Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi All,

I sent my 944 S into an Auto Electrician that i use to sort out some electrical faults that were present on the car when i bought it. They were:-

1) Dashboard lights extremely dim (Hmm...)

2) Driver's seat tilts down but not up! (New switch- sorted!)

3) Fog Lights not working. (New switches- sorted!)

He was reluctant to do the work because being an E Reg, it's older than he's used to working with and he didn't have any wiring diagrams on his computer.

He's had a nightmare with the dashboard- the plastic seems pretty brittle and bits snap off when touched! The wiring (dashboard and fog light switches) has been tackled before, and badly. He's sorted the dashboard lighting but after reassembling the delicate dashboard it now appears that the Warning indicator won't extinguish.

Anyway, he's had the car about 2 months now so i was just wondering if anyone on here has had similar experience with the Warning Light? I'm starting to regret buying the car, as it looks like i've bought the previous owner's problems.

*Before being tempted to log on and write 'you should have had it checked' etc please don't- constructive advice welcomed though*

The large red (!) On the top of the cluster is the light your talking about?
When this light is on its always in conjunction with another smaller warning light, abs, brake pad sensors, hand brake etc. Are there no other warning lights on the dashboard?

Hi, I am also suffering this problem on an 87 S model and I do not have any other dash lights activated. I know they all appear to work as they come on when the ignition is turned on, or they activate when needed, so no bulbs gone.

However, I have investigated this issue and there appears to be a number of owners who have traced this down to a problem with the oil level float sensor in the sump. I was going to have a poke around and see if that is the root of the '!' light problem, but just haven't got around to it... . Of course, the one light I cant check easily is the oil level light, so it could be that it would be lit but that bulb has gone?

If the weather is good this weekend I will try to have a look and if I turn up anything I will report back..


The dashboard plastic is very brittle now as generally it is old, perhaps you could invest in some new plastics? The full set is still available from Porsche and several forum members have done a full change. Also, you have to be very careful when handling - as the design is a little less than robust . Switches and relays are coming to the end of their useful service life, so expect to replace a few - it's par for the course.

Don't lose heart due to a few 'previous owner' problems, as in general all us 944 owners have similar issues as the cars are now getting on and many have been bodged or poorly maintained. But, once you get the issues sorted you will enjoy the car, a good 'S' is OK

Yes that's the one! Ok thanks- i'll have him remove the bulb until i can get a decent wiring diagram and then have him diagnose the fault effectively.

Thanks very much for the support. It's easy for me to get down because whereas i love the marque, i have absolutely no mechanical etc skill at all, so if things go wrong it's a trip to the garage!

I've literally just had the call to say he can't do any more with the car without wiring diagrams so at least i can get the car back now

Thanks both,

Steve