ronbonner

Check these videos out by a TV show from England called Top Gear that now shows in the US on Discovery.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2...37242&q=porsche

and a good Porsche bashing here...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=83...92820&q=porsche

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Jeremy Clarkeson is the guy in the clip and he is one of the presenter of 'Top Gear' over here in the UK. Its a very succesfull show with a studio audience which at present, if every one who has applied to be a member of the audience was to go to the studio, the show would have to run for another 20 years! It does tend to concentrate on the exotic rather than the mundane and has some really good coverage on new developments.

Now most people either love Jeremey or hate him but one things for sure he dosen't like Porsches.

He has two other co-presenters though and one of them has just ordered a Boxster while the other owns either a 911SC or a 964 (not entirely sure which) which kind of balances things up.

If you do get it over there - watch it - its good fun (I had to say that - I know the lighting Designer for the show)

RB

@ ronbonner: as I wrote earlier I have an IceLink in my Mini (price: 150€) and use the Aux-In in the 996 (Traffic Pro, price 9€!).

Using the iPOD with the radio keys (IceLink) is not that much better than using the iPOD click wheel (Aux-In). You are limited to the 5 playlists (CD1-5) and you can access the others only through the 6th playlist (which is quite annoying in the Mini as some buttons of the radio (FF/FR) are double booked).

Of course you can switch from the radio-mode to the original iPOD-mode, but why use an expensive IceLink then?

The disadvantage when using the Aux-In is that there is no Power supply to the iPOD and you have to turn it off manually (otherwise the battery is flat when you return).

BUT: If you have PCM I (or DFC's 2004 996) I think you can use the FM version of the IceLink: http://www.dension.com/icelink_fm.htm

This seems to combine the best of both worlds:

- it fits to any radio as it's connected only through the antenna plug

- you get good quality (which is not always the case with the iTRIP transmitter)

- it's legal in Europe (which is not the case with transmitters)

- the iPOD gets power

- it turns on/off with the radio

- you can use the iPOD click wheel

- it has a reasonable price

- ...

The only disadvantage I see is that you need to install the iPOD in a position where you can read the display.

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Thanks Woolfgang

I checked out the link and it impressive and usefull for a PCM 1 user but there lies the problem - having to have the iPod on show.

@ ronbonner: '... Does this mean that when the Ice Link eventually becomes available, ipods could replace the CD changer?...'

Definitly. Why should you install such an old, mechanical and expensive device as a CD changer?

I connected an iPOD with an IceLink in my Mini, in the 996 I use the AUX-In and for other cars I have an iTRIP FM Transmitter. All work without any problems...

IMO an iPOD (or other mp3 player) is just great and I am sure that in none of my cars a CD changer will be needed any more.

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Woolfgang, I absolutely agree with you. If I can do away with the CD Changer I will but according to the Dension website PCM 1 is not listed as compatible

I want to know PCM will become compatible with the Icelink?

I am looking for anyone that can fabricate.   I would love to fit a iPod Nano into a 2003 996 center ash try.  It seem very possible regarding the Nanos small size, and the black color matches perfectly.  It may even be possible to have to tray door close as usual.  I know the hookup to the PCM is impossible until the ice link comes out, but a FM mod would do for now.  Help.

Todd

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Todd, (and anyone who may know the answer to this)

Does this mean that when the Ice Link eventually becomes available, ipods could repalce the CD changer? If that is the case will the Dension DMP3 unit also be compliant in place of the changer? - I hope so!!!

I should have said I have PCM 1

:drive: Hello All

Wondering if anyone has the links to past posts that show how to swap out the 4 spoke wheel for a 3 spoke wheel (tiptronic)

any advice/pointers would also be appreciated!

thanks

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Try this link for graphic instructions that Loren has produced

https://www.renntech.org/loren/images/obc_stalk2.pdf

Here in the UK this fault is not covered under warranty!!! :angry:

Some how Porsche GB have the expansion tank classed outside of the cooling system

If your processor is the 16 bit version (part no 996.642.122.03 number found on the back of you disc drive unit below the screen) then apparently it will work. I can't confidently say it will as I have the 8 bit system (996.642.122.01) and it didn't work for me for that very reason (8 bit not 16) I looked at upgrading the processor to the 16 bit unit but found it would cost $1700 and decide to wait for my next car which I hope has PCM2. But if you do try it and it works would you let me and the forum know?

RB

Dear Izzy,

PCM 2 will not work in your 1999 car unless you spend an awful lot of money to install the differing technology that PCM 2 uses to operate over that of PCM 1.

The PCM 2 unit uses technology which allows Audio and communications data to be exchanged between the radio, CD autochanger, Telephone and BOSE Sound System using a new digital bus technology called Media Orientated System Transport, or MOST for short. It uses fibre optics to transfer audio, navigation and CD autochanger data between these system components.

