Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Self-Diagnostic System: Notes
960 uses a Motronic 1.8 diagnostic system, which uses a single Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to control fuel injection and ignition systems. In addition, Motronic 1.8 diagnostic system determines whether A/C compressor may be switched on, reduces engine torque in response to a signal from automatic transmission, and controls radiator fan.
Diagnostic unit for retrieving codes is located in engine compartment, in front of left strut assembly. Diagnostic unit is equipped with an LED indicator, activation button and function select cable. See Fig 1 .
Diagnostic unit output socket No. 2 is used to retrieve all codes. Once selector cable has been inserted in correct slot, depressing button once, twice or 3 times selects from one of 3 control (fault tracing) functions. Faults stored in ECU memory are read by observing LED flashes. Diagnostic system stores 18 fault codes.
All fault codes contain 3 digits (example: 4-1-3). Since codes have 3 digits, each code requires 3 series of flashes. A 3-second interval separates series of flashes. See Fig 2 .
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.