924Board.org

Wileyyy · Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Oregon

I just recently bought my first 924 and I am having some problems with it:

1. It doesn't always start- it doesn't make a grinding noise or anything, its just silent, like there is a problem with the battery. Is there anything else that it could be?

2. Windshield wipers don't work- I'm thinking it's the motor but I don't want to spend over 200 on a new one unless I'm sure.

3. A/C doesn't work at all- no defrosting or anything

4. E- brake must be pulled all the way up before it works- I'm sure that I just need to tighten the adjuster screw, but where is it located? And will I need to take the seat out?

5. Lights do not work- Just the other day they would go up and turn on fine, but now they won't do either. I'm guessing that it is a fuse problem.

6. This isn't really an issue but when I am in the drivers seat my legs are touching the bottom of the wheel. I'm wondering if this is at all adjustable, if not I can live with it.

I appreciate any tips that you can give me about any of these issues. Thank You!!

fiat22turbo · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 4040 Location: Portland, OR

Wileyyy, welcome....

Sounds like a number of your problems are related to bad connections. I would check out the How-To section on this site and read up on how to deal with corroded connections and basic electrical troubleshooting.

Before going too far, I would suggest reading up on basic car maintenance, electrical maintenance/troubleshooting, Bosch CIS injection systems and get repair manuals for your 924. Once you do that, check out the tech sections on 924.org and the sticky at the top of this forum.

This will begin to give you an idea of the types of tools you'll need to use/buy in order to keep your car in good shape. Harbor Freight, Sears, etc are your friends when it comes to generic tools. Specific tools are usually best borrowed or bought online.

Finally, if you give us more details on your car, namely its year and overall condition/trim level (pictures help) we can be a bit more specific.

http://www.924.org/toc.htm

http://www.924.org/techsection/GarageFAQ.htm

http://www.924.org/techsection/technical.htm

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=26781

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=24683

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=19320

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=23661

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=26091

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=5758

After reviewing the links and advice above, here are some gut level thoughts on your questions:

1. Possibly a failing ignition switch, but check the electrical wiring first. The wiring along the side of the motor where the starter and alternator are located right next to the exhaust manifold (at least on the early cars, the later cars moved these to reduce these problems and to allow the addition of a turbo, etc)

2. Again, could be a bad connection and the motor/switch, etc are fine. Though the motors can go out from lack of use, etc.

3. After checking the electrical connections, take it to an A/C tech to check the level of the the freon in the A/C system. You could simply have a slow leak and all the propellant leaked out, so the safety valve prevents the compressor from engaging.

4. Sounds like an adjustment is in order. Keep in mind that the 924 in the US does not automatically adjust the rear brakes and this needs to be done periodically, this could also cause your e-brake to be out of adjustment. Adjust the brakes first before adjusting the e-brake cables.

5. The switch could be getting flaky or there is an electrical connector that isn't making contact due to corrosion. check these first, then check the switch and the motor.

6. I don't know that there is much you can do about the steering wheel without replacing it with a smaller one from another Porsche 911/924/944/928/Grant/Momo/LeCarra, etc. Since the 924 car does not have power steering, the steering wheel is a little larger than some of the later cars in order to make it easier to turn the front wheels. A smaller wheel and/or wider tires will increase this effort, but it isn't bad once moving.

Good luck!
_________________
Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)

Smoothie · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:09 am Post subject:

Be a pal and put your model and year in the signature area of your profile since you're otherwise going to forget to mention it in all your posts.

Git yeeself a copy of the factory manual, or at least the Haynes 924-924T manual (it's generally good enough for most purposes and often referred to by page number, etc. (by me anyway..)).

1. First disconnect-clean-reconnect the battery posts. If nothing, test/recharge the battery or try a jump start. If still nothing, it's either wiring (anything from a bad ignition switch to melted/corroded large gauge wires to the starter and alternator) or corroded/gunked-stuck starter solenoid.

2. You can test the wiper motor by disconnecting its' plug (near the motor itself), and applying 12v directly via small jumper wires to the battery (assuming obviously the battery is good). Other possible faulty areas are the fuse (check that first, actually), burnt connector pin/s at the rear of the fuse-relay panel, or bad wiper switch.
[Motor test connection is shown here - http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=19033&start=15 ]

3. Need to know model-year, and more specifics (no fan? no heat? no either?).

4. Need to know model-year. Assuming 4-bolt wheels, start by adjusting the rear brakes. Plenty topics on it, findable with the search function.

5. For this to be a fuse/s problem, they'd all have to burn out at the same time, which would be a too amazing coincidence. "Smoothie" says, "more likely a switch problem".

6. The steering wheel angle isn't adjustable. Most OE Porsche steering wheels are offset, so there's more room below them when they're aimed straight ahead. -So if a large aftermarket steering wheel was installed, that could be part of the problem. Other fixes are try a smaller Porsche wheel and slide the seal back allll the way.
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

Wileyyy · Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Oregon

Thanks a lot for all of your help, I posted the year and model in my signature but just in case I did it wrong its a 1977 924.

