Richard Hamilton

Well done Tim! Excellent work! I have been thinking about this for a long time, and would also be interested in a write-up. I guess I don't have any excuses any more, except that I need to find a cruise control actuator from somewhere!

Looking at the PET, it would appear so. There are dozens of different center consoles (colour etc) but they don't differentiate between manual and tip. The gear lever "gate" part seems to just clip in.

Im sorry if I have confused you. I hope this makes it clearer:

OBC

For Boxster 1997 to 2000 with the older instrument cluster, you only need to enable the OBC in the instrument cluster control module.

For Boxster 2001 to 2004 with the newer cluster, you have to check that the “order code” has been entered in the DME coding. If it has not, you must enter this code before you can enable OBC in the instrument cluster control module.

The OBC wiring is different for 1997-2000 compared with 2001-2004.

Cruise

For Boxster 2000 to 2002 you only have to enable cruise in the DME control module.

For Boxster 2003 to 2004 you have to enable cruise in the DME control module and the Instrument Cluster control module.

The cruise wiring is different for 2000, 2001-2002 and 2003-2004.

Wiring

Basically, there are 3 DME versions, and 2 different Instrument Clusters. As the model years they were fitted overlap, there are small differences in the wiring, and the coding (as above). If anyone wants a simplified wiring diagram specific to their model, for retrofitting OBC and/or cruise, send me an email and I'll attach it to a reply. Just let me know the MY.

If the order code hasn't been entered in the DME coding, then the OBC option will not appear in the instrument cluster coding. Sometimes the order code wasn't entered at the factory. I'm assuming that your car is US spec (from your member name). For RoW, the order codes are 986311 and 986321. However, it doesn't seem to matter if you enter a US code in a RoW car.

In answer to the question -

1) Enter the order code in the DME

2) Go back and do a controle module search.

3) Enable OBC in the Instrument Cluster coding.

If you are retrofitting cruise as well, this is different. You will need to enable this in both the DME and Instrument Cluster. There are coding options in each module for "with Cruise Control".

You have email.

Just to add something that has been covered here before, as a reminder:

For Boxsters with the new instrument cluster, if there is no option in the Instrument Cluster Coding for “with On-board Computer” use the following procedure:

Do a Control Module Search from the Vehicle Type screen.

Go to DME control unit.

Go to Vehicle Data.

Scroll down to Order Type.

Press the F7 key to edit.

Enter either 986310 for Boxster (2.7) or 986320 for Boxster S (3.2). (Use up/down/left/right arrow keys). Press F7 to confirm.

Go back to the Vehicle Type screen and do a full Control Module Search. (Essential).

Go to Instrument Cluster, go to Coding and recode for “with On-board Computer” and press the F8 key to save.

Agggh. Mine does beep on locking. Have changed the stereo and fitted a GPS aerial under the front cover by the sensor on the centre of the dash - What troubleshooting route should I follow

S

Changing the stereo will do it. There is a connection between the alarm system control module and the mounting frame of the original stereo, so that if the stereo is removed (stolen) it sets off the alarm. If you haven't re-made this connection (to ground, I believe) then you will get a single-beep when locking.

There was a guy on the PCGB forum with a 996 with 143000 miles! No RMS, or anything. Mine's a youngster!

I use 5W-40 all year round - don't like the 0W stuff, and am thinking of going to 5W-50 next change.

I have a 98 with 72000 miles, and I change the oil every 6000. I never have to top up between changes, and the level drops one or two bars (0.25 or 0.5 litres) between changes.

Sorry Loren - I didn't think carefully enough - it must have been the right order type otherwise the OBC wouldn't work. I can't think why the coding option doesn't appear on Charlie's. The 986 Diagnosis Manual shows it should be there.

C17-->Blue

B7-->Black (this wire is thinner than the others)

C4--Yellow

C1-->Brown/Yellow

These colours look right to me. At least, those are the colours of the wires shown on the circuit diagram between the cluster and the connector. The colours of the wires within the stalk aren't shown on the diagrams, but I do know the switch has one black and one white wire attached. I think you can assume that the wiring is correct. Maybe the DME needs coding for the Order Type, as I suggested to Loren, but I am guessing now.

