Which book for wiring diagrams?

[chococrazy]

Turns out the 911 is going to need a wiring overhaul right now I'm not sure which book to buy Haynes or the Bentley. According to my mechanic he's going to need the one that's most complete because the other mechanic that was working on it did some funky stuff with the wiring, and half the fuse board is dead nearly nothing electrical is working.While doing this overhaul should I replace anything in there while it's open. The car has 21k miles so the interior is pristine but since it's been left sitting in my shop for so long it's a bit stiff in places. Also I have 1 more question since I'm just getting started in the world of porsche is there anyway to tell if this is an anniversary edition? The build date was 12/88 its silver metallic, and I believe a silk gray interior.
I'm really sorry for all the questions guys but I think the book would have been a good investment anyways.

[megerian]

Bentley

[Josh D]

X2 on the Bentley. This is the second German car I've bought a Bently for and they are well worth the money. I've never been too impressed with Haynes manuals, including for my old Jeeps.

[chococrazy]

Bentley is looking like the winner for this. Any info on my second question?

[euro911sc]

There is no substitute for the factory manual in this case. In general, I don't recomend the factory docs because I find them criminally inadequate. But, the multi page color sheets of the electrical diagram are great when diagnosing electrical gremlins!

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by euro911sc

There is no substitute for the factory manual in this case. In general, I don't recomend the factory docs because I find them criminally inadequate. But, the multi page color sheets of the electrical diagram are great when diagnosing electrical gremlins!

+1
Porsche wiring diagrams are not the easiest to follow. Modern formats from other manufacturers simplify and segregate the major circuits to follow current paths and make diagnosis easier. The older Porsche diagrams typically miniaturize and squeeze all vehicle circuits on one page.

In addition, if the diagrams in the aftermarket pubs aren't in color, you're working at a great disadvantage.

Sherwood

[chococrazy]

Anyone know where I can track down the factory manual? My dealership apparently doesn't have one nor can they get me one, and pelican no longer carries them apparently?

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by euro911sc

There is no substitute for the factory manual in this case. In general, I don't recomend the factory docs because I find them criminally inadequate. But, the multi page color sheets of the electrical diagram are great when diagnosing electrical gremlins!

The factory manual is over $400 dollars, is not color and looks like it was made on a printer that the fuzer was not hot enough (the pages stick together).

The only thing I like about it is it tells what harness the wires are in.

[allaircooled]

My factory manual does have the schematics in color, at least for my '75. Its the only section in my manual I have used thus far. Trying to follow the electrical diagrams in my Bentley manual for my BMW is a nightmare, at least for me. Not sure about the Bentley diagrams for Porsche's though.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by allaircooled

My factory manual does have the schematics in color, at least for my '75. Its the only section in my manual I have used thus far. Trying to follow the electrical diagrams in my Bentley manual for my BMW is a nightmare, at least for me. Not sure about the Bentley diagrams for Porsche's though.

I have found various errors/omissions in the Bentley electrical diagrams for both our '86 and other M/Y.

Although my factory manual is not in color, it has been, for my needs, easy to read, and very accurate.

The referenced page-to-page (X-Y) co-ordinates do need a bit of acclimation by the user.

If any members have any corrections to the factory electrical circuits, please advise.

Another option is:

http://www.cannell.co.uk/Manuals.htm

Best,

Gerry

Here's part of a page from the factory manual.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by chococrazy

Turns out the 911 is going to need a wiring overhaul right now I'm not sure which book to buy Haynes or the Bentley. According to my mechanic he's going to need the one that's most complete because the other mechanic that was working on it did some funky stuff with the wiring, and half the fuse board is dead nearly nothing electrical is working.While doing this overhaul should I replace anything in there while it's open. The car has 21k miles so the interior is pristine but since it's been left sitting in my shop for so long it's a bit stiff in places. Also I have 1 more question since I'm just getting started in the world of porsche is there anyway to tell if this is an anniversary edition? The build date was 12/88 its silver metallic, and I believe a silk gray interior.
I'm really sorry for all the questions guys but I think the book would have been a good investment anyways.

chococrazy,

Using a colored wiring diagram is a lot better than a black and white copy. The factory colored wiring diagram so far is the best reference (wiring) compared to any reference shop manuals (Haynes, Bentley, etc.) in the market today. I agree that it is sometimes not easy to read or follow the factory wiring diagrams if you are not familiar with the schematics. Remember that these wiring diagrams were intended for 'technicians' with some training and experience.

Try to find someone with a factory manual and make a copy of the wiring diagrams if you don't want to buy the multi-volume factory manuals which costs a lot more. The colored wiring diagram/s it self are so useful and helpful to me that it pays to have one. For 911 electrical troubleshooting, these factory colored wiring diagrams/schematics are my bread and butter.

Tony

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

Using a colored wiring diagram is a lot better than a black and white copy. The factory colored wiring diagram so far is the best reference (wiring) compared to any reference shop manuals (Haynes, Bentley, etc.) in the market today. .

If you find one in color for an 88 let me know. Mine looks just like 86 911 Targa

[steely]

I want the one (wiring diagram) Gerry has - it looks more professional/easier to read than the cartoons Bentley uses.

chococrazy, consider posting your other questions in separate posts/threads - I'd suggest including your VIN too WRT the anniversary question.

Keep an eye open in the classifieds here and on flea-bay for the factory manual.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by steely

I want the one (wiring diagram) Gerry has - it looks more professional/easier to read than the cartoons Bentley uses.

chococrazy, consider posting your other questions in separate posts/threads - I'd suggest including your VIN too WRT the anniversary question.

Keep an eye open in the classifieds here and on flea-bay for the factory manual.

Steely,

Here is the P/N for the wiring diagram.

[steely]

Awesome - Thank you sir!

[chococrazy]

Are the relays on top of the fuses in the fuse panel all suppose to be red? I've seen conflicting information for this.
Gerry I also got you those pictures of the fuse box you needed I'll email you those ASAP.

[trconway]

I got one of these for my car. Take a look and let me know what you think:
Porsche Automobile Wiring Diagrams, Color, Laminated, 11" x 17"