There is a speed sensor and a reference sensor that are identical, and can cause the car to not start. Typically when I say reference sensors, I mean the pair. I take it they took an osciliscope to the sensor and checked it and it was probably bad. That should cure your starting issues, unless the issue is in the harness, and their moving wires around may have cured the problem temporarily. Hopefully it is fixed. $300 is a very fair price for diagnosing and fixing the issue. The sensor is well over a hundred bucks, probably around $150 depending on what the shop charged. Book time is an hour to replace them IIRC. I could be a little low on that.

Good luck!

 

Thank you Doc !!!
I went to pick up the car and it couldn't start again - it was very hot. So, they told me that tomorrow they are going to put the new sensor on the other spot ( for the reference sensor). I hope it works out. If not, probably it will be the harness, as you said. If it's the harness - how much itwill going to cost me ?!

Thanks for all of your advises !!! I am so sorry that you are not closer to NY ---I would love to find someone like you to take care of my car !!!

 

Lindsey racing sells a replacement "mini" harness for this issue. This allows you to fix the issue in the main engine harness without having to replace it. IIRC it is around 125 bucks. I got one of the last 944S engine harnesses out of Porsche Germany last year, and it cost around $2k

 

Hi Porsche Doc,
Just an update about my car: yesterday they told me that they have replaced my ignition switch with one from another Porsche and my car starts right up two days on a row. Today they are going to install a new one in the car and I hope to pick it up from the garage. I will let you know if that fixed the problem.
Next week I'll have more free time, so I am going to make a list of the things you recommend for the Porsches 944/1 and will post it on the forum. That is pure gold !!!

Best Wishes,
Krass

 

The early cars do have an ignition switch which cracks over time and will refuse to start like yours is. The later cars have an updated switch, and don't have this problem. Another possibility.

 

It seems that the new ignition switch fixed the problem. Yesterday the car did start many times without hesitation. I keep my fingers crossed ( even though it is hard to drive that way ) that the problem is fixed !

Porsche Doc,
As you recommended, I am going to order from Lindsey Racing their tune up package (Ignition Wires, Bosch Spark Plugs, Distributor Cap, Distributor Rotor ). My question is about the plugs - they sell WR9DC for 944NA - are these the correct plugs for '85 - 944/1 ?!