check oil PORSCHE 944 1987 1.G Owners Manual

INDEX
A
ABS Acceleration diagram Accelerator pedal Air Bag System Air - cleaner
- conditioner
- filter
Alternator warning light Antifreeze Antilock, Brake system Anti-theft alarm Ashtray Automatic- garage door
- speed control
- transmission
- transmission fluid B
Battery
Boost pressure gauge
Brake - booster
- fluid
- fluid warning light
- pads
- parking
- pedal
- system
- warning light
Break-in hints
Bulb replacing
Buzzer 28,39
118-129
55
20, 21, 38, 3980, 8144-4680,81 39
74,75,11028, 39
11
42, 98
25
29
53-55
78,110,128
90-9234
27
39,79,11039
27,37,47,79,80 26
26, 27
26,27,11537
47
93-98
10,18,24,30
C/D
CASIS
Capacities
Car care instructions
Casis
Catalytic Converter
Cautions
Central locking
Central warning light
Cigarette lighter
Cleaning
Clock
Clutch pedal
Collapsible spare tire
Control warning light system
Coolant Temperature Gauge
Cooling system
Corrosion prevention
Dashboard
Defogging/defrosting
Dimensions
Doors
Driving hints
E/F
Electrical system
Emergency- flasher
- starting
Emission Control System
Engine - cooling
- exhaust
- hood
- number
- oil checking & changing
- oil
-speed, max 35
110
61-66
35
50,10267
13
37
41
61-66 40
27
85
36-39 36
74-77
65-66
24
44-46 114
12,138-9, 48, 49
89-92
41
92
100-103 74-77
48
586
69-72
69,110,111,128
34,47,52,106-
108
Fan control switch knob
Fan, radiator
Filling capacities
Fog lights
Fuel - economy
- evaporation control
- gauge
- recommendation
- tank
Fuses and relays
G/H
Gas Station Information
Gasohol
Gasoline
Gear ratio diagram
Gearshift lever
Glove compartment
Hatchback
Headlights
Headlight- dimmer
- flasher
- switch
- washing system
Heater/ventilation controls
Hood - front
- rear
Horn
I/J
Ignition/steering lock
Instrument illumination
Instruments
Interior ligh 44
36, 74 110
30, 96, 97
49
103 37
50, 51
50,110
89,126
126-129 51
50,51
122-125 52-55
42
56
30,95,99 30
30
30
31,32,81,11044-4658
56,57
21,24
24
30
33-40
43, 98
4

Jack
- supports
K/L
Keys
Kickdown
Lane changer
Leather
License plate light
Light switch
Lights - ashtray
- fog
- interior
- license plate
- parking
- turn signal
Locks - doors, wheels
Loudspeakers
Lubricants
Luggage compartment
M/O
Manual transmission
- oil
Mirrors
Oil- change
- consumption
- filter changing
- pressure gauge
- pressure warning light
Octane rating
Oxygen Sensor
P/R
Paint code number 68
87, 88, 129
10-11,86 55
30
65
98
30
98
30, 96, 97
43, 9898
30, 37, 93, 94
30,93,94
10-13, 86 89
110,111 57
52,122-125 77,11022,43
71,72
47, 69
71, 72 38
38
50, 51,106-108 101,102
7
Parking- brake
- lights
Performance
Power assisted steering
Power train
Power windows
Prop-up roof
Radiator fan
Rear - hood
- view mirrors
- window defogger
- wiper
Recirculation Switch
Refrigerant
Relays
Rims
Roof racks
Roof, removable S
Safe driving hints
Safetybelts
Safety belt warning light
Safety compliance sticker
Seat heating System
Seats
Sekuriflex windshield
Shift indicator
Shift points
Side marker lights
Ski racks
Snow- chains
- tires
Spare tire, collapsible
Spark plugs
Specifications, engine
26, 3730,37,93,94116731091259, 6036, 7456,572241424446,11089,12664,112,11357,11459, 60
8-9
17-21,6518,3771514-1631, 63, 643552-559457,11483, 84,112,113
83,84, 111,113
85106-108106-109
Speedometer
Starting procedures
Sun visors
T/U
Tachometer
Technical data
Tirepressure
Tires
Tool kit
Trip odometer
Transmission oil
Trunk
Turn signal lights
Undercoating
Unleaded fuel
V/W
Vehicle identification
Ventilation
Voltmeter
Warning/indicator lights
Washer reservoir
Washing
Water temperature gauge
Weatherstrips
Weights
Wheel alignment
Wheel nuts, lockable
Wheels
Wheel changing
Windows
Windshield- washer reservoir
- wiper/washer lever 3324, 2543
34, 35105-12582,112,113,12947,82-87,112,113683377, 78,11056,5730, 37, 93, 9465, 66,10050, 51,106-108,110
6-744-463835-4081,11061-6636641141158647,64,82-87,11285-8812,63,6481,11031
5

Dear Porsche Owner Before going on a trip...
A lot has gone into the manufacture of your Porsche, including advanced engineering
techniques, rigid quality control and
demanding inspections. These engineering
and safety features will be enhanced by
you... the safe driver...
who knows his car and all controls who maintains his vehicle properly who uses his driving skills wisely, and who always drives within his own capabilities and
his level of familiarity with his vehicle.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on
how to perform most of the checks listed on
these pages. If in doubt, have these checks
performed by your Porsche dealer.
First things first
Turn the engine off before you attempt any
checks or repairs of the vehicle.
Be sure tires are inflated correctly. Check for
damage and tire wear.
See that wheel bolts are properly tightened
and not loose or missing.
Check engine oil level, add if necessary.
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked
with every fuel filling. Check coolant level to assure sufficient
engine cooling.
Be sure you have a well charged battery. Check brake fluid level. If too low, have
brake system checked.
Replenish windshield washer fluid. Check if engine hood is latched safely. Replace worn or cracked wiper blades. See that all windows are clear and
unobstructed.
Keep air intake slots and area between engine hood and windshield free of snow and ice, so that the heater and the windshield wipers work properly.
Check whether all light lenses are clean.
Be sure all lights are working and headlights
are aimed correctly.
Check under vehicle for leaks. Be sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipment 3
It is good practice to carry emergency
equipment in your vehicle. Some of the things
you should have are: window scraper, snow
brush, container or bag of sand or salt,
emergency light, small shovel, first-
aid kit, etc.

8

In the driver's seat... On the road...
Check operation of horn.
Position seat for easy reach of controls. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors. Attach your safety belts. Check operation of foot and parking brakes. Check all warning and indicator lights when
starting the engine.
NEVER leave car idling unattended. Lock doors from inside, especially with
children in the car.
To prevent inadvertent opening of doors
from inside or outside, drive with locked
doors.

Never drive after you have consumed
alcohol.
Always have your safety belt attached. Always drive defensively. Expect the unexpected. Use signals to indicate turns and lane
changes.
Turn on headlights at dusk. Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, depending on traffic, road and weather conditions. Reduce speed at night and during inclement weather.
Driving in wet weather requires caution and
reduced speeds, particularly on roads with
standing water, as the handling characteristics of the vehicle may be impaired due to tire
aquaplaning.
Also, when crossing stretches of deeper water there is a danger that too high of a speed can
cause water to enter the engine combustion
chambers through the intake air system
and/or water may strike the cooling fan
causing cooling system damage. In order to
avoid possible en- gine or cooling system damage when driving
through deep water, the vehicle should be
driven at a walking speed in first gear.
Observe speed limits and obey road signs.
When tired, get well off the road, stop and
take a rest. Turn the engine off. Do not sit in
the vehicle with engine idling. See
WARNINGS on "Engine Exhaust".
When parked, always set the parking brake.
Move the selector lever to "P" (Automatic
transmission) or move the gearshift lever to
reverse or first gear (Manual transmission).
On hills also turn the wheels toward the curb.
When emergency repairs become necessary, move the vehicle well off the road. Turn on
emergency flasher and use other warning
devices to alert other motorists. Do not park
or operate the vehicle in areas where the hot
exhaust system may come in contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or other flammable
material.
Make it a habit to have the engine oil
checked with every fuel filling.
9

