Nose/Header Panel – Removal and Installation

Overview

This guide walks you through removing and installing the nose/header panel on your Porsche 944 S / S2 with the 16v engine. This panel, located between the headlights and holding the Porsche crest, needs to be removed to replace the air filter or the crest itself. It’s a straightforward job with the right tools and steps, making it perfect for DIY enthusiasts.

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Tools Required

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• 10mm (3/8 inch) socket (1/4″ drive)
• 8mm (5/16 inch) socket (1/4″ drive)
• Short extension, 50mm (2 inches) (1/4″ drive)
• Ratchet (1/4″ drive)
• Universal adapter (1/4″ drive)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Raise the Headlights

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
2. Switch the headlights ON to raise them (they’ll stay raised for this job).
3. Locate and remove Fuse 2 from the Central Electric Panel to disable the headlamp motor.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

Step 2: Remove the Panel Screws

5. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws along the back edge of the nose panel.

Step 3: Loosen the Headlight Bucket Nuts

6. Inside each headlight bucket, find the two 8mm retaining nuts at the bottom.
7. Use an 8mm (5/16 inch) socket and ratchet to loosen these nuts (two per bucket, four total). You don’t need to remove them completely—just loosen them enough to free the panel.

Step 4: Remove the Machine Screws

8. Look under the front lip of the nose panel in each headlight bucket area for a machine screw (one per side, two total).

9. Use a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket, universal adapter, 50mm (2 inch) extension, and ratchet to remove both machine screws.

Step 5: Remove the Nose Panel

10. Lift the back edge of the nose panel and slide it forward toward the front of the car to remove it.

Step 6: Install the Nose Panel

11. Slide the nose panel back into place, ensuring the washers on the panel studs sit on top of the bottom panel in the headlight buckets.
12. Reinstall the two machine screws under the front lip of the nose panel using the 10mm (3/8 inch) socket, universal adapter, extension, and ratchet.
13. Secure the four Phillips head screws along the back edge of the panel with the screwdriver.
14. Tighten the four 8mm retaining nuts in the bottom of each headlight bucket using the 8mm (5/16 inch) socket and ratchet.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Check that the nose panel is securely fastened and doesn’t wobble.
• Ensure all screws and nuts are tightened properly.
• Turn the ignition ON, replace Fuse 2, and test the headlights to confirm they lower and raise correctly.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube