mcnallyj

Hi everyone. I'm the proud new owner of a 1985.5 944. Like every other teen of the 80's, I dreamed of these cars from day one off the assembly line. I 'm in the process of restoring the car and thanks to this forum, I've been able to correct allot of issues. Currently, I'm trying to get the car to start and it just won't turn over. So far I've replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, DME relay, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, & battery. I do get tack bounce while cranking, so I believe that usually indicates the speed and reference sensors are not the problem. I unscrewed the end plug of the fuel rail (and by the way, no ball bearing!!!) and cranked the engine to see if I was getting fuel and nothing came out. So I obviously have a fuel delivery issue. Since I've replaced the fuel pump, filter, & dME relay, could it be an issue w/ the DME unit itself? Please help!!!!!!

flightline

Have you checked fuse 34? You should be getting battery voltage at the fuse when cranking. If not, I think it would have to be either the DME or the wiring, or possibly (hopefully not) a problem with the central electrical panel.

Also check the ground at the fuel pump.

mcnallyj

Thanks for the quick reply flightline! I did physically check the DME fuse and it looked fine. Just as a precaution I replaced it w/ the spare in the fuse panel. I will check the ground wire to the fuel pump. Thanks for the suggestion.

JimV8

Check the coil.

flightline

If there's no fuel pressure I don't see how that could possibly be the problem.

Funn944

If the DME relay is bad it can cause a no fuel pressure issue.

mcnallyj

Thanks again for everyones responses. I did replace the DME relay. I'm going to double check the connections on the fuel pump. I also pulled the DME unit, removed the cover and I'm going to split the two halfs and check for any cracks in the soder.

odurandina

dear op,

yes, it's a very common first post here on the RL944 channel. and a Godsend for bringing in new RL944 forum members....

it's known as the 'i've changed out every electronic gizmo and the car still won't start' post...

welcome to the 944... unfortunately, Porsche is not building an updated wiring harness, alarm, DME and fuse box w/ assorted relays to help keep our cars on the road....

i have no idea what the problem could be. but it could be related to the alarm system. try bypassing the old alarm. its located in an area of the car that collects a lot of moisture (under the passenger footwell) and is problably fried.... and it's really a simple matter; when it goes bad, it will take down your DME. and when you change out the DME, it may fry that one too.

if that doesn't work get a tester and start searching for shorts.

good luck,

od.



p.s. look on the bright side. at least you're not attempting to revive an old E-type Jag or Sunbeam.

xschop

There should be a thread titled...."Just spent a Grand and only needed a jumper wire...and a few drinks"

Grandpa#3

Hello, You might check out the below link as it gives a list of things to check. See post #3

https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...tart-help.html

Cheers,
Larry

txhokie4life

Does your tack wiggle at startup?

If not by some means or another you are not getting the reference signal to your DME.

If your DME has no power you will get this.
If you do not have timing correct you will get this
If your CPS is not functioning properly you will get this.

In our race cars -- its the first thing I check for when the car doesn't start.

You can also put a timing light on your ignition wires and see if you are getting spark.

flightline

From the OP:
I had forgotton about the alarm system. Check this out for instructions to bypass it and see if that fixes it:
http://clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/elect-23.htm

mcnallyj

I don't believe my car is equiped w/ an alarm but I'll double check. Another question, where are the grounds contacts located in the engine compartment. Thanks.

944_S_TYPE

Primary engine ground is located on the back of the Engine Bellhousing. Be careful not to drop the Bolt down the inspection hole to the flywheel... (tape the hole, or place a rag over it. there is also a chassis ground in the battery box. just follow the Negitive wires... I would suggest making up a new set of primary ground wires sooner than later. They all eventually fail.

Picture is looking down at rear of bellhousing. black wire is ground wire. Just to the Right (drivers side) is the hole to block off.

flightline

Did you chop the speed/reference sensor cables? Are you running some kind of aftermarket engine management?