Another no start 944!

jbaeng · 05-06-2009, 09:55 AM

I drove my '88 NA 944 cross country two weeks ago with only having to replace the alternator. I drove it last week out east to be in all the rain (it’s a California car). I got the car about a year ago and have done a bunch of stuff to get it looking and running decently. I checked belt tension and tune up part condition prior to the trip and it has run great for the last year. I went out this morning and it turned over fine but made no effort at all to run. I looked at old posts and it seems like the DME relay is one thing I'll check when I get home today (along for water on the passenger side by the ECU.

I do not have a garage out here and it has been out in the rain the last week. Any other ideas for things to search for, I suspect no spark since it makes no misfiring attempts.

bxtech · 05-06-2009, 10:25 AM

My advice would be to check for spark and fuel to confirm the problem so that you know where to go next. You had mentioned that the suspect is spark, but make sure so that you are not "barking up the wrong" tree.

bxtech · 05-06-2009, 10:29 AM

Just a "shot in the dark", but if you think moisture might have gotten near the relay and DME.........You might try unplugging them, see if there's any corrosion or moisture on the connections, and clean accordingly. Then try plugging them back in and see what happens. It might "re-connect" that bad connection??

jbaeng · 05-06-2009, 04:45 PM

no spark.

Relay box was dry. relay had no corrosion.

ran out of time, more looking tomorrow

bxtech · 05-06-2009, 05:02 PM

No Spark?? Check the speed sensor or sometimes what is called the crank position sensor.

ballysdad · 05-06-2009, 05:48 PM

check for 12v at the coil with the key in on position (black wire) then check for 12v on green wire (one lead to ground) resitance between (across) black and green wire should be .4ohms to .6ohms. Then put one lead inside coil after you pull wire off course and the other side to green lead should read 5000 ohms to 7200ohms.
The last test pull spark plug out.
disconnect igintion coil wire from ditributor
put spark plug in there.
Strip a piece of wire and wrap around threads of spark plug
strip other end and connect to green (neg) of coil
have someone turn key and touch spark plug to ground and see if it sparks.
PS: does the tach bounce when you turn the key past 200rpms? If not wiggle referene sensor plugs and see if it starts.. GL

jbaeng · 05-07-2009, 04:24 AM

thanks all, great info!

I'm going to try and get the car into a garage tonight and get the troubleshooting going, certainly by the weekend.

I'll let you know what i find.

jbaeng · 05-07-2009, 07:54 AM

Hi Bally's Dad!

FYI, I'm living in Howell near Freehold (where the car is) and now working in Princeton. Are there any other 944 guys in this area?

I was getting active out in the Loma Prieta PCA around Santa Cruz CA where I was for the last 20 years but lost my Silicon Valley job this February. Came across country for the job I now have (and dragged my 944 out here as well).

jbaeng · 05-07-2009, 05:31 PM

Problem solved, jumper'd the DME relay and it started and ran fine; Looks like i got off easy!

ballysdad · 05-08-2009, 02:33 PM

Good to hear!! I do not own a 944 at the moment fell on tough times but can't stay away.. I will be back in one soon I hope and will look you up for a cruise. If you ever need any help let me know I still love these cars and do not want to get rusty working on them!

bxtech · 05-08-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbaeng

Problem solved, jumper'd the DME relay and it started and ran fine; Looks like i got off easy!

Great! Glad to hear that you're back on the road again!