Little help needed before the weather turns nice...

Oliverwenman · Jan 17, 2011

Hello all

Ok its probably going to be a long time before we see some proper sun, but whilst the cars in the garage it would be good to get a few jobs done.

I'm really chuffed with the car, thanks to all that helped me when I first got it! Im still looking to buy a manual but the auto is keeping me busy for the moment.

First job, the electric seat switches on the drivers side have broken. Would it be possible to swap the switches from the passenger seat to the drivers side? and if I leave the broken switches unplugged will the working switches on the other seat still work?

Second job, the fan switch is still broken. I have read a few posts where people have replaced the switch without draining the radiator. Realistically how easy is it? or am I best to do the job properly? I do have a work pit so its easier than it could be.

Third job, the drivers side door isn't activating the central locking and interior light. Anywhere I should start to look?

It would also be great to know where everyone gets their parts? Theres are so many places out there, its a job to know which one is best!

Any help would be fantastic!

Many Thanks

Ollie

robwright · Jan 17, 2011

The locking issue is probably the microswitch in the drivers door lock. As for parts as you said there are many places you just have to shop around for the best price. Eurocarparts, Frazer Part, Porsche Shop, Design 951 I could go on.

peanut · Jan 17, 2011

re the interior light you'll probably find that the push-button door switch isn't making a good electrical contact. I haven't worked on a 944 switch but it is probably just a question of unscrewing a fixing screw and pulling it out of the hole in the door jamb. Watch you don't short the contacts to the metal hole . Might be best to remove the fuse when you do it.

Are you certain the seat switches are broken? Have you checked that there is a 12v power supply to the switches ? The motors could be jammed in an extreme position. If one of the worm drives look like they are fully retracted or extended you may need to use a pair of grips on the threaded bar to manually move then slightly , 1/4 turn would probably be sufficient

If you swop the switches from the pass seat and leave the connectors loose the drivers seat switches will still work .

Re the fan switch you could try removing the electrical connector and shorting the two terminals . This will bypass the rad thermo switch and should start your fan . If the fan doesn't start you'll need to check your wiring and the fan before replaceing the thermoswitch .

If you remove and replace the thermoswitch quickly enough you shouldn't lose too much coolant and should hopefully just need to top up rather than vent the entire system. You'll need to be pretty quick though

For used and new parts you could try ebay and also there are several members on here that break cars and could help.

smiffyraf1 · Jan 17, 2011

changed my thermo switch last week and as long as you have the new one in your hand ready to change fast you wont lose much at all just needed a top up after. be aware though the one i took out was 30mm whereas the new one i replaced it with from design911 was 29mm.

peanut · Jan 18, 2011

you can use PTFE tape to wrap around the threads if needed. Available from any diy or plumber/hardware shop.

Oliverwenman · Jan 19, 2011

Thanks Guys, having a busy week but will try all of the above this weekend.

I'm almost certain its the switches on the seats. Striped the switches down last weekend and fixed the fuse back in to see smoke and sparks coming from the switches, that and the fact one switch mechanisms looks very different to the other. But it might be a combination of factors, looks like the drivers seat has been in and out a few times.

If anyone knows of someone looking to sell seat switches I would be very interested!

Off topic but with a well serviced 944 will I get to the south of france and back, or am I just looking for trouble? considering taking a month out during summer to go down with my brother and his old Land Rover. Could it be a case of the hare and the tortoise...

Ollie

robwright · Jan 19, 2011

If she is sorted she will get you there and back ten times over [

]. Try Elliot on here by his user name I have no doubt he can sort you out with seat switches. He is a good guy and 944s are his business as well as being an owner and an active forum member.