Hope this helps?

Ron

I am not an expert on PCM but this is how I understand it. There are 2 versions of the PCM

PCM 1, which is easy to identify immediately by just looking at the unit. If you have a 6-digit keypad then you have a PCM 1 package. However, to confuse you a little more there were two versions of PCM 1 – an 8-bit processor that ran from 1998 – 2001 and then a 16-bit processor from 2001 until 2002. To check to see which yours is you will need to slip out the Navigation processor (the unit that you insert the Nav CD into) to ID the serial number. This is done by removing the two strips at either end of the processor (these just flip off) and inserting audio removal prongs into the two holes to release the unit so you can pull it forward

8 Bit serial numbers (found on the rear of the unit) will be either 996.642.122.00 to 996.642.122.02

16 BIT will be: 996.642.122.03

PCM 2 is different not only in looks but in technology. The immediate difference is the positioning of the push buttons on the unit, a 10 digit dialling keypad, no phone card slot and absence in the dash of the CD processor. PCM 2 also uses what is know as MOST technology to operate which makes the interchanging of these two units not an amateur installing option.

I had a similar problem that went away and then returned which turned out to be the double microswitch housed in the roof hook area.

If the problem returns you might want to try and identify if all the microswitches in the top assembly are all functioning as they should be. I have put together a simple trouble shooting guide that can be used to check them.

You will need a voltage tester and and a spare pair of hands to operate the switches when required whilst using the tester.

I hope this helps you

RB

Boxster_micro_switch_troubleshooting.pdf

And don't forget that in the US you guys sit on the wrong side of the car to those of us in the UK ! ! ! !

Yeah, I had the airbag off a second time to check the connections so I am confident that the connections are all on.

I do plan to keep the fact that the wheel had just been changed to myself!

Thanks

Ron

Thanks Guys,

Code was sourced for me by OPC when Clutch was replaced 12 months ago.

I called them to check the code and I am putting in the correct code in according to the Porsche records. So a real mystery and a bummer with no music

They will reset the Airbag light when I can get it to them. Any ideas on why it came on in the first place?

Thanks for the heads up on the battery disconection and the ignition key, wish I had known that first and so do my neighbours!!!!!!!

Ron

I just finished a 4 spoke to a 3 spoke steering wheel swop and I thought I had prepared myself well.

I downloaded the guide found on this forum which firstly suggested I disconnect the neg side of the battery. That set off the alarm!!

Reconnected to shut it off and luckily I had the tools to undo the Torx screws without having to turn the wheel so I left the keys out and did the swop. New wheel looks great but on turning the key the airbag light stays on.

Oh! and the PCM 1 won't recognise the code number.

Help please

Ron

Ronbonner,

that problem was described by other porsche users in my community. When not all 8 cds of the package, sold with the 16bit computer, are used to update the navi, the opel cds won't work. There is a file on one of the cds(I don't remember which) that is necessary to get the opel cds work.

Are you sure that you have a 16bit nav computer? When your car was delivered after, I think May 2001, you should have one.

The 2004 version should work when it is for the opel systems I mentioned above.

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In all probability I have the 8 bit model as the car is a MY2000. I was led by your reference to the Software version 5.43 which is displayed on the screen.

Thanks

Ron

Turro,

After reading your post regarding the software needed to read the Opal nav disks I checked my software version by the method you described and to my delight the PCM software read PCM/IDIS v5.43. I took the car to a local Vauxhall dealership (same as Opal in the UK) to see if they would loan a disk to check if it would work.

It never unfortunately, althought the only disk they had that I could use to try it out was a 2004 version for the UK. any thoughts?

Ron

Dear Nflight,

If you do find out where the code is situated could you email me as I have exactly the same problem.

I to have a grey interior but after asking the same question as you and getting no reply I am still not sure of the exact shade and as you quite rightly say, there are a number of different greys used by Porsche. I want to swop my steering wheel but won't until I am sure of the correct colour.

Regards

RB

I don't know if this will help you in the US as I am not fully up to speed on your phone rentals or agreements but here in the UK we are able to get around the sim card swopping by having two sim cards, albeit two differing numbers and differing rental agreements.

In my case I have a normal monthly rental on my cell phone and a sim card for the car that is a "pay as you go" which means exactly that. you have phone credits on the card which can be topped up when required at most gas stations. I know that in the US phone cards have been around for years but as I said I am not sure what you have in place with cell phones.

When in the car I simply divert my cell phone number to the number for the sim card carried in the car for the duration of that journey. A pain to have two numbers perhaps but with the ability to divert I have no really issues regarding confusion. Every now and then I copy my cell phone directory and download the it to the car by switching sims around.

It just makes life a lot easier than opening the phone every time I want to be in touch with the world when I am driving and remember, in the UK it is illegal to use your cell unless it it hands free!

RB

Hi Jim,

This is far more than anyone could expect, thank you. I really do value your efforts. If I ever find myself in Oregon I will look you up and buy you a beer or nine!!

It is becoming clear to me that in an effort to save myself money I am creating other problems that when sorted will in fact probably cost me any savings I made!!

I may just switch my attention to buying other spares instead, smaller spares like a MAF for instance. One poor guy on the UK Porsche Club forum wrote that his OPC (Official Porsche Centre, Dealer in other words) charged nearly $900 to replace his MAF - That's $250 to undo the torx screws and another $250 to tighten them back up again once the new MAF has been connected (thats assuming the MAF cost $400)

As another indicator of the price disparity between the US and the UK. A brand new 997 on a Texas Dealers web site was priced at exactly the same amount I paid for my C4 6 speed Coupe 996 (MY2000) a year ago. (makes my Bank account weep)

Anyway enough ranting and thanks again.

I will pass on your regards to Chas next time I am at Buck house for a Beer and a game of pool. I know exactly what you mean about his underwear. Every time he bends down to take his shot the Walmart erection correction pants pop out of his 501's waistband (not a pretty sight) How can a guy concentrate on his own shot after that?????

Thanks again

Ron

According to the parts list the steering wheel is the same for a LHD and RHD.  You can put a Boxster or 996 3 spoke on a 996 4 spoke.  If you just walk into a dealer I doubt they will have a wheel and air bag in stock since it is not a common replacement part. 

You might contact Sunset Imports in Oregon since they usually have the best prices.  You could order the wheel and air bag and have it sent to your hotel.  I think there is some kind of restriction on shipping because the air bag is an explosive device.

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Thanks toolpants, I have a feeling you are right about the airbag and I very much doubt if I could get it on the plane. I think I might be flogging a dead horse here!

I don't remember the price here in the US but it was much more expensive than the carnewal.com prices 1 1/2 years ago.  Carnewal has it at 770 euro for all leather wheel and airbag.

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Thanks AC,

Checked out the Carnewal site and they have the whell at 870 Euros (£600) which is about the same price as the UK.

What we Brits tend to find when we visit the USA is that the price comparison normaly works out at like for like e.g if something cost $500 in the US the same item will probably cost around £500 here Which makes our goods more expesive normally depending on the exchange rate. However, with the dollar sliding against our currency to something close to $2 to the £ we can make a killing if the items price comparison is as I describe.

Ron

I'll be going over to Sunset Porsche Tomorrow to pick up a few parts. I'll check that for you...

By any chance would you happen to have a porsche part number? If not...I'll just go with the description.

I'll check if it is compatible with right hand drive vehicles as well. I don't suspect there will be any tropuble in that area, but I would defer that to Loren or Toolpants...

Jim

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Jim, that's very kind of you, I appreciate the effort.

As to the part number, sorry I don't know it.

The idea that I could make a huge saving came to me 5 minutes before I posted the plea for help as I had just checked the currency rates so not a lot of research to date I am afraid.

Just to confirm I want to make the straight swop of a 4 spoke standard S/wheel to the 3 spoke which came as standard probably shortly after my car was built.

I don't know about anyone else but the 3 spoke seams to suite the 996 better than the older 4 spoke.

Thanks

Ron

I am due to visit Texas (Dallas Ft Worth area) in mid-January from the UK on a short business trip and given the slide of the dollar against the pound wondered if I could use the opportunity to buy a three spoke steering wheel to fit my 2000 C4 as a direct replacement for the four spoke.

The exchange rate today puts the wheel if bought in the UK at whopping $961 bucks. Can anyone tell me what the price would be in the US today? I presumme the wheel is identical to the UK spec but if anyone knows diferent I would like to know. also I don't know the status of the airbag in terms of hazardous cargo so that would need to be researched also, again if anyone knows, be glad of the info

Thanks in anticipation.

Ron

For Loren, RayGT or anyone else who suffers the same as I did on my C4 996 (MY2000) six speed I can happily report that the failure to select Reverse, 1st, 3rd and 5th after an agressive gear change was resolved simply and quickly.

The selector cable had simply detached as predicted by the Renntech stalwarts and my Porsche dealer in Tonbridge UK replaced the linkage and I was on my way a happy chappie within the hour (they even washed the car in that time)

Thanks for your support

Ron Bonner

Loren/RayGT3,

Thanks Guys,

Your conclusions match the thoughts of a couple of Technicians this side of the pond, one an indipendant, the other at Porsche but I won't know until my dealer takes the car and inspects what has occured.

I will keep you posted on just what happened.

Best Regards

Ron