Mr. D-987 S

Just curious, I bought my early '05 last year and it is CPO. I'm just under 12k miles. If I experience this IMS failure *fingers crossed*, I shouldn't have any problem with getting it replaced in the CPO period, right? Seems those that had problems with warranty had a 3rd party warranty company.

After the CPO period is up (another 2 years) guess I'll have to look for a decent warranty company. ;-)

Hi,

First of all you do not need a PCM update to run the dension unit, AP997S had a very early version of PCM 2.1 running a dension unit for a number of years. As to the software update , your dealer is correct, this is only supplied as part of a MAP update package. The software level 3 is designed to only work with map DVD's which are release date 05.2005 or later. The dealer is suspicious because you have a 04.2005 DVD but the car has not been updated to level 3 software. This suggests that the map was not purchased via aporsche agent as they carry out the update as part of the purchase cost. A 2005 or later map DVD will not work in a pcm 2.1 with a software level below version 3. You have two options to resolve this issue:

1. Buy a 2008 map update (be aware the maps are actually 2007!) from your OPC and have the PCM updated

2. Find a forum member with the update discs that can loan them to you, to update the PCM yourself.

Unless the car was purchased from an OPC I doubt you will get them to update the PCM for you.

Thanks, Berty. I'm not sure what "OPC" stands for but I did buy the car from a Porsche dealer but from out of state (1100 miles away from where I live). I guess I'll have to live with it for the time being. I do want to buy the updated maps but will probably wait until later this year. Maybe they will release another map update by then. Thanks, again.

I asked my dealer to upgrade the PCM to 2.1 or 3.0 and they said they can't, I have to buy the new Navigation DVD's. I explained that I have the 4/2005 DVD and there was a TSB on upgrading the PCM. Should the dealer upgrade my PCM at my request without buying anything? If you read above, I am getting a "Incompatible Navigation Software" message when switching over to the NAV. I am running the 1.0 software. The dealer claimed that maybe the software was attempted to be upgraded with a "burned DVD" or something. This has been this was since I bought it last May and I think the dealer is just guessing. I thought maybe the dealer I bought it from (in another state 1100 miles away) reloaded the software and set everything back to default. Any advice? I wanted to get on the latest version since I want to install the Dension at some point.

I looked at the TSB and although it explains the upgrade procedure, I didn't see in there where it is telling the dealer to do this upgrade on existing cars. Although, I'm probably just not 100% understanding what I am reading.

Edit:

Here's specifically what my invoice from the dealer said:

CUST REPORTS UPDATE PCM TO 3.0?

CHECK SYSTEM FOR SOFTWARE NOT COMPATIBLE MSG

-NO FAULTS RECORDED

CONSULT W/ PORSCHE CARS NA

-POSSIBLY WRONG NATIGATION DISC FOR THE SYSTEM SOFTWARE

THIS CAN HAPPEN W/A BURNED/COPIED MAP-OR HAVE PURCHASED

A MAP DVD ELSEWHERE-W/O THE PROPER SOFTWARE UPDATE

2.1 IS AVAILABLE FOR $299 PLUS $130 LABOR

The disc is not a burned copy, it's a Porsche original. It was with the car when I bought it.

Thanks!

Great looking car! I like that color.

My visors were a bit wavy right after, like leather they should regain their original shape later. Mine did anyway.

Alex

Hey, took a little while but they did return to normal. Disregard. :P

Great looking car! I like that color.

My visors were a bit wavy right after, like leather they should regain their original shape later. Mine did anyway.

Alex

Thanks!

Appreciate that, hopefully they do!

I just did this and it looks great! One suggestion, rub GENTLY on the vinyl side of the visor. I stretched the vinyl a little making it a tad wavy. Still looks much better, though!

Hi, I am looking for a quick way to get a list of options on my car without going to the dealer. Does anyone have access to some resource if I provide my vin :-)? Thank you!

I called Porsche of America. Got the number from their website.

