Starter Removal and Installation

Overview

This procedure explains how to remove and install the starter motor on your Porsche 944 with the 16v engine (M44/41). The starter is essential for cranking the engine to start the car, so if it’s failing (e.g., you hear a click but no crank), this guide will help you replace it efficiently. This guide is tailored specifically to the 944 variant, ensuring compatibility with its unique 16v engine configuration.

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Tools Required

• Metric socket set (including 10mm and 19mm sockets)
• Metric wrench set (including 17mm and 19mm wrenches)
• Torque wrench
• Jack stands and floor jack (or ramps)

Parts Required

• Starter motor for Porsche 944 (16v engine) – 944 604 103 00

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Lift the car and secure it on jack stands or position it on ramps. Jack stands give you more working room under the car, but ramps are easier to set up.
2. Disconnect the positive battery lead to avoid any electrical shorts. Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the terminal.

Step 2: Access the Starter

3. Remove the skid pan (belly pan) under the engine using a 10mm socket to take out the M6 bolts.
4. If your 944 has a heat shield over the starter, loosen the two retaining bolts on the clutch housing with a 17mm wrench. You don’t need to remove them fully—just loosen them enough to move the shield.
5. Take off the small nut on the starter’s end with a wrench, then slide the heat shield off the stud and the retaining bolts.

Step 3: Remove the Starter

6. Disconnect the electrical leads from the starter. Gently pull them off and move them aside so they’re out of your way.

7. Remove the two M12 starter retaining bolts using a 19mm wrench. Hold the starter as you remove the second bolt to keep it from falling.

8. Pull the starter out of the clutch housing and remove it from the vehicle.

Step 4: Install the New Starter

9. Position the new starter (944 604 103 00) into the clutch housing opening.
10. Install the two M12 retaining bolts and tighten them to 55 Nm (41 ft-lbs) using a 19mm socket and torque wrench.
11. Clean the electrical connector posts on the starter and the connectors on the leads with a wire brush or cloth to ensure a good connection.
12. Attach the electrical leads to the starter, securing them firmly.

Step 5: Reassemble and Finish

13. If equipped with a heat shield, slide it onto the starter’s negative post and the clutch housing retaining bolts. Tighten the small nut on the post and the two bolts on the housing with a 17mm wrench.
14. Reinstall the skid pan under the engine, securing the M6 bolts with a 10mm socket.
15. Reconnect the positive battery lead and tighten the terminal with a 10mm wrench.
16. Lower the car off the jack stands or ramps.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Turn the key to check if the starter engages and the engine cranks smoothly.
• Listen for unusual noises (e.g., grinding) that might indicate improper installation.
• Inspect under the car to ensure no tools or parts were left behind.

Sources

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