Right Instrument Cluster; Oil Pressure Gauge/Oil Pressure Warning Light; Alternator Warning Light; Brake Fluid Warning - Porsche 944 Driver Manual

Right Instrument Cluster

The right instrument cluster combines the oil
pressure gauge with the oil pressure warning
light, the voltmeter with the alternator warning
light as well as the brake fluid warning light.
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Alternator Warning Light

The alternator warning light comes on when
the ignition is turned on. It should go out after
the engine is started.
If the alternator warning light does not light
up when turning the ignition on, or if it does
not go out after starting the engine, there is a
malfunction in the electrical system. If this is
the case, contact your Porsche dealer.
WARNING
If the alternator warning light comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road and
stop the engine.
Check whether the Polyrib-belt is slipping or
broken. The Polyrib-belt not only drives the
alternator for battery charging, but also the air
conditioner compressor.
If the light just flickers lightly, the Polyrib belt
may be loose and is slipping.
The belt should be tightened or replaced
before you continue driving.
Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is shown in bars.
At 5.000 rpm, with the engine at normal
operating temperature (approx. 90° C / 194° F),
the pressure should be approx. 4 bar. A slight
drop in oil pressure is normal under certain
operating conditions such as prolonged
highway driving in hot weather.
At idle speed, with the engine oil hot, the oil
pressure can sink to 0.5 bar - this does not
indicate any loss of engine performance.
However, if the oil pressure drops suddenly
while you are driving, or if the warning light
comes on, pull off the road, stop the engine
and wait for it to cool down. Check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is normal,
contact the nearest dealer.
Oil Pressure
Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light comes on when
the ignition is turned on. It should go out when
the engine is started and has reached the
correct oil pressure.
If the oil pressure warning light does not light
up when turning the ignition on, or if it does
not go out after starting the engine, contact
your Porsche dealer immediately.
If the oil pressure warning light comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road and
stop the engine.
Check the oil level to make sure you have
enough oil. If oil level is correct and the oil

Brake Fluid Warning

Light
The brake warning light monitors the hydraulic
dual-circuit brake system. It lights up when the
ignition is turned on and should go out after
the engine has been started.
If the brake warning light fails to light up when
the ignition is turned on, or if it fails to go out
after the engine is started, there may be a
malfunction in the electrical system. Let your
Porsche dealer locate and correct the
condition promptly.
Should the light come on while driving, the
brake fluid level in the reservoir could be too
low, or one of the dual brake circuits may
have failed. In either case, the brakes will
function but a much longer distance and a far
greater pedal pressure are required to bring
the car to a halt. See "Brakes" for more
details.
Carefully pull off the road and stop. Have
your car towed to the nearest dealer for
repair. Continued operation of a car with
defective brakes is dangerous.
pressure warning light is still on, do not drive
the vehicle as severe engine damage may
result. Contact your nearest Porsche dealer
for assistance.
An occasional brief flickering of the oil
pressure warning light at idle speed and
normal engine temperature is no cause for
concern if the light goes out upon
acceleration.
The oil pressure warning light is not an
indicator for low engine oil level. To check the
oil level, always use the dipstick.
Make it a habit to have the oil level checked
with every fuel filling.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter shows the overall condition of
the charging system. The needle should
normally stay in the 12-14 volt range when the
engine is running. A temporary drop below 12
volts when starting the engine is normal.
Antilock
The warning light goes on in the event of a
malfunction in the ABS system. The system is
switched off; the normal brake system
remains fully operational. If the light comes
on, take your vehicle to your authorized dealer
for service immediately.
Air Bag
See "Air Bag System" for details.
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