Ignition/Starter Switch with Steering Lock
The steering is equipped with an anti-theft
ignition lock.
Switch positions
0
The steering is blocked by the steering lock: all circuits wired through the ignition
are switched off.
The ignition key can only be withdrawn in the
"0" position. The parking lights can be
operated in this position by pushing the turn
signal indicator lever up and down (also see
"Parking lights").
1 Position for radio. Steering unlocked. If it is difficult to turn the key, gently move the
steering wheel until the key turns freely.
Note: all circuits which are disconnected in
position "3" can be switched on.
To conserve battery power, switch off other
electrical consumers while playing radio in
position "1".
2
Ignition on. All electric circuits are
operational. With the engine stationary, the
central warning light and all individual
warning lights located in both combination
instruments will light up for a bulb check.
3
The starter is operated by turning the
ignition key to the right. As soon as the
engine starts, release the key. It will spring
back to position "2". With the engine
running, the central and individual warning
lights should go out (see "Central warning
light").
To conserve battery power, the electric
circuits for headlights, rear window de-
fogger/defroster, temperature control and
wiper/washer system are temporarily interrupted during the starting process.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10 to 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start the first time or stalls at any
time, the ignition key must be returned to the
"0" position. The non-repeat lock in the switch
prevents the
starter from being operated when the engine is running and guards against
starter damage.
To remove the key and to lock the steering
wheel
, turn the key back to position "0" and
pull out. Turn the steering wheel until it locks.

WARNING
Never remove key from ignition lock or
turn key off while vehicle is moving. The
steering wheel will lock, causing loss of
control.
Instrument panel lights
Warning lights for alternator, oil pressure, and
brake system will light up for a bulb check
when the ignition is turned on. They should go out after the engine is started. The brake
warning light will go out after the parking
brake has been fully released. See
"Warning lights" for more details.
Buzzer
If you leave the key in the ignition/steering
lock, the buzzer will sound when the driver's
door is opened. This is a reminder to remove
the key.
For further details see "Starting Procedures"
on the following page.

24

Starting Procedures

WARNING
Fasten safety belts before driving.
Never start or let the engine run in an enclosed, unventilated area. Exhaust
fumes from the engine contain carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and
odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can be
fatal if inhaled.

Never leave engine idling unattended. An unattended vehicle with a running engine
is potentially hazardous.
Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas where the hot exhaust system may
come in contact with dry grass, brush,
fuel spill or other flammable material.
Never leave engine idling. When starting engine, be ready to drive immediately.
Maintain moderate speed until engine is
warm.

Automatic Transmission - Start with selec-
tor lever in Park.
Manual Transmission - Start with gearshift
lever in Neutral.
Temperature sensors on the engine auto- matically provide the correct fuel/air mixture
required for starting.
Therefore, do not depress the accelerator
pedal while starting a cold or a warm engine.
When starting at very low outside
temperatures , fully depress the clutch pedal,
so that the starter only has to crank the
engine.
As soon as the engine starts, release the ignition key.
If the engine fails to start after 10 to 15
seconds of cranking, wait about 10
seconds before engaging starter again.
Do not let engine idle to warm it up. After
starting, drive vehicle at moderate speeds and with gradual accelerations. Avoid high rpm
and full throttle operation until the engine has
reached normal operating temperature.
Stopping engine
Turn key back to position 0.
Do not stop engine immediately after hard
or extended driving. Keep engine running
at increased idle for about two minutes to
prevent excessive heat buildup before
turning off engine.
WARNING
Before you check anything in the engine compartment, let the engine cool down.
Hot components can burn skin on
contact.

The radiator fan switches on automatically when the coolant reaches a
certain temperature and continues to run
(even with ignition off) until the coolant
temperature drops. Therefore, never
touch the fan blades as they will rotate
spontaneously when the thermoswitch
turns the fan on.

