Reference
Special Tools
Porsche factory special tools and recommended alternatives for 944 service procedures. OEM tool numbers are listed where applicable, along with where to buy them and which guides use each one.
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Essential Special Tools
Job-specific tools you really do need to do it right.
P229 / 9201
Camshaft Holding Tool
Holds the camshaft sprocket during timing belt tensioner adjustment.
Alternative: VW/Audi camshaft sprocket holder (tool is shared across the VAG family).
Used in 23 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check
- Camshaft / Balance Shaft Belt Information
- Camshaft Assembly Installation
- Camshaft Assembly Oil Seal Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- CV Joints - General Information, Removal, Installation, and Maintenance
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Removal (8V Cars)
- Front Crankshaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Locating and Setting Engine to Top Dead Center (TDC), Cylinder 1
- Oil Pressure Sending Unit Replacement
- Oil Pump Removal and Installation
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Power Steering Pump Replacement
- Sealants
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
Porsche 9216
Timing Belt Locking Tool
Locks the crankshaft at TDC #1 via the flywheel ring gear.
Alternative: Generic TDC locking pin with an adapter plate.
Used in 23 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check
- Camshaft / Balance Shaft Belt Information
- Camshaft Assembly Installation
- Camshaft Assembly Oil Seal Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Clutch Replacement
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Removal (8V Cars)
- Engine Starting and Running Troubleshooter
- Flywheel Lock Installation
- Front Crankshaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Locating and Setting Engine to Top Dead Center (TDC), Cylinder 1
- Oil Pump Removal and Installation
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Speed and Reference Sensors - Checking, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
P238
Harmonic Balancer Holding Tool
Prevents crankshaft rotation while loosening the center bolt.
Alternative: A universal 4-pin flywheel holder can be adapted.
Used in 20 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check
- Camshaft / Balance Shaft Belt Information
- Camshaft Assembly Oil Seal Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Clutch Replacement
- CV Joints - General Information, Removal, Installation, and Maintenance
- Front Crankshaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Locating and Setting Engine to Top Dead Center (TDC), Cylinder 1
- Oil Pressure General Information and Troubleshooting Tips
- Oil Pump Removal and Installation
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
Porsche 9219
Balance Shaft Locking Tool
Locks both balance shafts simultaneously during belt replacement.
Alternative: Drill bits of the correct diameter (6 mm) through the access holes is a documented workaround.
Used in 20 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check
- Balance Shafts - A Little History and Why 944s Use Them
- Camshaft / Balance Shaft Belt Information
- Camshaft Assembly Installation
- Camshaft Assembly Oil Seal Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Front Crankshaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Motor Mounts - Checking
- Oil Pump Removal and Installation
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Sealants
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Turbocharger Replacement
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
VAG 1669 / KTS 500
DME Diagnostic Adapter
Reads fault codes from the 944's DME ECU (pre-OBD2).
Alternative: Third-party adapters from specialized vendors; or Durametric software with a Porsche cable.
Used in 47 guides
- 944 Engine Installation
- 944 Engine Removal
- 944 HVAC Operation and Malfunctions
- 944 Option Codes
- Air Bag System Testing
- Air Bag Warning Light Reset
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Air Flow Meter (AFM) Operation and Testing
- Alarm System - Bypassing
- Battery Checks
- Battery Tray Repairs
- Camera Bar Construction
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Clock and Temperature Control Unit Removal and Replacement
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- DME Control Unit Chip Installation (Including KLR Chip for Turbos)
- DME Control Unit Removal and Installation
- DME Relay Information and Testing
- DME Wiring Diagram - 944 Turbo
- DME Wiring Diagram - Normally Aspirated 944
- Early 944 Dash Replacement
- Electric Window Troubleshooting
- Engine Starting and Running Troubleshooter
- Fuel Pressure - Checking
- Fuel Pressure Regulator - General Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Delivery Rate Checking
- Fuel Pump Information and Replacement
- Fuel System Leakdown Failure
- Heater Core Removal and Replacement
- Idle Control Motor Replacement
- Ignition Switch Replacement
- Ignition System Troubleshooting
- Jacking a 944 / Placing a 944 on Jack Stands
- Late Model 944 Dash Replacement
- Oxygen Sensor General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Radiator Removal and Installation
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Aluminum Trailing Arm
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Steel Trailing Arms
- Sensors and Gauges - Information, Troubleshooting, and Testing
- Speed and Reference Sensors - Checking, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Steering Rack Replacement
- Throttle Position Switch - Information, Troubleshooting, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Troubleshooting - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Troubleshooting - Manual Transmission
- Turbocharger Replacement
Recommended General Tools
Workshop staples used across many 944 procedures.