My Boxster had 5,800 miles on it when I bought it in June. It has 10,900 miles on it now. Although that includes 1,100 miles for the drive home from the dealer. :D

great news!!! I did what you said and push started the car and it cranked right up. So does that definitely mean the starter is bad, I have tried everything for two weeks so believe me when I say thanks alot...

The next step would be to measure the voltage to the starter to make sure it is getting the proper current. If it is getting the proper current, it is most likely the starter. I have never done this on the Boxster so I have no idea where the starter is or how difficult it is to get to.

By the way, I am assuming you have checked the battery. ;-) If you were able to push start the car and it runs fine, then I would say it's most likely the starter or solenoid but check the voltage at the starter to be sure.

Disclaimer: Keep in mind I am not a mechanic, so please get a second opinion. :-p

Good luck!

I am trying one more option before I empty my savings account to the dealership(lol) I have a 99 porsche boxster, what I am wondering is there any signs or anyway to check to see if the ecu is faulty. I have replaced the ignition switch and jumped the clutch switch also checked all the fuses. It will power up all the accessories and the silnoid will click but it will not attempt to turn over, thats why i think its something electrical. I am no auto guru just joe the plumber I need some help from the wealth of knowledge from the porsche gods....

Is it a manual? If so, have you tried push starting the car?

Recently, my A4 has some weird electrical problems on the way to work. When I got there, I shut it off and it wouldn't start again. Turns out the problem was an ignition switch recall that I never had performed. (Oops) However, the bad ignition switch burned up the starter. (double Oops) I was able to push start the car with the help of a friend to get it to the dealer to get the recall done. They diagnosed the faulty starter, as well. (it was probably the starter solenoid but on the A4 it's part of the starter). I replaced the starter and all was fine.

Good luck...

I see that the 997 family is getting a new larger touch screen PCM display and I was wondering if the Boxster will get the same treatment.

The last time I checked the "Build-you-Own" configurator for the Boxster the PCM I saw was still the old style... I think this is still the 2008 version of the application.

According to my September '08 Car and Driver, "...larger LCD screens come with the optional navigation system, which now has hard-drive map-data storage." It also goes on to say that All Porsches are now available with optional XM, in-dash 6 CD changer, and Bluetooth, iPod, MP3, and USB connectivity. This is for '09 models with the direct-injected engines.

Oh, my Oct. Road and Track actually states its the same PCM 3.0 as in the 911.

That PCM can be upgraded to 3.0.

Does you Nav work at all?

Please can you eject the DVD and read off the date on the front?

Yes, everything seems to work just fine, I just get the message and it goes away after a few seconds. The date on the DVD is 04/2005.

Thanks

Just to confirm what MATTD said , All PCM 2.1 units are capable of running at least software version 3 (this is level B ). Some will require an update to level A first, others will already be at level A and can update directly to level B. The PCM update is done using separate Cd's loaded into the PCM itself , though hte dealer can also configure/ load the update using the workshop tool. The only real benefit of this update on earlier cars is the ability to use map DVD's of production date 04.2005 or later. If the PCM is not updated then the newer MAP DVD software cannot be run on the navigation system and the map cannot be read. The navigation software comes as part of the MAP DVD disc and is loaded the first time the new disc is run. For those in the Uk the update allows newer map DVD's which have TMC or traffic alert information enabled to run on the PCM.

From the pics you have taken you are currently at software version 2.1 , this will be level A , so you can update to version 3 which will be level B.

Here's what mine looks like when I hit "Main" and "Trip":

And here's the message I get when switching over to NAV (at the bottom). It goes away after a few seconds. Does anyone else have this? I was hoping the software update would fix it.

I was also hoping the software update would improve some of the functionality, but I guess that's hoping for too much. :P

Your dealer is full of it :) They are probably confused about PCM 3.0, rather than software release B (3.0) for PCM 2.1. Update level B (3.0) is a pre-req for the recent map updates.

If you are currently on version 1.0 you are on the PCM revision "standard production status".

If your Boxster was built in 01/05 it is capable of version 3.0 PCM software.

By the way if you update from 1.0 to 3.0 then your current Nav DVD will stop working and you'll need a map DVD from at least 04/2005.

