1983 Porsche 944 problems
The Porsche 944 is a sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1982 until 1991. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive mid-level model based on the 924 platform, the 944 was available in coupé or cabriolet body styles, with either naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines. With over 163,000 cars produced, the 944 was the most successful sports car in Porsche's history until the introductions of the Boxster and 997 Carrera.
Extensive design revisions for the 1992 model year prompted Porsche to drop the 944 nameplate and rebrand the vehicle as the 968.
History
The 924 had originally been a project of VW-Porsche, a joint Porsche/Volkswagen company incorporated to develop and produce the 914 which was sold in Europe badged as both a Porsche and a Volkswagen. In 1972, a replacement for the Volkswagen version of the 914, code named EA-425 began development. The model was to be sold as an Audi as part of the VW-Audi-Porsche marketing arrangement. Porsche was to manufacture its own version of the car. At one point, Volkswagen head Rudolf Leidig declared the EX-425 was going to be a Volkswagen exclusively, thus denying Porsche's version of the 914's replacement. Although testing had begun in the Spring of 1974, Volkswagen cancelled the EX-425 program, the reason being significant financial losses due to declining sales and rising development costs for new vehicles as well as the departure of Leidig. The recently introduced Volkswagen Scirocco was expected to fill the sports coupé market segment and the unfinished project was handed over to Audi to serve as the replacement for the Audi 100.
The cancellation of the EX-425 program led Porsche to market an entry level car to replace the 912E, which was a US-only stop-gap model for 1976, and their version of the 914, which was discontinued in 1975. Porsche purchased the design and the finished development mule with a Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system from Volkswagen. The vehicle, dubbed the 924, received positive reviews, but was criticised by Porsche enthusiasts for its Audi-sourced 2.0 L engine. In 1979, Porsche introduced a Turbocharged version of the 924 to increase performance, but this model carried a high price. Rather than scrapping the model from its line-up, Porsche decided to develop the 944, as they had done with generations of the 911; although model numbers would change, the 924 would provide the basis for this new mid level model.
The prototype of this mid level model debuted at LeMans in 1981, an unusual strategy implemented by Porsche at the time. Called the 924 GTP LeMans, the car was based on the 924 Carrera GT LeMans that competed in the event prior to the GTP's introduction. The most noticeable change in the new race car was the departure from the Audi sourced 2.0 L inline-4 engine in favour of the 2.5 L engine developed by Porsche. The new engine was mounted at an angle of 45 degree to the right and utilised a dual overhead camshaft along with counter rotating balance shafts, an unusual feature for its time that provided better weight distribution and ensured smooth power delivery by eliminating inherent vibrations resulting in the engine lasting longer. A single KKK turbocharger producing 15.5 psi (1.1 bar) enabled the engine to generate a maximum power output of 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp) at 6,800 rpm. The engine also utilised Bosch's prototype Motronic engine management system to control ignition timing, fuel injection and boost pressure. The new race car proved to be much more fuel efficient than its predecessor, stopping only 21 times in 24 hours for fuel. The 924 GTP managed seventh position overall behind the race winning 936 and a class win at the GTP+ 3.0 category in 1981 before being retired and stored in the Porsche museum. In 1982, Porsche debuted the production road legal version of the race car, called the 944. The car utilised many technologies its race bred sibling had used, including the balance shafts and the engine management system, but power was toned down for safety purposes.
The new all-alloy 2,479 cc (2.5 L; 151.3 cu in) inline-four engine, with a bore of 100 mm (3.94 in) and stroke of 78.9 mm (3.11 in), was in essence, half of the later 928's 5.0 L V8 engine, although very few parts were actually interchangeable. Not typical in luxury sports cars, the four-cylinder engine was chosen for fuel efficiency and size, because it had to be fitted from below on the Neckarsulm production line. To overcome roughness caused by the unbalanced secondary forces that are typical of inline four-cylinder engines, Porsche included two counter-rotating balance shafts running at twice the engine speed. Invented in 1904 by British engineer Frederick Lanchester, and further developed and patented in 1975 by Mitsubishi Motors, balance shafts carry eccentric weights which produce inertial forces that balance out the unbalanced secondary forces, making a four-cylinder engine feel as smooth as a six-cylinder engine. Porsche spent some time trying to develop their own system, but when they realised that they could not improve on the system developed by Mitsubishi, they chose to pay the licensing fees rather than come up with a variation just different enough to circumvent the patent. The licensing fees were about US$7–8 per car, which translated to about US$100 (equivalent to $316 in 2023) for the consumer to pay. The engine was factory-rated at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) in its U.S. configuration. Revised bodywork with wider wheel arches, similar to that of the 924 Carrera GT, a fresh interior and upgrades to the braking and suspension systems rounded out the major changes.