Various
Torque Wrench — 10–130 Nm
Engine fasteners, suspension components and brake hardware.
Alternative: Any calibrated click-type torque wrench in this range.
Where to buy Amazon
Used in 78 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- 944 Engine Installation
- 944 Engine Removal
- Air Conditioning Troubleshooting and Repair
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Alternator Replacement
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Brake Pads - Checking Thickness and Replacing Pads
- Brakes - Parking Brake Adjustment
- Camera Bar Construction
- Camshaft Assembly Installation
- Camshaft Assembly Oil Seal Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Changing Spark Plugs / Checking the Condition of the Spark Plugs
- Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement
- Clutch Replacement
- Control Arm Replacement
- Crank Scraper Install
- CV Joints - General Information, Removal, Installation, and Maintenance
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Removal (8V Cars)
- Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence and Torque Specifications
- Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement
- Door Handle - Removal, Installation, and Adjustment
- Engine Oil and Filter Change
- Exhaust System Removal and Installation
- Front Wheel Bearings - Checking, Adjustment, Repacking, and Replacement
- Fuel Filter Replacement
- Fuel Injector and Fuel Rail Removal and Installation
- Fuel Pressure - Checking
- Fuel Pressure Regulator - General Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Suction Strainer - Removing, Cleaning, and Replacing
- Headlight Motor Removal, Cleaning, and Installation
- Hood Crest - Removal and Installation
- Idle Control Motor Replacement
- Intake Manifold Removal and Installation
- Late Model 944 Dash Replacement
- Locating and Setting Engine to Top Dead Center (TDC), Cylinder 1
- Manual Transaxle Fluid Change
- Motor Mounts - Replacing
- Nose Panel - Removal and Installation
- Oil Cooler General Information and Seal Replacement
- Oil Pan Gasket Replacement
- Oil Pressure Sending Unit Replacement
- Oil Pump Removal and Installation
- Oxygen Sensor General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Power Steering Pump Replacement
- Radiator Removal and Installation
- Rear Hatch - Squeaking
- Rear Sway Bar Removal and Installation
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Aluminum Trailing Arm
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Steel Trailing Arms
- Speed and Reference Sensors - Checking, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Starter Removal and Installation
- Steering Rack Replacement
- Steering Wheel Removal and Installation
- Strut Removal and Replacement
- Sunroof Gear Replacement
- Sunroof Operation, Troubleshooting, and Repair
- Thermofan Switch Replacement
- Throttle Position Switch - Information, Troubleshooting, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Torque Tube Removal, Rebuilding, and Installation
- Transaxle - Checking, Repairing, and Replacing the Shift Lever and Shift Linkage
- Transaxle Removal and Installation
- Troubleshooting - Brakes
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Troubleshooting - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Troubleshooting - Manual Transmission
- Turbocharger Replacement
- Wastegate - Fabricating and Installing Shims
- Wastegate - Removal and Installation
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
Various
Torque Wrench — 200–400 Nm
Crankshaft center bolt (≈130 Nm + angle) and rear axle nut (350 Nm).
Alternative: ½" drive torque wrench with a ½"-to-¾" adapter for large sockets.
Where to buy Amazon
Used in 13 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- Brakes - Inspecting / Replacing Brake Rotors
- Clutch Replacement
- CV Joints - General Information, Removal, Installation, and Maintenance
- Front Wheel Bearings - Checking, Adjustment, Repacking, and Replacement
- Oil Pressure General Information and Troubleshooting Tips
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Aluminum Trailing Arm
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Steel Trailing Arms
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Troubleshooting - Manual Transmission
- Troubleshooting - Suspension and Steering
Bosch / OTC
Fuel Pressure Gauge — 0–6 bar
Diagnose LH-Jetronic fuel pressure faults.
Alternative: A fuel pressure tester kit with a Bosch thread adapter.
