DME test

[89-944NA]

I was going to test my DME in a friends car (yes, I suspect mine is dead), but evidently he is out of town. Is there anyone in the Los Angeles/Orange county area that is willing to let me plug in my suspect DME into their car to see if it is bad?

I have gone through the "No Start" checklist (both the one posted here and the one in the service manual) with no luck. I am picking up another DME this weekend, but just want to make sure I am headed in the right direction.

PLEASE help out a fellow 951 fanatic.

Any 944 (85.5 to 91) should work, but I would prefer an 88 turbo s or an 89 turbo.

[Rogue_Ant]

The 951 DME will only work in the 951. It doesn't matter if it is 28pin (88-89) or 24pin (86-87).

[89-944NA]

I was told by a very reliable and long time rebuilder (who I respect greatly) of DME's for Porsche, BMW and Mercedes, that ANY late model Porsche will work for the test that I need to do. I am not looking for a car to start, just checking the Ignition Circuit, a spark test if you will.

It is just my preference for a turbo s or 89 turbo.

[Rogue_Ant]

Well the 944S, and 944S2 won't even 'plug-in' to your DME. So not "ANY late model Porsche" will do.
The 951 DME is expecting to talk to the KLR - it sends the ignition signal to the KLR, and waits for it to be returned to the DME before firing the ignition coil. The 944NA doesn't have a KLR to 'talk to', so I would be surprised if the 951 DME fires the coil in an 944NA...

[89-944NA]

I am taking the word of a personal friend and very reliable rebuilder on this one, I have stated my preference for the two cars that use the same brain, if someone out there can help me that's great, if not, I will just pick up the units on Friday, and send mine out for repair.

Believe me, I talked with Loren for quite some over the past three days, and since that is what he does for a living, and has been doing for the past 25 years, I will take his word for it.

[Rogue_Ant]

LOL, I had a feeling you were talking about Loren. I won't even bother to show you all the times he was wrong.

And the 944NA does NOT use the same DME as the 951.

But hey, what the hell do I know right? Thats what I get for trying to help out.
Good luck in your troubleshooting.

[PAUERMAN]

Phil,

Before you move forward with picking up a DME / KLR set from me, I would recommend that you inspect your speed and reference sensors for their condition and operation. Also take a look at your DME relay and other ignition components for general condition.

BTW, Rogue's input is 100% spot on.

[nize]

+1 on rogue is correct regarding dme incompatability.

[89-944NA]

NEW reference and speed sensors, NEW DME relay, and did the full no start checklist from both the dealer service manual and the one posted here. Even if it weren't the boxes, I would like a spare set sitting in my spares inventory. I'll see you Friday with cash in hand. lol

When you turn the key to the start position, I get an initial spark when the coil energizes, but when you crank the engine, there is no spark. The DME shows signs of having been repaired in the past.

I'm on my way out the door to Long Beach and plug my boxes into another turbo s, will know for sure within the hour

[89-944NA]

Rogue_Ant, first off let me extend an apology for the way my posts sounded last night, end of a long frustrating day. I do honestly thank you for your help and assistance, as I do all the others that have assisted me in the past, present and future...that's one thing nice about this site, we ARE a community, helping out each other with advice, tips, knowledge and experience.

I wonder what the cummulative years of experience would be for this site, all told, in the thousands no doubt.

Now, as for the DME, I was able to check it in another turbo s, and it is flat lined, dead, mortally injured, just plain don't work, so I will be picking up a set Friday from fellow Pelicaner Pauerman.

Thanks Vic for the sweet deal.

[PAUERMAN]

No problem Phil.

I know I mentioned this to you already over the phone, but since I mentioned the 951MAX chips to others, I wanted to clarify that they will not work for a stock turbo. They are mapped for a larger turbo using 72 lb injectors.

I'll have the DME / KLR boxes and 3 bar FPR with me on Friday.

[Rogue_Ant]

89-944NA,
No problem - I know how frustrating it can be. I too have my own "it won't start" story.
I'm not as active here as I am on rennlist - so I don't think I'm as well known here. But I have spent a lot of time dis-assembling the DME software (and hardware). I happen to know the 951/944 DME extremely well, and have even made a free DIY tuning suite for people (see the link in my sig).

I'm glad you got it figured out. BTW what are you going to do with the dead DME?

[89-944NA]

Have them repaired and keep them as a spare set. One set with aftermarket chips and one set with the stock stuff. lol

[89-944NA]

Vic, those boxes do come with a stock set of chips then, correct? If I do decide to change the turbo at a later date, the biggest I would be going is up to the k-27...not wanting a beast, just something that resembles stock with a little extra punch. Even then, I wouldn't be using a 72lbs injector.

[kdjones2000]

Originally Posted by 89-944NA

Have them repaired and keep them as a spare set. One set with aftermarket chips and one set with the stock stuff. lol

That's what I have

[89-944NA]

I can't believe it, with some wiggling of the ribbon connector, some with a rubber mallet, some to the Porsche Gods, and some good old fashioned swear words, I got the infernal machine to run. Looks like some bad solder connections.

Yes Vic, I still want that set of boxes and the FPR, I don't want to have to pound on the boxes and the floor everytime to start the car until I can get them repaired. I'm going to have someone else do the soldering, I'd just end up with a big melted mess if I tried to do it myself.

It's late and I'm going to turn out the garage lights, and finally get a good nights