alanm_3

Hi Loren, Yes, I spotted that TSB just after posting! It made me realise the module doesn't plug directly into the PCM2 unit, but is located behind the seat! I always thought the module would be there to allow easy connection of the handset, but maybe not (I don't see a handset mentioned in the kit). I figured out the optical wave guide is for the MOST cable to route to the module. Do Porsche allow for the individual parts of the retro-fit kit to be ordered separately? I',m beginning to think it might be too much work for too little return, what with new blue tooth technology etc!

Folks, I have the chance of a PCM2 telephone module (part # 996.642.207.01), and I called my OPC to determine if it was compatible with my PCM2 unit (part #996.642.214.03), but as is usual for OPC, they always seem to want to complicate things, so they couldn't answer either way. They told me the phone module comes as an aftermarket kit, which amongst other things is an "optical wave guide", which is unique to every car (!!). No-one seems to even know what this thing does! They have taken my chassis number and said they will get back to me, which going by previous experience won't be anytime soon! I have a source for a few of the other bits that might be part of the kit, inc. cables, brackets etc. Can anyone give me a breakdown of the individual parts and their part numbers for the telephone module after-market kit? Thanks in advance, Alan Sorry, just realised I've posted this in the 996 section, should be the Boxster section! PCM unit came from a 996, but I have an MY03 Boxster

Ok guys, it's been a while since I troubled you all with my PCM2 saga, but this is probably my last chance to solve this problem! I found the authorised UK repairers for Becker and sent the unit to them. Upon recepit of the unit, they called Becker for some data on the unit. They were told in no uncertain terms that Porsche UK had instructed them not to divulge any information to 3rd party vendors and that any faulty units MUST go through the OPC network. So, I call my OPC to be told that they have no process in place to send the unit back if it's not under warranty (which it would be if it was in the original 996 it came from), but the warranty is void if the part is installed in another car, and that I could take it up with Porsche UK with a view to finding out the repair policy. So, I call Porsche Cars GB, tell them my story, offer to pay for the repair, to be told a week later that the policy is to replace ALL units irrespective of age, as they don't repair them!! (They say this includes PCM1 units too!), but since my unit has "some history" they have ruled that out in this case. This leaves me in the position where the OPC won't/can't send it back to Porsche GB and the guy who can repair it, can't get hold of any information to do so! So, as a last resort, is there anyone out there who can get me a copy of the 3.0 S/W update in ISO format to alllow me to upgrade the unit? Either that or tell me where my repairer can get hold of the information he needs? Thanks in advance (and in desparation)!! Alan

Corey, Yes the car is locked using the remote. I think that date on my unit is August 03, so I guess it's not likely to be the s/w version then? I even tried taking out the CD as I was certain I could hear it whirring even though there wasn't enough in the battery to start the car. I'm beginning to think that it could be that the unit could be faulty. Since I retro-fitted this myself I don't think I'll get very far with my OPC, so I'll have to find out who in the UK looks after these things (it's a Becker unit, is it not?). If so I know the local Becker dealer quite well. Cheers, Alan

Corey, I checked the S/W version on the PCM2 unit, it is at 2.0. I went along to my OPC who tried to update it, but they only have version 2.0 and say they haven't heard of a 3.0 update! What I've noticed is that the unit is definitely not powering off completely, although the screen goes blank. When I go to the car after a day or so, the PCM unit is very hot and the battery is on its way to being flat; disconnect the power from the PCM unit and the battery is fine (after a recharge obviously). Is there any way of getting hold of a copy of the 3.0 S/W update? The OPC told me all they do is put the CD in and the unit recognises its an update CD and does the update, so I guess if anyone had a copy of it, it would be a simple case of burning a CD with the update image on it, or am I being too simplistic? I've noticed from other threads that Navteq don't seem to cover these units anymore, so whats the support path to get this resolved if I can't get hold of the update CD?

OK, got my OPC to reprogram the PCM2 and hey presto, I got sound!! I'm left with one slight problem; since installing the PCM2 unit my battery has gone flat, and I mean FLAT, in the space of 2 days. I got the car started, used it for a day hoping that would recharge that battery, only to find the battery had gone flat AGAIN! Each time this happens the alarm sounds a couple of times just as the battery is on its last breath. My first thought was maybe the amp had been left switched on when I removed the CDR-23 and since the PCM2 had no knowledge of the amp, it had stayed on and drained the battery, but it happened again the day after my OPC had re-programmed it. I've had my car a year now and it was left out in the open (under a cover) for most of the winter. I would start it every couple of weeks just to keep the battery charged up and it never let me down, starting first time every time, but 2 days seems a very short time to go totally flat in what we call summer over here! Anybody got any ideas? Cheers, Alan

I've just contributed! Will all problems be solved by the TSB (or at least this 1)?? :)

OK folks, got the PCM2 unit fitted today and all seemed to go well, except I have no audio! The unit powers up fine, plays CD, radio will auto-store my local radio stations and the GPS status shows it's picking up 7 satellites, but no audio whatsover! I'm wondering if this would be resolved by having it "introduced" to my car using PST2? The unit came from an 03 996; my car is an 03 Boxster. If I put the original CDR-23 in, I have my audio back. Cheers, Alan

Fantastic details on how to do this! Many thanks Corey, I'll be sure to follow your instructions!! The phone module may or may not be a problem, but I'll deal with it when the time comes!

Hi Folks, I'm a bit of a refugee from the boxa.net boards in the UK, but can't find an answer to my question there, so hopefully you guys can help. I have an MY03 Boxtser with the CDR-23 and speaker upgrade, and have now got the chance of a PCM2 unit from an MY03 996. Now I thought my only consideration was the MOST bus, but this issue of the VIN number is worrying me! Obviously the PCM2 unit will have the VIN number of the donor 996, so is there a way to reprogram the unit with my cars' VIN number (via PST2 perhaps?). Also will my car have to be "told" it now has PCM2 installed (again via PST2?) Thanks in advance Alan