1979 Porsche 924 problems

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The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced by Porsche in Neckarsulm, Germany, from 1976 until 1988. A two-door, 2+2 coupé, the 924 replaced the 912E and 914 as the company's entry-level model.

Although the 928 was designed first, the 924 was the first production road-going Porsche to use water cooling and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It was also the first Porsche to be offered with a conventional fully automatic transmission.

The 924 made its public debut in November 1975 and a turbocharged version was introduced in 1978. In response to increasing competition, Porsche introduced an upgraded and re-engined version as the 944, which replaced the 924 in the U.S. in 1983. In 1985, Audi discontinued the engine used in the 924, prompting Porsche to use a slightly detuned 944 engine in the 924, rename the vehicle as the 924S, and reintroduce it in the U.S. The 924 was a sales success, with just over 150,000 produced.

1979 Porsche 924

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Common 1979 Porsche 924 problems

The Porsche 924, produced from 1979 to 1985, is known for several common issues that can affect its performance and reliability. These problems include electrical issues, engine and transmission problems, and suspension and steering issues.

Electrical issues are a common problem with the Porsche 924, particularly in the earlier models produced between 1976 and 1985. These issues can include the failure of the alternator, which can lead to a dead battery and leave the car unable to start. Additionally, issues with the battery cables or connections can cause electrical problems that may result in the car not starting or the headlights flickering or dimming. Another common electrical issue with the Porsche 924 is related to the car's various sensors, such as the coolant temperature sensor or the oxygen sensor. A malfunctioning sensor can cause the engine to run poorly, resulting in reduced power or stalling. The fuse box on the Porsche 924 is also known to be problematic, as the plastic housing can become brittle and crack over time. This can lead to issues with the car's electrical system, including blown fuses and intermittent electrical faults. Lastly, the Porsche 924 is known for having problems with its wiring harness, which can become brittle and deteriorate over time. This can cause a variety of electrical problems, such as shorts or open circuits in the wiring, resulting in malfunctions in various components of the car.

Engine problems are another common issue with the Porsche 924. The car's engine can experience oil leaks, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn gaskets or seals. Overheating can also be a problem with the Porsche 924's engine, which can be caused by a malfunctioning cooling system or a lack of coolant. Timing belt failure is another common issue with the Porsche 924's engine, which can result in serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. Ignition system problems can also occur, which can cause the car to have difficulty starting or running poorly.

Transmission problems are another common issue with the Porsche 924. These problems can include gear grinding, difficulty shifting gears, and clutch problems. Gear grinding can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn gears or synchronizers, while difficulty shifting gears can be caused by a lack of transmission fluid or a malfunctioning clutch.

Suspension and steering problems are also common with the Porsche 924. These problems can include worn ball joints, steering wheel vibration, and strut mount failure. Worn ball joints can cause the car to have difficulty steering or handling poorly, while steering wheel vibration can be caused by a variety of factors, including wheel imbalance or suspension problems. Strut mount failure can cause the car to have difficulty handling or even become unsafe to drive.

In addition to these common issues, the Porsche 924 also has model-specific issues, such as fuel system problems and electrical problems in the 1976-1985 models, and engine misfires and fuel injector problems in the 1986-1988 models. The Porsche 924 Turbo, produced from 1979 to 1982, is known for having problems with its turbocharger, which can run its bearings because the oil protecting them overheats after shutdown.

In conclusion, the Porsche 924 is known for several common issues that can affect its performance and reliability. These problems include electrical issues, engine and transmission problems, and suspension and steering issues. It is important for owners of the Porsche 924 to be aware of these common issues and to address them promptly to ensure the car's continued performance and reliability.

1979 Porsche 924 engine

Is the 1979 Porsche 924 reliable?

Apparently the Porsche 924 as a whole was reliable. The '79 appears to be one of the earlier models, which means it has more VW (Audi) parts than the later early '80s turbocharged models. The one drawback of the early 924 (non-turbo) seems to be it lacked speed.

What is the hot start problem on the Porsche 924?

The most common hot-start problem source in a 924, is/are the fuel accumulators. Some cars have one, some have two. They are located in the rear in line with the fuel pump and tank. There is a small screw at the bottom of these, if you remove it and it leaks fuel, then the accumulator is shot.

Is Porsche 924 good?

Early 924s have their fans for the simplicity of their design and the period paint colours and interior fabric designs. They are decent to drive, but the four-speed manual, and especially the three-speed auto, are not as good to use as the later transmissions.

Did the Porsche 924 have an Audi engine?

Porsche broke new ground when it came to powering the 924: For the first time, a water-cooled front-mounted engine with in-line cylinders was used. The 125-PS engine was taken from the Audi 100 and modified accordingly by Porsche. The drive was transmitted via a transaxle construction.

1979 Porsche 924 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche 924 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Porsche 924 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Porsche 924 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Porsche 924.

1999-07-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-07
  • VIN: 29249201853
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHENEVER CLUTCH IS RELEASED, IT WOULD CAUSE VEHICLE TO JERK FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE & THE CLUTCH PEDAL. *AK
1996-09-24

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1980-01-01
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER GROUND SCREW LOOSENS UP, CAUSING WIPERS TO COME ON WITHOUT WARNING.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Porsche 924 problems:

What mechanical issues should I look for in a Porsche 924? - Quora
What mechanical issues should I look for in a Porsche 924? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/What-mechanical-issues-should-I-look-for-in-a-Porsche-924

Apr 18, 2019 ... Engine mounts failing. Water pump, headlight motor. Oil leaks due to aged seals. Dash cracking due to heat. Usual age related issues e.g. paint ...

Porsche 924 buyers guide | Porsche 924 register | Porsche Club GB ...
Porsche 924 buyers guide | Porsche 924 register | Porsche Club GB ...
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/registers/classic/924/porsche-924-buyers-guide

Age related issues include a corroded or previously crashed bodyshell. The large 7mm panel gaps that adorn the 924 were very old fashioned even in the 1970s, ...

Is a 1979 Porsche 924 reliable? - Quora
Is a 1979 Porsche 924 reliable? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Is-a-1979-Porsche-924-reliable

May 5, 2017 ... Apparently the Porsche 924 as a whole was reliable. The '79 appears to be one of the earlier models, which means it has more VW (Audi) parts ...

Porsche 924 Questions - I am looking at buying a 1979 924 porsche ...
Porsche 924 Questions - I am looking at buying a 1979 924 porsche ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c7879_ds556037

Aug 15, 2013 ... 100k hard local road miles from 1979-1983 in a non-salt area. No major engine issues, tires, brakes, exhaust were replaced. 2 people think this ...

View topic - Misfire Problems '77 924 Porsche - 924Board.org
View topic - Misfire Problems '77 924 Porsche - 924Board.org
http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=31308&sid=fb8fa9e74b954f18cb71f64f5379b6e9

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 1:14 pm Post subject: Misfire Problems '77 924 Porsche ... (I understand this is common problem) However, if the injector is pulled out it does spray fuel with 10.5 ... 1979 porsche 924 Na

Other years of Porsche 924

porsche 924 1987 photo
924 1987
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porsche 924 1988 photo
924 1988
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porsche 924 1979 photo
924 1979
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1979 Porsche 924 photo