928 “NOOB”

Secretary, Sam Auerbach

A day in the life of a noob

I’m the type of guy who changes the batteries in a remote and it never works again. Then I bought a 1989 928 ROW.

Being mechanical, I thought I’d start with some easy things like how to disconnect the battery without electrocuting myself. Disconnect the negative poll and wrap it in a towel to prevent accidental contact with the chassis. Pro tip; connect a marine battery disconnect switch so you don’t have to wrench a disconnect. Just flick the button.

The problem with being a noob are the terms and steps involved in solving a problem. You may be able to use a volt meter to check amperage on the flux capacitor as long as you removed the cam shaft first but I need to know how to open the trunk without setting off the alarm.

My first 928 project was to diagnose and replace the red door jamb lights. Being a Euro, these tiny lights shone out into traffic on the narrow European streets alerting oncoming cars not to dare! I searched online and asked for help. Dismantle the door card one user recommended. Check the fuses said another. Buy a pair of forceps suggested Merlin.

Well that magic tip came in handy. I decided to use a very tiny screwdriver to pop the light housing outta the door. I mean how could Porsche design a light where you’d need to dismantle the door to change a bulb right?

I popped the first one out. Good condition, bulb was dead. Second one disintegrated in my hand. The terror. The connectors on the housing and the female connectors on the wires were totally rusted out. But I’ve skipped ahead. Did I say female connectors? I meant end of wire thing. Oh the joys of trying to figure out what the connector on the end of a wire is called? Are they all the same size? Is one better than another? What do you mean apply dialectic grease? Just trying to figure out that a female connector is called a female connector was a trip. Now that I know there are male and female connectors, it makes so much sense. You can literally never mess up which one is which ever again.

I cut the rusted connectors off and re-crimped the new ones. I heat shrank the wires and used the nifty forceps to hold and pull the rubber housing tucked in the door frame over the wires, against the housing and in to victory! Without them, the wires could have fallen into the door frame which would have really taxed my remaining hair. I then reconnected the battery and started the car, literally held my breath. No warning lights! The door jamb lights shine bright and I learned a valuable lesson; this won’t be the last of it. Why don’t the license plate lights work…

Warmest regards, Sam

South Island Director, Ron Dempsey

December 5 dinner half sold-out - sign up now!

Thanks to those of you that have signed up for our upcoming Holiday Dinner at Uplands Golf Club. If you do not currently have a MotorsportReg.com account, you will need to create a free account, and the rest of the process should be pretty straightforward. Details and register at msreg.com/2021-HolidayDinner

PLUS…..

Calling out to owners of Porsches and all European car owners on South Vancouver Island to support Santas Anonymous this year with a donation of cash, presents or gift cards. Proceeds help families in need in the Greater Victoria area, and already there have been more requests than ever for help. If you've been fortunate enough to weather the storm during these trying pandemic times, consider helping out those that hope to place gifts under the tree for their families. We're also hoping that you'll take the time to donate to Santas Anonymous where your donation can count double. And thanks to one of our most active and supportive members, any dollars that you give will be matched up to $3000. Currently we are just under $1000, so we have some ways to go! The donation link is at :-

www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/vancouver-island-region-of-the-porsche-club-of-ame/ CFAX Santas Anonymous’ website is at CFAX Santas Anonymous.