If you have an automatic garage door...
The transistorized ignition system in your
Porsche may interfere with your electronically
operated garage door. To check this: drive
your Porsche close to the garage door and
run the engine at different speeds.
If the garage door opens or closes without
your operating the garage door unit in your
car, contact the dealer who installed the
automatic garage door to have the frequency
and/or coding of the garage door signal
modified.
25

Right Instrument Cluster
The right instrument cluster combines the oil
pressure gauge with the oil pressure warning
light, the voltmeter with the alternator warning
light as well as the brake fluid warning light.

Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is shown in bars. At 5.000 rpm, with the engine at normal operating temperature (approx. 90°C / 194°F), the pressure should be approx. 4 bar. A slight
drop in oil pressure is normal under certain
operating conditions such as prolonged
highway driving in hot weather.
At idle speed, with the engine oil hot, the oil pressure can sink to 0.5 bar - this does not
indicate any loss of engine performance.
However, if the oil pressure drops suddenly
while you are driving, or if the warning light comes on, pull off the road,
stop the engine
and wait for it to cool down. Check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is normal,
contact the nearest dealer.

Oil Pressure
Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light comes on when the ignition is turned on. It should go out when the engine is started and has reached the
correct oil pressure.
If the oil pressure warning light
does not light up when turning the ignition on, or if it does
not go out after starting the engine, contact
your Porsche dealer immediately.
If the oil pressure warning light comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road and stop the engine .
Check the oil level to make sure you have
enough oil. If oil level is correct and the oil pressure warning light is still on, do not driv
e
the vehicle as severe engine damage may
result. Contact your nearest Porsche dealer
for assistance.
An occasional brief flickering of the oil pressure warning light at idle speed and
normal engine temperature is no cause for
concern if the light goes out upon
acceleration.
The oil pressure warning light is not an
indicator for low engine oil level. To check the
oil level, always use the dipstick.
Make it a habit to have the oil level checked
with every fuel filling.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter shows the overall condition of
the charging system. The needle should
normally stay in the 12-
14 volt range when the engine is running. A temporary drop below 12
volts when starting the engine is normal.
38

Alternator Warning Light
The alternator warning light comes on when
the ignition is turned on. It should go out after
the engine is started.
If the alternator warning light does not light
up when turning the ignition on, or if it does
not go out
after starting the engine, there is a malfunction in the electrical system. If this is
the case, contact your Porsche dealer.
WARNING
If the alternator warning light comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road and
stop the engine.
Check whether the Polyrib-belt is slipping or
broken. The Polyrib-belt not only drives the
alternator for battery charging, but also the air
conditioner compressor.
If the light just flickers lightly, the Polyrib bel t
may be loose and is slipping.
The belt should be tightened or replaced
before you continue driving.


Brake Fluid Warning
Light
The brake warning light monitors the hydraulic dual-circuit brake system. It lights up when the ignition is turned on and should go out after
the engine has been started.
If the brake warning light fails to light up when
the ignition is turned on, or if it fails to go out
after the engine is started, there may be a
malfunction in the electrical system. Let your
Porsche dealer locate and correct the
condition promptly.
Should the light come on while driving, the
brake fluid level in the reservoir could be too
low, or one of the dual brake circuits may
have failed. In either case, the brakes will
function but a much longer distance and a far
greater pedal pressure are required to bring
the car to a halt. See "Brakes" for more
details.
Carefully pull off the road and stop. Have
your car towed to the nearest dealer for
repair. Continued operation of a car with
defective brakes is dangerous.
Antilock
The warning light goes on in the event of a
malfunction in the ABS system. The system is
switched off; the normal brake system
remains fully operational. If the light comes
on, take your vehicle to your authorized dealer for service immediately.
Air Bag
See "Air Bag System" for details.