I just spent a little while working on it and here are some updates:

1. Fixed it. It was a wiring problem.

2. I haven't tested this yet so I just sprayed on some rain- x.

3. The model is in my sig now and there is no fan or heat.

4. I adjusted the brakes a bit and now its fine.

5. I didn't spend much time on this but I'm fairly certain that it is in fact a switch problem.

6. I don't really care about this, I was just wondering if it was adjustable
_________________
1977 Porsche 924

BionicBalls · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 642 Location: Charlotte, NC

I had alot of the same problems with mine,

2. Not sure. Mine was the motor and the switch. Put a jumper box to the wiper motor and see if it turns, if not its the switch.

3. the A/C and the heat are two separate systems. try turning the fan motor be hand. It may be tight at first. If it loosens up, it should be fine otherwise its f**ked and changing it is a PITA. Also, on mine my heater temp switch in the engine bay was frozen up and I had to work it loose before my heat would work.

5. Wiggle the relay on the motor. Apparently these tend to go bad pretty often on 24's and 44's. The relays arnt the same between the cars, but the 24 relay isnt very expensive. I think I spent $15 on it new.

6. How tall are you? I'm 6'5 and my legs don't touch the steering wheel, but I have the seat all the way back.
_________________
1980 924 NA
1982 931

Eturbo924 · Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2212 Location: Londonderry NH

Since the others seem to have helped I will just throw in a couple of things.

The wipers... if it turns out you finally get to the motor and it is not working. Take it out and rebuild it. I have found some that were blowing fuses like pop corn. Then tore them down to find that the grease inside had hardened. Just clean out the grease put in some fresh lube and away you go. For those with slow units this should help as well.

The steering wheel.
I have a couple of the smaller diameter units. Check my post in the parts section.

The fan for the heater is likely the issue. Most do fail. I have brought some back to life with lube but most of the time they are too far gone.

I do have a complete heater core unit with a working fan. I forgot to put that in my parts for sale. If needed let me know and we can talk.

Oh and also make sure the connections in the sliders are good. The sliders as in the levers you slide to turn on the fan. The slides can wear and also jump off the tracks screwing up all kinds of things.

Good luck

Eric
_________________
1982 924
1992 968
2003 C4S
Parts Parts Parts and More parts.
E-mail me for parts you need!
Drive Fast!

Nobbi · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 1398 Location: Germany

Hello,

the steering wheel issue could be caused by a small person that owned the car. As an option, porsche sold 4 metal brackets that lift the seat about 3 cm. Check that and remove them........

Nobbi

PS: Buy a new battery if cranking power is below 70%.....
_________________
NA 924 - april/1977- 4-speed-audi gearbox.
500.000 km with fun.....and new toy:Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet.Other car Daimler c-class cabby,brandnew..Plus : DEUTZ 4005 tractor Built 1967

Scorpio · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject:

Eturbo924 · Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2212 Location: Londonderry NH

Read some of the early reviews of the cars about the seats and the steering wheel.

It notes the spacers in the early cars and that some of the reviewers actually took the spacers out. Then of course... they felt like they were sitting too low. Some people are so hard to please

Best bet is to get the smaller steering wheels available. Plus I really do not like the two spoke that came on the early cars. Looks to... VW to me.

But then again... some people like them and want the original look. To each his own. I have had 6 924s of various years and models (1976-1987) and just prefer the newer wheels.

I have found that most of the issues on the 924 are corroded wires or simple connection issues. Then again... components to fail from time to time. It is a old car

_________________
1982 924
1992 968
2003 C4S
Parts Parts Parts and More parts.
E-mail me for parts you need!
Drive Fast!

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

I am short and the alum spacers helped a lot. I like to sit higher and they filled the bill.
The smaller wheel does hide the gauges. I put my speed gauge in the middle and the rev on the right. easy.
Change steering wheel to a smaller one. Not too small or you will hate turning the car. 380 mm is okay. By the way I sell MOMO and the adaptors.

My wiper tuns slowly too. I will look into it as per the above reference.
_________________
"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

Nobbi · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 1398 Location: Germany

Vince, how did you managed to put the tach to the right??
My Cable is way to short for that action....Expanation please!?Nobbi

_________________
NA 924 - april/1977- 4-speed-audi gearbox.
500.000 km with fun.....and new toy:Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet.Other car Daimler c-class cabby,brandnew..Plus : DEUTZ 4005 tractor Built 1967

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

Brockoli · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:46 am Post subject:

i moved my tach to the middle and speedo to the right. It was extremely easy. The gauges are just pressure fit into the instrument cluster. In the tech section on 924.org it says that you might have to extend some wires but I did not have to do this. All I had to do was slightly re-route the speedo cable, which was easy because my speedo cable had enough slack in it.

heres a thread with my gauges in it.
http://924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=24495&highlight=gauges&sid=5cac23d494afdb54a7b3a4284ced4c78
_________________
'80 924 M471,Wideband O2, Full coilover susp,23/19 sways,Bilstiens,KLA Strut Brace,Roll Bar,Test Pipe,BBS RS, Willwood BBK

25% of a '87 944 Chumpcar http://straightpipe.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=2454

'79 924 Sebring Edition(Sitting)

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

One of my cars the cable was tight while on the other car is was much easier to switch. You may have to pull the cable a bit.

Push seat back, lay on your back and you can get to the cables. Small hands are a benefit. You can push the gauges out to the front first to see if you can disconnect them.
_________________
"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock