Electrical mess

[WI wide body]

My kid just purchased a 1983 944. Good news is the body and charcoal metallic paint and redone interior looks great and the big 911 wheels with 265 rear tires give it a muscle look.

Bad news is the electrical system seems to a nightmare. Many of the instruments and gauges either don't work or else they jump on or off when other switches are turned on. Blower motors and AC also does not operate.

I know nothing about 944's so let's start with the easy stuff. Exactly where is the DME relay located and do they have a history of sometimes suddently failing to the point that a spare should always be in the glove box like on the older 911's I've had?

Also, what would be the best early 944 electrical manual or trouble shooting book to buy to begin sorting out the wiring?

Thx much in advance.

[John_AZ]

Pelican has a set online:
Pelican Parts: Porsche 924/944 Electrical Diagrams
Also a parts PET:
Pelican Parts Porsche Parts Diagrams and Locator

A full WSM can be found if you search online. Frowned upon on the forum to provide.

BUT, The best electrical diagrams are on the printed pages of the WSM so you can fold out the sheets and follow the lines.



Protect the DME or plan to buy or repair yours.





Many early owners will just rebuild all electrical lines one by one.

Many will remove the dash to work on the car.

Many grow old in a short time.....

GL
John

[ernie9944]

Here a pic of the fuses/relays boxe located under the dash-- driver side on an early 944. DME relay will be #II on the front left (first row fuel pump) and yes it's a good idea to carry a spare one in the glove boxe ,lot of people do.

[Arizona_928]

Early cats are a pain in the ass!
Check/clean grounds. Look under the dash at the wiring and see what kind of burnt wiring you have. Get a good voltmeter. It will be your best friend.

[vdubr928]

Sounds like it could be a bad ignition switch. When you have alot of things nott working that is a good place to check.