39

Break-in Hints for the first 1.000 miles /
1.600 kilometers
There are no specific break-in rules for your
Porsche. However, by observing a few
precautions you can help extend the service
life and performance of your engine.
During the first 1.000 miles / 1.600 km, all
working components of the engine adjust to
each other to a certain degree. Therefore:
Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops. Change speeds frequently. Vary the throttle
load.
Do not exceed maximum engine speed of
5.000 rpm (revolutions per minute).
Do not run a cold engine at high rpm or in
Neutral.
Do not let the engine labor, especially when
driving uphill. Shift to the next proper gear in
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering, gearshifting or other controls during the break-
in period, which will gradually disappear.
Never lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds. This rule applies all the time, not
just during the break-in period.

Breaking in brake pads
Brake pads do not possess maximum braking
efficiency when the car is new. Therefore
more pedal force is necessary during the first
100 to 150 miles (150 to 250 km). This also
applies to replacement brake pads.

New tires
New tires do not possess maximum traction.
They tend to
be slippery. Break in new tires by driving at moderate speeds during the first 60
to 120 miles (100 to 200 km), and longer
braking distances must be anticipated.
Engine Oil Consumption
During the break-in period oil consumption
may be higher than normal.
As always, the rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine is operated, the climate, road conditions as well as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the lubricant.
Check engine oil level, add if necessary. Make it a habit to have engine oil checked with
every fuel filling.


47

Engine Exhaust WARNING
Engine exhaust is dangerous if inhaled.
Never start or let the engine run in a closed garage. Never sit in your car for
prolonged periods with the engine on and
the car not moving.
Although exhaust fumes from the engine have many components which you can smell, they also contain carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can be fatal if inhaled.
If you smell gas fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows open but keep the
hatchback closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.
Because of inherent hazards, we do not recommend transporting objects larger
than those fitting safely into the luggage
compartment. Keep the hatchback closed
while driving to prevent poisonous
exhaust gas from being drawn into the
vehicle.
Never carry additional fuel containers in your vehicle. Such containers, full or
partially empty, may leak, cause an
explosion, or result in fire in case of a
collision.


Operating Your Porsche in other Countries Government regulations in the United States
and Canada require that automobiles meet
specific emission regulations and safety
standards.
Therefore cars built for the U.S. and Canada
differ from vehicles sold in other countries.
If you plan to take your Porsche outside the
continental limits of the United States or
Canada, there is the possibility that
unleaded fuel may not be available;
unleaded fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating. Excessive engine knock and
serious damage to both engine and catalytic
converter could result;
service may be inadequate due to lack of
proper service facilities, tools or diagnostic
equipment;
replacement parts may not be available or
very difficult to get.
Porsche cannot be responsible for the
mechanical damage that could result
because of inadequate fuel, service or
parts availability.
If you bought your car abroad and want to
bring it back home, be sure to find out about
shipping and forwarding requirements, as well as current import and customs regulations.

48

Tar or oil
Do not allow tar or oil to remain on the paint.
Remove as soon as possible with a cloth
soaked with a special paint cleaner. If you do
not have a tar or oil remover, you may
substitute with turpentine. After applying a
cleaning fluid, always wash with a lukewarm
soap water solution and apply a new wax
coat.
Insects
Remove as soon as possible with a lukewarm
soap/water solution or apply insect remover.
Tree sap Remove with a lukewarm soap/water solution. Do not allow tree sap or bird droppings to
harden on the paint.
Windows
Keep silicone sprays off the windshield to
avoid wiper smear in rain.
Generally, highway dust that settles on the
outside of the windshield contains material
worn from tires and oil residues. On the inside surfaces of the windshields, particularly in
strong sunlight, there are build-ups of dust
from the interior decor. These buildups are
reinforced by pollution in the air

brought in with the fresh air supply. Use a
lukewarm soap/water solution or an alcohol
based commercial window cleaning agent for t
he inside and outside. If a chamois is used for polishing the glass, it should exclusively be
used for that purpose.
To assure that windshield washers also
function at freezing temperatures, antifreeze
must be added to the washer fluids reservoirs
beforehand. It is advisable to use window
washer solvent with anti-freeze all year round. Follow directions on the can for the right
amounts to be used. Do not use engine
coolant anti-freeze or any other solution
that can damage the paint.
In vehicles with Sekurif
lex windshields, the plastic coating on the inside of the
windshield must not have gummed labels
put on it or be cleaned using abrasive
agents or dry methods. If very dirty, it can
be cleaned with benzine. The use of
benzine in a confined environment may be
dangerous to your health. Make certain
that the plastic coating is not damaged in
cleaning by hard objects such as jewelry
or wristwatches.
Do not remove ice on the inside of the
windshield by any means except warm air
from the defroster nozzles. Do not use any
deicer sprays, scratching tools, or
scrapers!

A foil base must be applied to the windshield prior to application of any labels or stickers
such as those used for state registration or
inspections. Failure to utilize foil base
between sticker or label and the Sekuriflex
coating will result in damage to the Sekuriflex
coating. Three foil bases were included with
the vehicle and additional foil bases may be
ordered from any Porsche dealer.
Instructions:
1. Clean the windshield in the area for
application.
2.
Cut the base of the foil to the required size.
Round off the edges.
3.
Pull off the protective film.
4. Spray the gummed side of the foil base and the windshield with a soap solution (distilled water and liquid soap or grease-free
detergent in a mixing ratio 10:1).
5.
Apply the foil base to the windshield and spray it once again.
6. Any liquid and bubbles under the foil base must be brushed out using a flexible plastic
scraper.
7.
Dry the windshield using a soft cloth.
8. Install label/sticker on the foil base.
63

When removing the label/sticker or the
backing foil, first spray the foil with a soapy
solution (see point 4).
Wiper blades
Always loosen frozen wiper blades from glass as they may tear otherwise.
Remove all wiper blades periodically and
clean them thoroughly with an alcohol base
cleaning solution. Use a sponge or soft cloth
and wipe lengthwise.
Weatherstrips
To seal properly, weatherstrips around hood,
hatch, windows, doors, etc., must be pliable.
Spray with silicone or coat with talcum powder or glycerin to retain flexibility of the rubber and to protect against freezing in the winter.
Light alloy wheels
To preserve the decorative appearance of the
light aluminium castings, some special care is
necessary. Aside from road dirt and salt
sprays, brake metal dust will exert corrosive
effects.
If left on too long, brake metal dust can cause
pitting. Wash the wheels with a sponge or
hose brush every other week.

Roads salts should be removed weekly with
an acid free cleaning solution.
The acid free cleaning solution must not have
a pH value greater than 10 (see explanation),
in case of doubt, it is recommended to check
with the manufacturer of that particular cleaner.
Every three months (after regular cleaning)
the wheels should be coated with petroleum
jelly. Rub it in firmly with a soft cloth. Never use abrasive or metal polishing cleaning
agents.
Explanation of pH value
The pH value is a measurement for the
hydrogen-ion concentration in a liquid. This
value tells if the liquid reaction is sour (acid) o r alkaline (lye solution). At a pH value of 7, the reaction of the liquid is
neutral (that is, chemically clean water), it is
not an acid or alkaline. Acids have a pH value
under 7, the strength of the acid increases
with a lower pH value. Alkaline lies between a pH value of 7 and 14, the strength of the
alkaline increases with higher pH values.

For example: a mineral water mixed with
carbon dioxide has a pH value of 6-6.5,
reaction is also light sour. Battery acid in
comparison has a pH value of 1.
or
the pH value for normal soap solution is 8-9,
but the soap solution for a dishwasher is
approximately 12.5, this would not be suitable
for wheel cleaning.
Your Porsche dealer can advise you which
product to use.
Remember that moisture and road salt on
brakes may affect braking efficiency. Test
the brakes after each car or wheel wash.


