rddurrett

Hopefully the preamp metra cables won't create noise like mine did. If so, you could try to substitute insulated wire for the bare ground wire part of the cables.

I don't have an alarm but I have seen other discussions about it on this forum.

I placed the mic on top of the steering column in the middle. You could remove the instrument panel (again--see forum discussion on how to do it) and place it behind the mic screen on the left side as an alternative. Good luck!

Just finished (January 2014) an audio upgrade to a '99 C4 Cab. Thought I would document it for future reference.

Inexpensive 996 audio upgrade.docx

Loren:

I have a 1999 996 with CDR 220, S/N Y5060715, model BE 4462.

Could you send me the code? I replaced the unit and am putting it back.

Thanks very much.

Rick Durrett

There are people who have replaced the switch and the replacement did not last long. After Porsche deleted the switch from invertory the parts department at my local dealer obtained some switches, that were not the Audi version. I do not know the brand. I talked to a mechanic and he said these failed quicker than the ones Porsche use to sell. If they have any left in stock I'll take a look next time I'm down there and see if I can tell who makes it.

Apparently there are several companies that make the switch. It would be nice to figure out which one will last a reasonable amount of time. I have seen them for a little as $8, but I do not know the brand.

A mechanic gave me 2 defective original equipment switches so that I could take them apart and try to figure why something so simple has so many problems.

One switch has LK with a circle around it, and I assume it is a logo for the company that made it. It says made in West Germany.

The other switch has nothing on it except a part number.

So maybe after a year (or less if it fails) you can tell us if Meyle is a good brand.

Tool Pants--did you learn anything from taking apart the switches? Thanks.

Just wanted to share a virtually painless head unit upgrade I just did with my '99 C4 cab. I installed a Pioneer DEH-P9800BT unit on a plug and play basis (no modification of existing harnesses) with the addition of one wiring harness:

http://www.shipsound.com/product_info.php?...2c3b3ac30604c68

and, depending upon the type of antenna in your stock unit, an antenna adapter:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CkP2ueF9OTJ/c...;display=XL#Tab

The unit's frame fits perfectly into the stock unit space and comes with its own removal keys. The head unit isn't cheap, and is on backorder at a number of places (Crutchfield seems to have the best inventory), but it has a Bluetooth capability that utilizes the car's speakers and is IPOD and satellite radio ready, and has separate rca plugs for a subwoofer. It also can work with a cd changer, but my car didn't have one installed. It has a remote control pad that could be easily mounted on the steering wheel or the center console. Since it is plug and play, it is easy to replace the stock unit at any time.

As to Bluetooth, a year ago I installed a Parrot Evolution Bluetooth capability on my '03 Tahoe that cost about $150 alone, including the GM harness. My experience with both Bluetooth units is that the functionality of the unit is more dependent upon your cell phone carrier's chosen limitations than anything else. The Pioneer website has a compatibility chart, but I know that many more phones are compatible than those listed. Best way to check is to go to a retail store that has a display unit and test whether it can recognize your phone. At a minimum, if it is recognized, it will work, but you may have to manually cause the unit and phone to search for each other each time you get into the car, again depending on the phone, not the head unit.

The IPOD capability has two options (both accessories are available at Crutchfield), one that involves a cable that simply connects and powers the IPOD and the other (more expensive) utilizes the head unit to control the IPOD.

Given the number of posts in the past that were somewhat challenging people's skill sets, I thought sharing this experience might be helpful and less intimidating. I truly appreciate total hands free safety that also utilizes the car's speakers.

P.S. I just installed the IPOD and the current Pioneer cable listed (CD-i200) is not compatible with this unit. I think it is compatible with the newly introduced 2007 units. Instead, you need to use an older cable that has an IP bus connection at one end and the IPOD connection at the other, and connect the separate power and ground wires. In this setup, you control the IPOD files through the IPOD and not through the head unit. The other option is to use a Pioneer box in between the head unit and the IPOD that enables control from the head unit. However, I have read that the response time is quite slow and frustrating.

Has anyone placed a powered subwoofer in the trunk of a C4? I'm wondering if it is located close to the cabin filter it would produce a satisfactory audio experience without having to take up non-existent space in the passenger compartment. I'm not looking to blow the doors off.

Looking at a 1999 hardtop and trying to match paint code. Does it have a paint code and if so, where is its location. A label I have found has CTS and LL29.

Does anyone have suggestions/instructions for shipping a 996 hardtop (trying to ship from elsewhere to my location)? Any ideas would be appreciated.

I have a '99 C4 cab. The factory amp is mounted vertically beneath a black plastic vent (with one phillips screw) on the passenger side just in front of the pollen filter cover. The amp sits beneath the shelf with the factory CD changer brackets.

I was thinking of upgrading the audio system during the winter. I intend to keep the CDR22 unit and add a amp and repace the standard speakers, as the first step. Additionally later add the door speakers and potentially a sub behind the rear seats.

However, the first issue is to get the sound out from the CDR22 unit, does someone know if the is a kit available from Becker to get the low level output from the stereo ? Before, I think, this could be found on their homepage (www.beckerautosound.com), but now it seams to be redone and this info is not longer available.

Any suggestions for amps that would fit in the factory position ? is the cabling from the coupe difficult to the front compartement ?

Regards,

Niclas

Apparently they are out of print and dealer network is empty. Is there a difference in OBD display and functionality with 2000? I can get a 2000 manual.

Or is anyone willing to fax the OBD pages of the 199 manual? If so, fax is 503-225-0009. Thanks.

I just acquired a 1999 996 C4 Cab. I have a 2002 owner's manual, but want to know if there are any significant differences in the two that justify getting the 1999 manual. Thanks for your reply.