'87 Porsche 944 transmisson question

darknesmynite · 09-06-2007, 09:04 AM

Ok, to be honest I don't know much about cars, let alone Porsches.
I have an 87 porsche 944, automatic... and the past few weeks i've noticed
that there is a hesitation in shifting....
It only happens usually the first time I drive it that day, but the car seems to get stuck in the middle of shifting to the next gear around 30mph... the car sounds like it is about to shift and then it just doesn't... after a minute it may decide to shift, or if i press on the gas harder it will shift...
I was just wondering what that problem may be, since I have suspension and wheel repairs to make on the car as well, I don't want this problem with the transmisson to be something extremely pricey.

Thank you.

jess p · 09-06-2007, 11:43 AM

There are a number of devices that relay data to automatic transmissions when to shift. Most are by engine vacumn. Check all the hoses going to
the trans. Invest in a haynes manual,as it will save you tons of money.

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darknesmynite · 09-06-2007, 05:34 PM

PS- I know this is the wrong forum, I didn't notice it until it had been posted...
I am sorry and would move the thread to the 944 page but I couldn't find any option to let me move it...

Tidybuoy · 09-06-2007, 05:42 PM

This is definitely the correct forum.

I (unfortunately) have an automatic 944 as well - a 1988. I don't have the exact problem as your car but a similar one. If I punch it full bore, when it's time for the transmission to shift, it seems to hesitate. It definitely shifts but the engine revs to just above red-line and it sounds like I am missing a shift or the clutch is slipping (if it were a normal 944). My car only has 25k miles on it and I don't think there is anything wrong with it but I was unaware of any vacuum lines to the tranny - I will definitely check that because the car is still 20 years old and rubber deteriorates.

If you find out anything else, please post an update.

Vern

darknesmynite · 09-07-2007, 10:55 AM

Yeah, if I floor the pedal the porsche will red-line every gear before shifting.
i really really love this car but unfortunately all the repairs it needs to be in the shape it should be in.... well, unless I inherit a little bit of money, she'll be in the garage for a few years.

djnolan · djnolan's Garage

There is not a lot of documentation on the automatic transaxel in the 944. My understanding is it is a VW/Audi design with a separate differential. These need to be taken care of with regular fluid changes, especially the differential, for which there is no drain plug and will need to be pumped out to change the fluid. Due to this design high mileage units are subject to a lot of wear in the diffy. Regarding the shifting behavior mine seems to exhibit similar behavior. Remember this is not a triptronic and does not have a locking torque convertor. I would not expect it to shift that crisply. I would take it easy on it as repairs could be expensive and good used units are rare. The porsche motor could easily outlast the VW/Audi tranmission if you know what I mean!

Tidybuoy · 09-08-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djnolan

These need to be taken care of with regular fluid changes, especially the differential, for which there is no drain plug and will need to be pumped out to change the fluid. Due to this design high mileage units are subject to a lot of wear in the diffy.

Thanks for the info. I've changed the transmission fluid before but not the differential (I could not find a drain plug). This helps a lot and I will now try an figure out how to pump out the fluid (hopefully, I don't have to use my nouth).

Fortunately, I only have 25k so I'm fairly sure it's still in good shape. But, I want that fluid changed just for the peace of mind.

Vern

Cebu · 09-09-2007, 12:46 PM

The 944 uses a governor to control shifting on the A/T Transmissions. On the 944 automatic transmission, after trans is contaminated with gear oil, the"Flat Governor"will begin to cause erratic shifting, slipping or no up-shifts, at least that is my experience.

SAFETY:............Verify proper trans fluid level by checking it while engine is running(car in park) parking brake engaged, parked on level surface.

darknesmynite · 09-13-2007, 12:12 PM

Ah, I looked up the drivers manual onlilne and that helps a LOT

I found that I am leaking transmission fluid (i assume) from under the car in the back.
under the hood everything looks great though, everything under the hood was new when i bought the used car... only suspension and seal problems, I <3 this car with such a passion. I want to keep it in great condition and even pimp it out a little

:-*