Where to buy Amazon
Used in 30 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- 944 Engine Installation
- 944 Engine Removal
- Camshaft Assembly Installation
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Removal (8V Cars)
- DME Relay Information and Testing
- Early 944 Fuse List
- Engine Starting and Running Troubleshooter
- Fuel Injector and Fuel Rail Removal and Installation
- Fuel Injector Information
- Fuel Level Indication Problems / Repairs
- Fuel Pressure - Checking
- Fuel Pressure Regulator - General Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Delivery Rate Checking
- Fuel Pump Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Suction Strainer - Removing, Cleaning, and Replacing
- Fuel Rail Adapter - Making an Adapter for Non-Metric Thread Fuel Pressure Gauges
- Fuel System Leakdown Failure
- Idle Control Motor Replacement
- Ignition System Troubleshooting
- Intake Manifold Removal and Installation
- Late 944 Fuse List
- Oil Pan Gasket Replacement
- Oxygen Sensor General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Sensors and Gauges - Information, Troubleshooting, and Testing
- Speed and Reference Sensors - Checking, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Turbocharger Replacement
Various
Coolant Pressure Tester
Pressure-test the cooling system for leaks and head gasket diagnosis.
Alternative: AutoZone loaner tool (free) accepts standard cap adapters.
Where to buy Amazon
Used in 35 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- 944 Engine Installation
- 944 Engine Removal
- Air Conditioning Troubleshooting and Repair
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check
- Camshaft / Balance Shaft Belt Information
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Coolant System Draining, Filling, and Venting
- Cooling Fan Operation and Troubleshooting
- Cooling System Troubleshooting
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Removal (8V Cars)
- Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence and Torque Specifications
- Exhaust System Removal and Installation
- Headlight Motor Circuit Operation and Repair
- New Style Oil Cooler Seals
- Normally Aspirated 944 Cooling System
- Oil Cooler General Information and Seal Replacement
- Oil Cooler Pressure Test
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Radiator Removal and Installation
- Sealants
- Sensors and Gauges - Information, Troubleshooting, and Testing
- Thermofan Switch Replacement
- Thermostat - General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Troubleshooting - Clutch
- Troubleshooting - Cooling System
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Turbocharged 944 Cooling System
- Turbocharger Replacement
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
Various
Spring Compressor — MacPherson
Safely compress the strut spring for cartridge replacement.
Alternative: Rent from a local parts store. DO NOT use C-clamp style compressors.
Where to buy Amazon
Cap / cup style
Oil Filter Wrench
Cleanly removes the spin-on oil filter — a cup/cap-style wrench that grips the filter's end flutes works best in the 944's tight space.
Alternative: A strap or three-jaw wrench also works; match the size to your filter.
Used in 1 guide
Diagnostic Equipment
For reading codes, live data and electrical testing.
Durametric / Foxwell NT630+
Durametric Diagnostic Software
OBD fault-code reading, live data and actuator tests for the pre-1996 944.
Alternative: Foxwell NT630 Plus supports Porsche-specific OBD1 protocols.
Used in 42 guides
- 944 Engine Installation
- 944 Engine Removal
- Air Bag System Testing
- Air Bag Warning Light Reset
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Air Flow Meter (AFM) Operation and Testing
- Alarm System - Bypassing
- Battery Checks
- Battery Tray Repairs
- Camera Bar Construction
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- DME Control Unit Chip Installation (Including KLR Chip for Turbos)
- DME Control Unit Removal and Installation
- DME Relay Information and Testing
- DME Wiring Diagram - 944 Turbo
- DME Wiring Diagram - Normally Aspirated 944
- Early 944 Dash Replacement
- Electric Window Troubleshooting
- Engine Starting and Running Troubleshooter
- Fuel Pressure - Checking
- Fuel Pressure Regulator - General Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Delivery Rate Checking
- Fuel Pump Information and Replacement
- Fuel System Leakdown Failure
- Heater Core Removal and Replacement
- Idle Control Motor Replacement
- Ignition Switch Replacement
- Ignition System Troubleshooting
- Jacking a 944 / Placing a 944 on Jack Stands
- Late Model 944 Dash Replacement
- Oxygen Sensor General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Radiator Removal and Installation
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Aluminum Trailing Arm
- Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement - Steel Trailing Arms
- Sensors and Gauges - Information, Troubleshooting, and Testing
- Speed and Reference Sensors - Checking, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Steering Rack Replacement
- Throttle Position Switch - Information, Troubleshooting, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Troubleshooting - Manual Transmission
- Turbocharger Replacement
Fluke 117 / Klein MM400
Digital Multimeter (4000+ count)
Sensor testing, resistance checks and voltage-drop testing.
Alternative: Any 4000+ count auto-ranging DMM with a min/max hold function.
