laptop

Hello,

I have a 1984 non turbo 944 that will not start. Ok how about a story....

One day, I wanted to go for a drive, and I got into my car, but to no avail it wouldn't start. It was running as it normally did the day before. My dad (with his overwhelming amount of luck he has) magically started it. So I drove to where I needed to be (it was running like normal), when i was done there and wanted to leave, again...yeah, except i couldn't get it to start at all.

Anyway, I got someone to check it out and it was only getting a spark on one cylinder. He changed out the plugs, distributor cap and rotter. Now I have no spark at all. We tried out a new coil, but noting. It's getting fuel so its not the DME relay. Any ideas?

Thanks.

JakeS2

Worn out referense sensor on the flywheel could cause engine not firing up.

onefastviking

Reference sensor connectors are plastic and seem to disentigrate due to heat and time thus causing a poor connection and no sensor signal. Check both sensor connections, at back of engine area.

quinnfiske

Also might be the DME relay. If it is bad, won't enable the engine CPU and/or fuel pump. Good idea to have a spare around.

laptop

Where exactly are the reference sensor/connectors.

Thank you for the responses thus far.

quinnfiske

At the back of the cylinder head. Between the head and the firewall. There are two dark brown connectors mounted in an aluminum bracket. The sensors themselves are in the bellhousing directly below. Try wiggling them gently and try it again. This thread may be of some help:


https://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-and-turbo-s-forum/291967-for-those-who-are-tired-of-wiggling-the-speed-and-reference-connectors.html

laptop

Ok, I checked the connectors and I noticed that they are cracked as (poorly) pictured in the link.

http://bayimg.com/DaKmaaabd

Is this the source of my troubles. I tried wiggling them, but nothing.

I wonder, sense the car ran fine after it was started by my dad that time... could it start by popping the clutch? Just a thought.

quinnfiske

That is them. There is a way of testing them. Unplug them and test the resistance. (Get some contact cleaner at Radio Shack and clean them at the same time). That will tell you if the sensors are working, but not if the connectors are the problem. Take a look at Clarks for the proceedure. It is under the "workshop" section.

http://www.clarks-garage.com/

mtccl

DME Relay
Reference Sensors
Coil wire
Coil
Ignition switch


What I would check in that order.

Jfrahm

Sparking on one cyl = broken timing belt, generally. Have you checked? Does it spin over fast and sound like a sewing machine?

-Joel.

SolReaver

ok, check all the grounds. even the little hard to get to one at the back of the bell housing. I am assuming you checked the fuse(s). Which cyl was firing? if it was #1, I am thinking one of the sensors may have joined the dark side. Be careful if you have to remove the sensor(s) as they are fragile. Also the connections to the sensor may be so brittle they disintegrate in your hands quite literally.

onefastviking

Unlikely from his symptom of no start, then started for dad and drove, and then back to no start.
I guess maybe it could have jumped time and then spun a few more teeth off to cause the complete no start, seems unlikely but easy enough to check. I'd still guess ref. sensors first. Or possible old DME relay.

JimV8

Ref sensors can go intermittent. I had a no start when the engine was hot only and that was fixed by changing one of two. They are identical btw except for a slightly longer wire on one.

laptop

SolReaver,
Yeah, cyl #1 was firing

Isn't the DME relay for the fuel pump?

Yeah, it probably is the sensors. I had a someone look at it and he replace the stuff mentioned it the first post. I'm thinking he messed it up more. He put the auto zone purple lube stuff between the rotor and the rod it connects to. He didn't charge anything for labor. I sense then removed the lube but do you think that could had caused the issue of absolute no spark? Is this a big deal?

hammerfall

I was driving the 944, day was hot, ran on the hot side temp-wise, but it ran great. Have checked coil, DME ect.Thinking about new wires but I think hot weather fried a sensor- where should I start or what is the typical culpret, Mechanic is mystfied and I don't want to start replacing good parts! Has to be a part subject to hot driving, stop and go traffic.