I suggest you go and have another talk to your dealer :) They should have a read of technical service bulletin (TSB) 9110 - PCM2.1 Navigation Update, which describes the update process. If you are a contributing member on here you can view it yourself. Print it off and show them :)

PS - there are plenty of recent Nav DVDs on Ebay - far cheaper than from your dealer.

Thanks for that info! I really want to update the maps, too, anyway so I'll take a look on ebay.

Glad to hear of another Porsche owner that does used oil analyses. I drained my factory fill at ~7500 miles and the next oil change was at ~17000 miles (was supposed to be at 15000 miles, but I was busy). The oil at 17000 miles (with ~9400 miles on it) had a 2.58% fuel dilution measurement on it (should be <2%), so I won't be going past 7500 oil change intervals regardless of what the factory recommends. I did this back in mid-August and posted the analysis here so you can do a quick search for it.

It will be interesting to see how much fuel dilution the new models have with their direct fuel injection systems!

BTW, the only thing I don't like about the Boxster is the lack of an oil temp/pressure gauge. You may be able to rig up something to read the oil temp because the DME has oil temp as an input (I can read it with the Durametric tool).

Regards,

paul...

Thanks for the comments. One thing about fuel dilution...and you probably already know this...but they recommend you get your sample when your oil is hot after a drive. Your fuel dilution numbers will be higher if you take a cold sample.

I think it might be a good idea to utilize the area in front of the shifter (the "cubby hole") for a couple of small analog gauges, if I can find any that small. I don't use that anyway. I am going to search some more to see what I can find. I was hoping to get some advice from some other Porsche owners that have done this already. I especially miss the oil temp for auto-x.

When I get my first oil change...which won't be until sometime next year...I'll post up the results.

Thanks, again,

-Michael

Yes, I always take the car out on the highway and give it a good run -- gets rid of the fuel and water in the oil so I don't get inaccurate analyses. If enough people did UOA's, we could probably talk Loren into setting up a dedicated section on the forum.

I have read elsewhere that some Boxster owners buy used Carrera instrument clusters off eBay and install them to gain the oil gauges.

Regards,

paul...

Carrera Instrument Cluster Transplant To Boxster

Thanks for the link, Loren. Most of the post deals with the 986 Boxster but someone did ask about a 987. Unfortunatley, it looks like it is not possible to install a 997 cluster into a 987. I'm going to continue looking around for ideas.

Thanks, guys.

Glad to hear of another Porsche owner that does used oil analyses. I drained my factory fill at ~7500 miles and the next oil change was at ~17000 miles (was supposed to be at 15000 miles, but I was busy). The oil at 17000 miles (with ~9400 miles on it) had a 2.58% fuel dilution measurement on it (should be <2%), so I won't be going past 7500 oil change intervals regardless of what the factory recommends. I did this back in mid-August and posted the analysis here so you can do a quick search for it.

It will be interesting to see how much fuel dilution the new models have with their direct fuel injection systems!

BTW, the only thing I don't like about the Boxster is the lack of an oil temp/pressure gauge. You may be able to rig up something to read the oil temp because the DME has oil temp as an input (I can read it with the Durametric tool).

Regards,

paul...

Thanks for the comments. One thing about fuel dilution...and you probably already know this...but they recommend you get your sample when your oil is hot after a drive. Your fuel dilution numbers will be higher if you take a cold sample.

I think it might be a good idea to utilize the area in front of the shifter (the "cubby hole") for a couple of small analog gauges, if I can find any that small. I don't use that anyway. I am going to search some more to see what I can find. I was hoping to get some advice from some other Porsche owners that have done this already. I especially miss the oil temp for auto-x.

When I get my first oil change...which won't be until sometime next year...I'll post up the results.

