88 Carrera Sport Sport centre console switch

[gordonbs]

I have just joined PCGB after recently purchasing a 1988 3.2 Carrera Sport, so am very new to all this and would appreciate any help. Could someone please tell me what the switch is for in the centre console, between the hazard and HRW switches. Many thanks.

 

[chrishak]

I don't have the switch on my '88 so I checked the handbook and the Bentley manual and there's no mention of it in either. Could it be an aftermarket addition?
Welcome to a great club!

 

[graham tompkins]

Hi Gordon,
as Chris says welcome to the club.
mines an 87 and no switch, I have my alarm activation light there.
think the centre console was regarded as an infinitely custtomiseable area.there were so many options on the builds , it could be anything.
Stupid question but what happens when you press it? It must have a function , pop it out and see if it's connected Is what I'd do and try and follow the wires?
all good fun.
i know a man on the impact bumpers forum who would probably know if no one else here can help.
again welcome to the club, let's have a pic of the car please
regards

Graham

 

[chas3.2]

This switch could be for to turn off the interior alarm sensors so the car can be locked
and something can be left inside that moves ?

 

[RICHOT89]

Is Your's a Cabriolet?

I have a totally original, low mileage, 89 Cab which has the switch in the centre console.

I was told it is for switching off the alarm for the interior of the car, when the car is left with the hood down but you want the rest of the car alarmed.

I've never tried it though.

You will see it in the Porsche parts diagramme of the centre console but mention of it in the parts list.

Hope this helps,

Enjoy the car, I'm sure you will!!

Richard

 

[911 targa]

The switch is definitely for isolating the interior alarm for rag tops and targas,the reason being insects of the flying kind activating the sensors
Paul

 

[chrishak]

I have a confession to make. I took my car (a coupe) out today, looked down at the console and guess what - there IS a switch 'twixt the heated screen and hazard switches!
Anyone know what it does..?

 

[gordonbs]

Hi Graham

Many thanks. All posts most helpful. I will start playing with the alarm, and if it's not that, then take the switch out and try and trace the wires.
My car also has an ugly arial stuck on the back windscreen, and an aftermarket blue tooth CD radio. The original screen also has the arial in it. The new blue tooth CD Radio is handy as it has hands free, but I would like to fit an original unit. Do I have any options, as the Bremen is rare and expensive.
What's the general opinion on stone guards and Carrera decal on bottom of door area? I quite like this, and the stone guards seem very practical, but I realise it detracts from the originality of the car.
I've attached a pic of my car, which is completely original, 66k Sport.

 

[chrishak]

Stone guards (or shark fins)? They were never factory fitted to Carrera 3.2's and where they have been applied subsequently, if you look carefully along the line of the wheelarch, you'll see that they don't fit properly. Most people wouldn't notice the mismatch, but if you care about these things, it can be annoying. Ask me how I know...
Originally designed for the wider flares of the Turbo style body, I don't think stone chips in this area have ever been a significant problem on 'narrow' bodied 3.2's. If they were easily removable, I'd take mine off today - but unfortunately, they're not.
Of course, as with most styling tweaks, it's all down to personal taste.

 

[911 targa]

If one looks at the child seats at the top of each you will see a very small red LED this is the sensor ,shark fins not fitted as standard and if fitted when removed leave nasty mess of the paint work
Paul

 

[graham tompkins]

Hi Gordon,
beautiful car, great colour, I had a red targa before my black one .
its a real learning curve and all part of the fun. This forum is a great place to learn about all of the idiosyncrasies you will encounter.
just a suggestion as a new owner, buy the book by Tony Cornett, Last of the Evolution. It's a fantastic read and reference.
please don't treat it like a garage queen...they don't thank you for it, believe me I know.

best regards

Graham
ps anyone called Gordon must be a nice bloke , my fathers and my eldest sons name.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The 'shark fins' were a vanity upgrade for the 3.2. They were fitted to Turbos of the era.

I have an immobiliser pill slot between my hazard and HRW switches, along with the LED for the alarm, but no rocker switch. The immobiliser slot is defunct, as the alarm system has been upgraded to a PA1000 at some point. I can disable the interior monitoring sensor when locking, by using the remote.

 

[Rotorhead]

I also have a very original '89 3.2. I suppose people can do what they like with their own cars, but I much prefer ex-factory originality. When I bought mine, it had the 'turbo' stone chip protectors, and the first thing I did was have them removed by a detailer. So much nicer without. And, as for door stripes!!!! Reminds me of Halford's Fords!