Used in 110 guides
- 944 / 968 Torque Reference (Master List)
- 944 Engine Installation
- 944 Engine Removal
- 944 HVAC Operation and Malfunctions
- 944 Option Codes
- Air Bag System Testing
- Air Bag Warning Light Reset
- Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor - Removal and Installation
- Air Flow Meter (AFM) Operation and Testing
- Alarm System - Bypassing
- Alternator Replacement
- Balance Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Battery Checks
- Battery Tray Repairs
- Brakes - Inspecting / Replacing Brake Rotors
- Brakes - Master Cylinder Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Installation
- Camshaft Assembly Oil Seal Replacement
- Camshaft Assembly Removal
- Camshaft Chain and Tensioner Replacement (16V Engines)
- Checking Starter Operation
- Clock and Temperature Control Unit Removal and Replacement
- Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement
- Clutch Replacement
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement
- Coolant System Draining, Filling, and Venting
- Cooling Fan Operation and Troubleshooting
- Cooling System Troubleshooting
- Crank Scraper Install
- Cruise Control - General Information and Repair
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Installation
- Cylinder Head and Head Gasket Removal (8V Cars)
- DME Control Unit Chip Installation (Including KLR Chip for Turbos)
- DME Control Unit Removal and Installation
- DME Relay Information and Testing
- DME Wiring Diagram - 944 Turbo
- DME Wiring Diagram - Normally Aspirated 944
- Door Handle - Removal, Installation, and Adjustment
- Door Panel Removal and Installation
- Early 944 Dash Replacement
- Electric Window Troubleshooting
- Engine Starting and Running Troubleshooter
- Excessive Battery Discharge Rate
- Exhaust System Removal and Installation
- Flywheel Lock Installation
- Front Crankshaft Oil Seal Replacement
- Front Wheel Bearings - Checking, Adjustment, Repacking, and Replacement
- Fuel Injector and Fuel Rail Removal and Installation
- Fuel Injector Information
- Fuel Level Indication Problems / Repairs
- Fuel Pressure - Checking
- Fuel Pressure Regulator - General Information and Replacement
- Fuel Pump Delivery Rate Checking
- Fuel Pump Information and Replacement
- Fuel System Leakdown Failure
- Gauges - Removing Early 944 Gauges
- Gauges - Removing Late 944 (1985.5 and newer) Gauge Cluster
- Headlight Motor Circuit Operation and Repair
- Headlight Motor Removal, Cleaning, and Installation
- Heater Core Removal and Replacement
- Idle Control Motor Replacement
- Idle Speed Adjustment
- Ignition Switch and Wiring Test
- Ignition Switch Replacement
- Ignition System Troubleshooting
- Intake Manifold Removal and Installation
- Late 944 Fuse List
- Late Model 944 Dash Replacement
- Locating and Setting Engine to Top Dead Center (TDC), Cylinder 1
- Mirror Removal and Installation - Exterior
- Nose Panel - Removal and Installation
- Odometer Repair
- Oil Cooler General Information and Seal Replacement
- Oil Pan Gasket Replacement
- Oil Pump Removal and Installation
- Oxygen Sensor General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Periodic Maintenance Schedule
- Rear Hatch - Squeaking
- Rear Hatch Defroster Troubleshooting and Repair
- Rear Hatch Strut Replacement
- Sealants
- Sensors and Gauges - Information, Troubleshooting, and Testing
- Speed and Reference Sensors - Checking, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Starter Removal and Installation
- Steering Rack Replacement
- Steering Wheel Removal and Installation
- Stereo - Head Unit and Speaker Replacement Guide
- Sunroof Component Testing
- Sunroof Gear Replacement
- Sunroof Operation, Troubleshooting, and Repair
- Suspension Information and Upgrades
- Thermofan Switch Replacement
- Thermostat - General Information, Testing, and Replacement
- Throttle Position Switch - Information, Troubleshooting, Replacement, and Adjustment
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Installation
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Removal
- Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning
- Torque Tube Removal, Rebuilding, and Installation
- Torsion Bars - Removing, Replacing, and Indexing
- Transaxle Removal and Installation
- Troubleshooting - Clutch
- Troubleshooting - Cooling System
- Troubleshooting - Electrical (including Instruments)
- Troubleshooting - Engine
- Troubleshooting - Fuel System
- Troubleshooting - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Turbocharged 944 Cooling System
- Turbocharger Replacement
- Wastegate - Removal and Installation
- Water Pump Information and Replacement
Hantek 6022BE / PC-based
Oscilloscope / Lab Scope
Injector waveforms, cam/crank sensor patterns and ignition primary traces.
Alternative: PC-based USB scopes start under $100 and are fully capable.
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