Thanks, again,

-Michael

I called my dealer today to ask about my first service. I also asked about updating the PCM software. They are telling me that the 3.x version is only for "newer" Porsches and won't work in mine. In fact, they are saying there is no update for mine. My Boxster has build date of 1/05. I hit the Main and Trip buttons and it's showing version 1.0. Shouldn't I be able to at least upgrade to 2.x? Another thing is, It is showing the first 3 items with the triangle next to it and only "Navigation System" has a check next to it. Is that a problem? CD Changer does not show but I do not have it installed. Does the person I was talking to know what she was talking about? This is of interest to me because I plan on getting the Dension and am concerned about compatibility with this old SW release.

She also said that if I bought the newest navigation DVD's, there is no software update. I can just stick in the new DVD. This seems contrary to what I've read.

Thanks!

I found PDF's with the Maintenance intervals on Porsche's website, which is nice.

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/defa...iletype=default

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/defa...iletype=default

20,000 mile oil change? I had heard 15k prior to purchasing it. I get an oil analysis done every oil change. We'll see how it holds up. I change my Audi every 8-9k which ends up being about once a year or 11 months. It holds up fine, with 3-4 make-up quarts. :-p

The checklist have been available here also (for quite some time).

Maintenance Schedules Menu

Hi, thanks. Yes I saw that but when I clicked on it earlier, it said I had to be a contributing member. Which, of course, I'm not yet.

That was an error and has been changed - all members can download maintenance schedules.

Thanks, Loren

I can't comment on the idea of non-Porsche service invalidating the warranty, but to my mind what makes sense is to have the minor and major services done by the dealer, unless there is some extenuating circumstance they would have to stand behind their product should something go wrong during the warranty period. I just had the minor service done on my 2006 at the dealer (2 years, 24000km), they performed all of the normal checks and pronounced it all good, yes it was very expensive considering what they actually did but at least they have definitive record that there are/were no issues.

Having said that I do not wait that long to change the oil/filter, that I do myself at the 1 year interval, I use Porsche approved oil (Mobil 1 0w-40) and buy a Porsche oil filter.

Thanks for the comments. I think that's a good idea, to have the minor and major services done at the dealer. I need to call them and find out when the last one was done. I'm not sure if the dealer did that before I bought it, although they did change the oil. I'll probably stick with the once a year oil changes, too.

Thanks, again...

I found PDF's with the Maintenance intervals on Porsche's website, which is nice.

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/defa...iletype=default

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/defa...iletype=default

20,000 mile oil change? I had heard 15k prior to purchasing it. I get an oil analysis done every oil change. We'll see how it holds up. I change my Audi every 8-9k which ends up being about once a year or 11 months. It holds up fine, with 3-4 make-up quarts. :-p

The checklist have been available here also (for quite some time).

Maintenance Schedules Menu

Hi, thanks. Yes I saw that but when I clicked on it earlier, it said I had to be a contributing member. Which, of course, I'm not yet.

I found PDF's with the Maintenance intervals on Porsche's website, which is nice.

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/defa...iletype=default

http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/defa...iletype=default

20,000 mile oil change? I had heard 15k prior to purchasing it. I get an oil analysis done every oil change. We'll see how it holds up. I change my Audi every 8-9k which ends up being about once a year or 11 months. It holds up fine, with 3-4 make-up quarts. :-p

Hello all. I just purchased a '05 Boxster S...my first Porsche...with only 5800 miles this past June and had a couple questions. I have been reading the forums for a few weeks now but this is my first post.

First, I am looking for information on adding an oil temperature gauge to the Boxster. This is one thing I miss that my A4 has. I did a quick search but didn't come up with anything. I would prefer something hidden or stock looking. I'd like to avoid a pillar gauge pod. Any suggestions?

Second, I prefer to do my own oil changes. Paying $250 for something as simple as an oil change doesn't sound very appealing plus I enjoy doing my own maintenance. I was concerned about doing my own oil changes while under warranty. My Boxster is CPO and under warranty for another few years. From what I understand, the dealer can't force you to get service done at the dealer in order to honor the warranty? I keep all of my receipts and log all of my maintenance into a spreadsheet. Am I going to have a problem with a warranty claim if I'm doing my own oil changes? Also, I'm not sure what other maintenance is performed. Can someone point me to an on line source listing the maintenance intervals?

I look forward to your responses. Thanks a lot!