64

944

944 S

944 Turbo Engine Oil Level
Engine oil consumption
It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the
quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate, road
conditions as well as the amount of dilution
and oxidation of the lubricant.
Because of these variables, no standard rate
of oil consumption can be established, but
drivers should expect an increased oil
consumption at high speeds and when the
engine is new.
The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lubricate and cool all of its moving
parts. Therefore, the engine oil should be
checked regularly and kept at the required level.
Make it a habit to have the engine oil level checked with every fuel filling. Lack of sufficient engine oil may lead to severe engine damage. The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level indicator.
Checking oil level
To get a true reading, the car should be on
level ground. After turning off the engine, wait
a few minutes for the oil to return to the oil
sump.
1. Pull out dipstick and wip
e it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Reinsert dipstick: push it in all the way
down for an accurate reading.
3.
Pull dipstick out again. The oil level is
correct if it is between the "max" and "min"
marks on the dipstick.
4.
If oil level is below "min" mark, or not
showing on dipstick, add oil immediately.
The difference between the "max" and "min",
marks is about 1 U.S. quart or 1 liter. 69



Adding engine oil Only add the amount of oil that is needed. The correct oil grade and viscosity
recommendation is given under "Engine Oils". 1. Remove oil filler cap and remove dipstick.
2. Top up with quality oil labeled "API Service
SE or SF".
3.
Check oil level with the dipstick. The "max"
mark should not be exceeded.
4.
Replace cap and tighten securely.
WARNING
The oil filler cap and dipstick must be
secure to avoid oil spills and resulting fire
hazard.

944-Turbo
Engine Guard
Before working on the underside of the engine for the 944 Turbo, remove the two-part engine guard.

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Changing Engine Oil
and Filter
High quality-multi-
grade oils are suitable for all year round driving. Seasonal oil changes are
therefore not necessary. Only if multi-grade
oils are not readily available, a single-
grade oil of the correct viscosity can be used.
Specifications of the various oils to be used
are detailed under "Filling Capacities and
Engine Oil". The use of oil additives is not
recommended by Porsche.
WARNING

When removing oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arms as high as
possible. This will prevent hot oil from
running down your arm. Wear eye
protection.
Always use a new gasket when reinstalling the plug. Do not overtighten
the plug.
Before changing the engine oil yourself,
make sure that the disposal of the engine
oil and the oil filter, as special wastes, can
be carried out in the proper manner. Under absolutely no circumstance should used
oil find its way into the sewage system,
soil, rivers, ponds, or other
environmentally damaging areas. If there is no possibility of disposing of used oil in the proper manner
(when in doubt, consult local authorities),
please have the oil changed by your dealer or a service station.

Oil change intervals specified in the Warranty
& Maintenance booklet accompanying the
vehicle apply to normal operating conditions
and must be adhered to, including intervals for oil filter change.
If you drive mostly short distances, or if you
operate the vehicle in dusty areas, or under
predominantly stop-and-go traffic conditions,
or when temperatures remain below freezing
for extended periods, the engine oil should be
changed more frequently.
When chang
ing the engine oil and the oil filter, the splash shield under the car has to be
removed first.
Drain the oil when the engine is still warm.
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The oil filter should be changed at the inter-
vals listed in your Maintenance Schedule.
1. Unscrew the oil drain plug (arrow), remove the oil filler cap and allow oil to drain
completely.
2.
Loosen oil filter element with appropriate wrench and remove.
3. Lightly coat new filter seal with engine oil.
4. Screw on filter by hand until gasket
contacts, tighten by one further turn and
finally recheck tightness of filter with the oil
filter wrench.
Specified tightening torque:
20 Nm (14 ftlb).
5.
Clean oil drain plug. Always use a new
gasket when reinstalling the plug. Do not
overtighten the plug. Correct tightening
torque is 43 ft. Ib. or 60 Nm.
6.
Fill the crankcase with the required amount of engine oil labeled "API Service SE or SF" (see "Filling Capacities"). Do not overfill.
7. Check oil level with dipstick. Top up if necessary. Reinstall oil filler cap and tighten securely.
8. Run the engine at various speeds for 3-5
minutes and check for leaks.
See Exercise Extreme Caution


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944 S

944 Turbo

9. When air bubbles at vent plug disappear, tighten the plug (required torque is 15-18
Nm or 11-13 ft lb).
10.
Check coolant level in tank and top up to
"max" mark, if necessary.
11.
Reinstall the expansion tank filler cap. After a test drive recheck the coolant level. See "filling capacities" for amount
required.