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Common 1983 Porsche 944 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Porsche 944 1983 based on complaints from owners:
- Cam Chain Tensioner Failure:
- The Porsche 944S (single S) had a cam chain tensioner issue that could lead to catastrophic engine failure, potentially destroying the engine. This problem was not present in the Turbo, Turbo S, and base models.
- DME Relay Failure:
- DME (Digital Motor Electronics) relay failure is a common issue in the Porsche 944, affecting the engine's electronic control unit. This can lead to starting issues and engine performance problems.
- Bad Water Pump:
- Water pump failures are common in the Porsche 944, leading to cooling system issues and potential overheating problems. Regular maintenance and checks are essential to prevent this issue.
- Cruise Control Wiring Failure:
- Failure in the cruise control wiring system can occur in the Porsche 944, necessitating the replacement of the computer and servo. This can be an expensive repair for owners.
- Leaking Oil Seals and Coolant Hoses:
- The Porsche 944 is prone to oil and coolant leaks, with common leak points including the oil pan gasket, crank seals, head cover gasket, coolant hoses, and water pump. Regular checks for leaks are crucial to maintain the vehicle.
- Cracked Dash:
- A cracked dashboard is a common issue in the Porsche 944, affecting the interior aesthetics of the car. This problem is often encountered due to age and exposure to sunlight.
- Vacuum Leaks:
- Vacuum leaks can be tricky to diagnose in the Porsche 944 since the car is not OBD-equipped. These leaks can lead to performance issues and require careful troubleshooting to identify and fix.
- Rear Hatch Glass Separation:
- Installing new trunk struts can cause the rear hatch glass to separate from the frame in the Porsche 944. This issue can be challenging to resolve and may require specialized repair techniques.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections for Porsche 944 owners to ensure the longevity and performance of their vehicles.
1983 Porsche 944 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche 944 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Porsche 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Porsche 944 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Porsche 944.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-03
- VIN: WP0AA0940DN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING COUPLER, MANUFACTURER'S PART NUMBER 944 347 027 01 - DRIVE SHAFT, HAS FAILED. DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CARDAN JOINT IS LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AS IT HAS ON MY OTHER 944. NO ACCIDENT HAS RESULTED. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED.
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WP0AA0942DN
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I RAN MY AUTOMOBILE THROUGH YOR RECALL SYSTEM AND IT CAME UP THAT I HAD 2 RECALLS ONE THE REAR SUSPENSION OR FRAME ON DRIVER SIDE REAR & 2 THE REAR SAFTEY BELTS PLEASE NOTIFY ME THAT THE RECALLS WERE TAKEN CARE OFF. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WP0AA-946DN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK LEAKS AT THE CREASE AT THE TOP OF THE TANK. NLM
1983 Porsche 944 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1983 Porsche 944.
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
- Summary: REAR SPRING PLATES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TEMPERED AND ARE NOT OF THE PROPER HARDNESS VALUE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE PLATES COULD CRACK AND/OR BREAK, AFFECT LATERAL GUIDANCE OF THE REAR WHEEL, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: TEST TO IDENTIFY SPRING PLATES WHICH ARE IMPROPERLY HARDENED AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT INCLUDE EMERGENCY-LOCKING OR AUTOMATIC-LOCKING RETRACTORS. THE BELTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
- Remedy: RECALLED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT AND A PORTION TO THE LEFT BELT REPLACED WITH RETRACTABLE BELTS.
Other years of Porsche 944
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