joeystanker

Hello all,

I have got a lot out of reading many of the threads here and it's time I start one of my own.

So, I am a new owner of an 1983 944. She is nice shape and I have been fixing things here and there.
As of right now the tachometer and clock are not functioning.
I bought a second "functioning" tachometer off Ebay (Made a good Porsche buddy in the process). I plugged it in and nothing. I noticed that the plug wire space for PIN #2 was empty. That is a problem, yes?



Also I noticed these wires that were disconnected. I would love some help identifying them.









Everything else in the car appears to work so I'm hoping these have to do with the tachometer and clock.

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance,
Joey

odonnell

Joey, good to see you on here!

My money says that 2pin connector coming off the DME loom is the problem.

Check out this thread:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...king-help.html

joeystanker

When you say "DME loom", you mean the wire harness itself? Yes? That may be an issue as well. But it is a problem that the 6 port plug going in to the tachometer has nothing in the position for PIN #2. This is indicated by the blue arrow on the first image in this thread. There isn't even a metal sleeve in the plug where a wire may have come out of.

A couple things that have my curiosity:
1. Was there previously a wire there for the PIN #2?
2. Did someone actually remove the wire/sleeve from the plug?
3. The tachometers I have do not have a ground port, is that a 1983 model thing?
4. Is there a chance that the orphan wires hanging in images 2, 3, and 4 have anything to do with this.
5. What would be the best way to test the wires/tachometer, I'd love to do so with my multimeter but not burn it out ;-)






What do you think?

Joey

joeystanker

Hello All,

With the help/advice/encouragement of SausageHacker I have a little success this evening.

So these wires were hanging:


These wires were exposed when I
- unplugged and removed the DME
- and pulled back the rubber cover (and a little electrical tape) from the DME loom


Then I married the two ends:



And Vuala! The rev needle is working on the tach.
The tachometer's MPG needle and the lights are not working yet.

I'd like to test the bulbs and the MPG needle and even what they plug in to.
Any suggestions on the best way to test? I'm not sure what Voltage or amperage I am dealing with.

Thanks in advance,
Joey

joeystanker

I read that new bulbs would brighten up all three cluster gauges, so I ordered a bunch from Pelican Parts.
In the meantime will check the Blue/White wired bulb jacks to see if the are getting any 12V juice.

joeystanker

Also, here is a thread with some other bulb options:
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...ghts-info.html

I wonder, if I upgrade to "Sylvania 24" bulbs will start a fire?
Any "light" on this subject would be much appreciated.

joeystanker

Well marvelous and amazing news!

1. The tachometer bulb wires are live when the lights are on :-)
- I will have a lit tachometer when the new bulbs arrive

2. I put my original tachometer back in and the Tach and MPG needles both work!
- Gauges are now totally functional

Now to get that clock figured out.

FRporscheman

On my 84, the gauges get plenty bright with the stock light bulbs - in fact, I have the dimmer set to about 25%. You want it brighter than 100%?

For the clock, did you check the fuse? The clock merely has a +12V wire and a ground wire. If you take it out, check the voltage at the wires. If it's good, then it's likely that the clock needs a couple of new 47uF capacitors.

joeystanker

FRporscheman,

Thanks so much for that info.
Having a confirmation that the clock is 12V sets me free to test the line and the clock as well :-)
I noticed there is a little access to the back of the clock by reaching underneath.
But of course I would like to remove the center console to make sure I know how to.

I found these instructions:
http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/body-26.htm

I got as far as getting steering wheel off.
But Dash Removal step #3 got me.
"Under the dash, disconnect the three plugs for the turn signal switch, wiper switch, and ignition switch"
I'm not sure what these 3 plugs are.

Come to think of it. I can take pictures as I go and make a Newbie version of these instructions with pictures :-)
Any assistance would be appreciated.

joeystanker

I just found these instructions, with pictures! :-)
http://tech.rennlist.com/924_944/por...stallation.pdf

I'll give them a go this weekend.

odonnell

For working on the clock, you definitely don't need to remove the dash - you can simply remove the upper part of the auxiliary pod cluster. It's held in with 2 screws at the top, and 2 screws under the climate control slider bezel.

joeystanker

Michael,

Thanks for the instructions.
And that is one Sa-weet lookin' 944!

joeystanker

Well I got the clock out.
The + and - leads are producing 12V.
The clock, when on the workbench, does not turn when plugged into my 12V Battery pack.
After opening up the clock I see a big black burn on the circuit board.
I am officially looking for a replacement clock. ;-)
SausageHacker might have one but is not sure.
Anyone else out there have a spare early 944 clock?
I'd love to shake it loose of you.

Thanks,
Joey

thomasmryan

http://shop.914rubber.com/944-LCD-re...kit-944LCD.htm

no affiliation

joeystanker

Thanks for the link Thomas.
I just love those clock hands though.