pulled mine and put it on an unused bank to lower the load. Perhaps previous owner pulled the wire from the panel.


Good reference to this below..

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/762906-85-911-c-fuse-melting.html

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by pistolpete

I am trying to find out where the red wire with the white stripe that is sticking out with the black tape on it goes.

Cannot figure it out

I have a 85 so it is close but no promise it is the same.



One suggestion, and it is a strong suggestion. Do a search for copper core ceramic fuses. Some of yours look like they are plastic. And almost all of yours look old a corroded. Replace every fuse with a new ceramic, NOT plastic core, and look for ceramic conductor versions. But a large set of every capacity, and clean the contacts and replace each fuse one at a time. Your electrical system will appreciate it.

[kltarga72]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I have a 85 so it is close but no promise it is the same.



One suggestion, and it is a strong suggestion. Do a search for copper core ceramic fuses. Some of yours look like they are plastic. And almost all of yours look old a corroded. Replace every fuse with a new ceramic, NOT plastic core, and look for ceramic conductor versions. But a large set of every capacity, and clean the contacts and replace each fuse one at a time. Your electrical system will appreciate it.

Adding to what Glen suggested on upgrading your fuses.

Know before you start replacing fuses what is working or not

a. Disconnect the battery ground
b. Replace fuse one at a time
c. Reconnect battery ground
d. Test all the equipment the fuse is listed for
e. Repeat for each fuse

Lash

[fallingat120mph]

Your "kinda" in luck.

I have two 86's in my garage and will give you photos...but as you can see neither are/nor have been connected to anything. Mine, IF it's the same wire have connectors on them...

I am in the process of selling my home (and Porsche engine swaps are on hold) and just wanted to send off a photo for comparison. I have had the same question(s) as you as to what connectors go to where. Have found quite a few that seem to have no use...maybe rear wiper, heated seats, convertible tops.

Anyway, sorry I can't help more!

Erik

[deshetlr]

Are your rear license plate lights working? If not only the ‘86 had an inline fuse tucked up under the fuse panel. May be it.

[pistolpete]

Wow these are all great responses. Thank you all. I will be upgrading the fuses-this car is going through a rebuild and we have not attacked the electrical system yet. From these photos it my be the same as the other 1986 and should have a connector on it that goes to nowhere. We have not yet found anything that does not work.

Thanks again!

[pistolpete]

Where is a good source for the ceramic fuses?

[pistolpete]

One last question. why are the ceramic fuses better?

[PeteKz]

They don't melt when the metal strip or ends get hot.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by pistolpete

One last question. why are the ceramic fuses better?

Originally Posted by PeteKz

They don't melt when the metal strip or ends get hot.

This. The plastic ones will get soft, and shrink when they get hot. The ceramic is what the car came with from Porsche.

Just go to a site like Amazon and search for ceramic core bullet fuses. Pick a set that has copper connectors. The Aluminum ones might corrode especially in contact with the brass fuse holders.

[pistolpete]

Thanks again!

[John W.]

Be careful, I got some fuses on Amazon thinking they were ceramic but turned out not to be. I went to a VW repair shop and they had some. I need to replace all
of mine on my 89.

[917_Langheck]

Flösser ceramic fuse is what you are looking for. Got mine from Memotronics. Didn't have the white 8 amp at the time, however.

[proporsche]

it looks like your 1986 wires are already made for 1987-89 models.The best would be if someone with 1987 and up will show you the fuse box wires connection.There are some options ,rear wiper,heated jet spray.....

Ivan

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by proporsche

it looks like your 1986 wires are already made for 1987-89 models.The best would be if someone with 1987 and up will show you the fuse box wires connection.There are some options ,rear wiper,heated jet spray.....

Ivan

As a three time 86 owner I am kinda' thinking this also.

My two current 86s are missing the rear wiper, heated seats, convertible tops...wish I had the time to trace that wire behind the fuse panel.

Maybe try a thread for 87 on owners...worth a shot. Plus us 84-86 owners might finally get some answers on all these "go nowhere" wires.



Everything is working...have gone down the same rabbit hole regarding "where in the hell does this go???"

Place to start:
https://rennlist.com/forums/911-forum/245745-any-differences-b-w-3-2-liter-84-86-and-87-89-carrera.html


Erik

[spuggy]

If originality isn't a problem for you, there are a few sources that supply replacement 911 fuse boxes that accept ATO fuses. There's a PP member fred who makes one, and also the Classic Retrofit units available from our host Porsche Classic Retrofit 911 Fuse Panel Upgrade.

The CR unit has built-in headlight relays. Headlight relays, by themselves, are desirable, eliminating running 100+ watts through the tiny contacts in the switch in the headlight stalk (and the arcing/burning/distortion that results from that). Also helps with the voltage drop - I noticed the color of my H4s at night went from bright yellow to white.

ATO fuses are a more modern/much better design in all respects than the original equipment, which are a source of many problems as they age - especially on higher power draw connections, like A/C or fuel pumps.

ATO fuses don't corrode/oxidize, huge contact area in comparison so all the current isn't concentrated through a tiny point of contact, and doesn't rely on spring tension on a 50 year-old brass contact. You can also buy replacement fuses anywhere - like at gas stations.