Charlie:

It worked fine on two 2003's that I have done with my friend Tony, and also on bluboy911's 2003. There should be an option in the cluster coding for 'with cruise control'. I have seen this option available in all the new type Boxster instrument clusters from 2001 on, although it is only used for cars with DME7.8. Maybe you need to check that an order type is entered in the DME coding, although I have never had to do that. You will definitely need to activate both DME and Cluster for the cruise to work.

If the input values of the switches aren't shown by the PST2, check the wiring. It is easy to get the plug and socket on the stalk connector the wrong way round. It isn't polarised very well. I've seen this happen more than once. Also, check the operation of the clutch switch and brake light switch with the PST2. If the clutch switch has slipped in its mounting bracket the cruise won't engage.

Yes - you need a PST2 or PIWIS to reset the airbag light at the dealer, or the Durametric Diagnostics program will do it, but that is an expensive option for a one-off. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, or plan another Porsche next time, it might be worth considering. Standard OBD2 readers will not reset the airbag light.

http://www.durametric.com

Could be just a bad oil pressure sender. I had the same problem, and that's what it turned out to be. Not expensive, but if you have warranty it should be covered.

But a yellow triangle light comes on, on my dash. Now I know that it is referring to my TC BUT>>>>

in the past when that happened the TC light(orange light) would pop on, now it seems the yellow light comes on.

My '98 996 has TC (not PSM, which is different) and the yellow triangle lights up when TC kicks in. It also comes on when TC is turned off, as a wheel starts to spin. The round TC OFF light only comes on when TC is deactivated by the rocker switch, or if there is a fault in the system.

HTH

- Finding 22 gauge braided wire

- Connection removal in general

- Solder dripping into the connectors and blocking them off

If you buy the VW wires and join them, then you won't have to make any solder joints at the connectors - you will only need to splice and solder the wires together (2003on models) SEE EDIT BELOW. The only other piece of wire you need is to run between the fuse box and cruise stalk as the VW wire isn't long enough. It only carries signal voltage, so size doesn't matter too much.

The trouble with this hack is that most people only do it once, so have to go through the learning curve. The second time is MUCH easier!

EDIT: On 2003-2004 Boxsters there is no need to cut and join the VW repair wires, as the 000.979.009 wires have the correct terminals to fit both the cluster and stalk connectors.

Yes, you need to remove the fuse panel and splice a wire onto the back of B7 to provide a 12 volt supply to the stalk.

There is loads of information on retrofitting/actvating the OBC on this forum if you do a search. Also look at http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/obc/ for background info. If your car is a 99 2.5 then retrofitting cruise control (right hand lower stalk) isn't a practical option.

Excellent job, Loren! It must have taken a lot of time - thanks!!!

Time to name and shame, perhaps?

Where are you located? - there are a lot of Brits on the forum, and I am sure they would be happy to recommend a GOOD independent. My nomination goes to Wrightune in Wallingford, Oxon. (but I also have to admit that he is a close personal friend).

I think it looks stunning. I love the look of the Cayman in profile, but if only they had made the rear side window look like this.........

Loren

As I'm sure you are aware, UK spec cars flash the indicators (turn-signals in American?) and side markers when locking and unlocking. I believe there are also differences in other countries relating to the alarm horn on-time. Have you ever tried changing the country coding in the alarm control module to achieve the same result as the sidemarker hack? Just a thought.

Paul

Try eBay.uk Item number: 8064227817 or look in the 'Crafts' section. I spoke to my brother this morning, and he actually used a black faux suede material he got locally - not genuine alcantara as I first thought. It looks the business, though.

There is a backup battery in the alarm siren - hence your problem.

I think the fix is to turn the ignition on and leave the key in the ignition before disconnecting the battery.