Help! New 86 951, Cent Warning light 1 day!!
06-30-2002, 12:19 PM
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Help! New 86 951, Cent Warning light 1 day!!
Problem:
Squealing at start from engine, central warning light came on, battery indicator is down, warning light for Battery on.
Question:
From what I have read, looks like the belt for the alternator/A/C compressor. I will not fix this myself, but will take it to my trusted mechanic - 10 miles away (through town). Should I charge the battery and make a run for it, knowing that the belt may give? Is there any damage that may be caused if it continues to slip or breaks - or is being stranded the worst thing?
If all I have to worry about is the possibility of breaking down and calling a tow truck, I am inclined to make a run for it. I do not want to allow the neighbors the opportunity to see me hook my baby up to a tow truck in the front yard!
Thanks for help - BTW this is the first day of ownership that this ovccurred on - story below.
This is really a little funny (well, maybe not to my wife.)
I am 30, well to do, and finally getting around to owning the cars that I always wanted and could not afford. In the last few years I have had an 83 944 and an 85 911 targa as sunday drivers, both were very good cars mechanically.
Yesterday, I bought a 1986 951, I drove it home to San Antonio (300 miles) and everything was great, ran like a top - everything works etc. Last night, I took my wife (who is pregnant and 1 week OVERDUE!) for the'maiden voyage' in the car. I drove very nicely, since it was raining and because speed does not thrill my PREGO wife, even when she is not about to domino.
When I started the car, there was a squealing sound, then it went away. We drove for 5 miles, and the central warning light came on, then the battery indicator light came on! Talk about bad timing. I am wanting to show my wife that this car is something that was a good idea on the eve of her delivery - and it almost breaks down and strands her on the side of the road!
I stopped at a gas station, dropped her off, and drove the car 5 miles home (we did not bring cell phones).
Squealing at start from engine, central warning light came on, battery indicator is down, warning light for Battery on.
Question:
From what I have read, looks like the belt for the alternator/A/C compressor. I will not fix this myself, but will take it to my trusted mechanic - 10 miles away (through town). Should I charge the battery and make a run for it, knowing that the belt may give? Is there any damage that may be caused if it continues to slip or breaks - or is being stranded the worst thing?
If all I have to worry about is the possibility of breaking down and calling a tow truck, I am inclined to make a run for it. I do not want to allow the neighbors the opportunity to see me hook my baby up to a tow truck in the front yard!
Thanks for help - BTW this is the first day of ownership that this ovccurred on - story below.
This is really a little funny (well, maybe not to my wife.)
I am 30, well to do, and finally getting around to owning the cars that I always wanted and could not afford. In the last few years I have had an 83 944 and an 85 911 targa as sunday drivers, both were very good cars mechanically.
Yesterday, I bought a 1986 951, I drove it home to San Antonio (300 miles) and everything was great, ran like a top - everything works etc. Last night, I took my wife (who is pregnant and 1 week OVERDUE!) for the'maiden voyage' in the car. I drove very nicely, since it was raining and because speed does not thrill my PREGO wife, even when she is not about to domino.
When I started the car, there was a squealing sound, then it went away. We drove for 5 miles, and the central warning light came on, then the battery indicator light came on! Talk about bad timing. I am wanting to show my wife that this car is something that was a good idea on the eve of her delivery - and it almost breaks down and strands her on the side of the road!
I stopped at a gas station, dropped her off, and drove the car 5 miles home (we did not bring cell phones).
06-30-2002, 01:51 PM
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As long as the battery is good and fully charged it is fine to drive the car a short distance like that. The worse that would happen is the car would stall because of the lack of battery power.
06-30-2002, 09:19 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by Kerrysatx:
<strong>When I started the car, there was a squealing sound, then it went away. We drove for 5 miles, and the central warning light came on, then the battery indicator light came on!</strong><hr></blockquote>
See if the belt is still on there. The central warning light comes on when charging is low (among other things), often meaning no belt anymore. When you have your mechanic look at it, ask him to check the AC compressor mounting tabs also. These can snap off over time and cause accessory belt tension problems. Congrats on the car and good luck with the belt. If you try to make it to the shop, bring a cell phone.
<strong>When I started the car, there was a squealing sound, then it went away. We drove for 5 miles, and the central warning light came on, then the battery indicator light came on!</strong><hr></blockquote>
See if the belt is still on there. The central warning light comes on when charging is low (among other things), often meaning no belt anymore. When you have your mechanic look at it, ask him to check the AC compressor mounting tabs also. These can snap off over time and cause accessory belt tension problems. Congrats on the car and good luck with the belt. If you try to make it to the shop, bring a cell phone.
06-30-2002, 09:39 PM
#4
Race Director
When I first bought my car, I drove about 3 blocks before I realized that the [ ! ] light was on. 
Since I was used to idiot lights that were made for real idiots with lettering on it to tell you what's wrong. Anyway, turned out I hadn't released the parking brake fully. 
Since I was used to idiot lights that were made for real idiots with lettering on it to tell you what's wrong. Anyway, turned out I hadn't released the parking brake fully.
07-01-2002, 12:08 AM
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In any case, turn off the A/C and the stereo, don't use the power windows and all the other stuff which uses a lot of power. Good luck to you and your wife! I have two boys, 3 and 5 and I was able to convince my wife that the 964 C2 convertible is just the perfect family car. <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" />
Now it's hers. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
Now it's hers. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
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07-01-2002, 09:37 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by Kerrysatx:
<strong>Thanks for the help - makes me feel better - and I will not have to explain a tow truck pulling my car from the garage!</strong><hr></blockquote>
After the forth or fifth time the neighbors pretty much don't care anymore!
<strong>Thanks for the help - makes me feel better - and I will not have to explain a tow truck pulling my car from the garage!</strong><hr></blockquote>
After the forth or fifth time the neighbors pretty much don't care anymore!