Manual Transmission oil
Both transmission and final drive are
combined in one housing. The lubricant used
is hypoid oil.
The manual transmission oil should be
checked and changed by your Porsche dealer
and at the intervals specified in your
Maintenance Schedule.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid The torque converter and the transmission are lubricated with Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF). The final drive requires hypoid oil SAE
90 only.
Do not tow the car or run the engine
without ATF in the transmission.
Checking the ATF level
The ATF has to be checked at frequent
intervals, for instance, when the engine oil is
being checked or at least at the specified
intervals (see Maintenance schedule). A
correct ATF level is very important for the
proper functioning of the transmission. The
reading should be done when the ATF is warm, with the engine idling, the selector lever in Neutral and the parking brake applied.
The level of the ATF fluid can be checked
visually through the transparent reservoir. This reservoir is located at the rear end of the
transmission housing. You have enough ATF
if the fluid level is between the Min. and Max.
marks. It should never be above or below
these marks.
The difference between the two marks is 1
U.S. pint or 0.4 liter.
If level is too high or too low do not just add or
drain ATF. Have your dealer check and
correct the cause as soon as possible.
For correct ATF specifications, see "Filling
Capacities".
Changing the ATF

The ATF and the hypoidoil in the final drive
has to be changed at specified intervals (see
Maintenance schedule).
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Brake Fluid Reservoir


The brake fluid reservoir is in the engine
compartment. The reservoir has two
chambers, the front chamber for one brake
circuit and the rear chamber for the second
brake circuit and the hydraulic clutch.
The fluid level should be checked regularly. If
the level drops below the "min" mark on the
transparent reservoir, the cause should be
located and corrected by your dealer.
To add brake fluid , unscrew the cap. The
vent bore in the cap should be kept clean and
open.


944 / 944 S WARNING

Every 2 years the brake fluid has to be replaced. See your Warranty &
Maintenance booklet.
If brake fluid must be added to the reservoir, use only new and unused DOT
3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, that meets SAE
specification J1703 and conforms to
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116.
Do not use any other brake fluid or brake fluids that have absorbed moisture from
the open air, or brake fluid that is dirty. It
may cause premature wear or unreliable
braking action.


Do not add or mix DOT 5 silicone type brake fluid with the brake fluid in your
vehicle as severe component corrosion
may result. Such corrosion could lead to
brake system failure.
The brake warning light does not indicate brake fluid level. Check fluid level
between regular maintenance services.
Brake fluid is poisonous. Brake fluid is also harmful to the paint of your vehicle.
Checking Brake Pads
Brake pad wear will mainly depend upon the
degree of usage, and the type of driving you
do.
Thickness of the pads should be checked
during regular maintenance or whenever the
wheels are taken off (visual check). The brake pads must be thick enough between the brake pad plate and the cross spring to allow a
reserve for further wear (see illustration).
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944 Turbo

944

944 Turbo
The permissible wear limit has been reached
once the brake pad plate comes to rest
against the cross spring (brake pad thickness
approx. 0.08 in or 2 mm).
We also suggest that the condition of the
brake pads be checked prior to going on long
trips. Air Filter
A dirty air cleaner not only reduces engine performance, but can lead to premature
engine wear. If driving is mostly done in areas
where the air is very dusty, the air cleaner must be checked and cleaned frequently,
perhaps daily.
The paper filter element must never be
cleaned or soaked with gasoline, cleaning
solvents or oil.
To clean or replace
the filter element
944 / 944 Turbo

1. Loosen hose clamp at filter housing cover (arrow) and pull off hose.
2.
Loosen mounting screws with screw driver
and lift up filter housing cover. On the 944
Turbo, also remove the air intake funnel.
3.
Remove filter element and clean inside of
housing with a slightly oiled, lint-free cloth.
4.
Replace filter element or shake out dirt to
clean.
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