OU Targa

So, I'm going to update this thread as I go along in case anyone else needs this info going forward. Although there are a lot of "radio" threads out there it appears that the vast majority of Cayenne buyers got the Bose sound package and thus I could not find conclusive information so here goes: My '05 Cayenne base does not have the bose sound upgrade package and does not have an amp, just a fiber optic connected CD changer. (translation: the MOST system in my Cayenne is only utilized for the CD changer) Basics: if the speakers don't have the Bose logo you probably don't have bose. The CD changer is located in the rear right cargo behind pull off panel. My understanding is a non-bose amp would be located above the CD changer, that space can be viewed with a flashlight at the correct angle. Original radio is the CDR-23 single din. The back of the radio has three plugs (the top with three wires is the steering controls, the middle with 8 wires are the speakers, the bottom with three wires is the power/antenna). In addition there is the antenna connection on the far left and a pair of FIBER OPTIC cables. In this setup, the Fiber Optics cables run directly to the CD changer and that appears to be it. I unplugged the fiber optic behind the radio and EVERYTHING works fine (radio, steering controls, dash still shows the station/song). The CD changer obviously does not work but the CD slot on the head unit does work. With 8 speaker wires in the back of the radio, it is evident these are running straight to the speakers, confirmed by the fact that no amp was found. Also, called Becker and they confirmed that some becker units are not programmed to be used with an amp and most cars with an amp use a smaller yellow plug in the middle slot instead of the 8 speaker wires. So for the Radio swap all I need is a new head unit and wiring harness, essentially it is now plug and play (thank you previous owner for only getting the basic radio option). After some back and forth with a few car stereo and online sellers, the correct harness appears to be the Connects2 model CTSPO001 and is about a US$100 part. This does include steering wheel controls which would negate the need to buy the US$50 ASWC-1 part. (so essentially 50 for the basic harness and 50 for the steering controls) The fiber optic plug will just be taped off behind the unit since I have no need for the CD changer (definitely not spending 500 for a fiber connection to tie it in), they also sell a fiber optic loop connection for 10-25 so I might do that just in case its better to have the fiber loop closed. Other parts that are easily identified elsewhere: dash trim by Metra 95-9600, another one by Connects2 CT23PO01. Antenna is 40-EU10 but it appears there are a couple almost identical to choose but know once hooked up. Since the speaker wires are behind the head unit it would be easy to setup an amp in the front of the vehicle or possibly under the hood since any wires (power/speakers) wouldn't have to be routed all the way to the back of the vehicle. Parts are all on order, will update when everything is connected.

05 Cayenne base, standard original radio but wanting to upgrade so I can get touch screen bluetooth etc.... If I have the standard base radio, is that still a BOSE radio system (i.e. bose radio/amp, and MOST system?) I know I don't have the upgraded sound system but am not clear if I still have the same upgrade issues regarding the MOST system (seems like everyone refers to it as the Bose Most system or similar so does that mean the standard equipment is NOT-BOSE). Do I need the Most HUR 955 interface no matter what or is there a chance that the non-upgraded default radio does not require it? Thanks

In case anyone else ever needs it, I found the knob part numbers: Knob trip meter: 95564101000 Knob clock: 95564107010 Each costs about $32.88 The next question is if replacing the knobs is what's needed to have them work again, and if install is simply a pull and replace without taking out the cluster And interior light is 95563205100

Take look here, lists all the parts, including whether program, heater, etc... http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/hardparts.php?dir=9PA-03-06&section=809-30 Here mirror only is $67 http://genuineporscheparts.com/parts/index.cfm?make=Porsche&year=&searchText=95573103704&action=oePartSearch&siteid=218172

I'm having trouble finding the part number for the main light switch that comes on when door is opened (or can switch on/off), the one on the ceiling in front of the rear view mirror. To clarify, the light seems to go on and off due to poor connection so maybe I can modify instead of buying the part. Also, the two knobs on the instrument cluster to change the clock and reset the odometer - can those parts be found and replaced or connected to the cluster? MY2005 base

Sorry, this post is older but thought could still be useful to some. Go see Danny at Fix n Go in Plano, certified master Porsche technician - he opened his own shop and 75% + Porsches on the racks most everyday.

So, I feel a little stupid, my mechanic just confirmed that the coolant pipe issue is only on the V8 and not a problem for the base....I guess I missed that part but good to hear

Good list thanks. Yeah it hasn't had the coolant pipes replaced so I'll need to keep an eye for that. Driveshaft has been replaced so at least 1 of 2.

Thanks to both replys. Regarding the A/C: this one has the basic A/C controls, don't remember seeing auto or showing the in cabin temp, maybe it was there or screen was bad....Being a mono-zone, it would be difficult to convert to a dual zone but was wondering if I could replace the A/C control switches to have more control options (I'm thinking the answer is no) Rear side lights: the reading lights above the door (has like 2 or 3 modes: i.e. when car door open or select to "on" when in car or maybe one more. One side, the light works in all positions, the other side, the light only comes on the "door open" mode but does not when in the set "on" mode, hopefully that makes sense.

So, looking at an 05 base with a few issues that appear fairly common, just want to see if I'm missing anything? Any comments appreciated! Instrument cluster appears to be almost out and will need repair/replace (costly? 500+?) Basic air/conditioning (rear air flow is weak at best, appears no real fix?) Can basic A/C be converted to show temp/auto etc...? Currently just has two switches (low/high fan and low/high for temp) Side mirror does not adjust with auto controls (it does fold in) - would I most likely just need a new mirror motor? Cornering light warning/malfunction - how big/costly can this get assuming its not just a bulb replacement? Couple of the rear side lights come on when doors open but not when switched to "on", are there different bulbs i need to check out or possibly switches that get more expensive Last, the remote has a rear hatch button (that is just to unlock it right? the later models open automatically correct?

The early cars (MY1999 to MY2001) had some grounding problems - hence re-making the grounds. Chances are in your later model car just replacing the buckler will do it. Of course you will still need to reset the airbag light after the new buckle is installed. Well, the airbag light is on the MY1998 boxster, does that mean I will have to re-make the grounds instead of just "plug-n-play" or just maybe? (dealer said it was driver side buckle code so hopefully this will resolve the after install and reset the light) Inspection is due in a couple months so assume the light will have to be gone to pass... Thanks!

So I looked through the tutorial and have one question: If I am just replacing the driver side seat buckle, is it essentially just unbolt old and re-bolt buckle and then plug in the harness wire end? Excuse the possibly dumb question, but on the tutorial, I see a lot of splicing of wires and grounding of wires etc... and I was under the assumption that the buckle comes with a harness at the end of the wire, thus thinking I just unplug the current one and then plug in the new one. Can someone decipher for me please? Thanks!

Installed a new stereo in the 986 (previously non-bose)...used the recommended harness and had a guy at the stereo shop crimp all the ends for a good solid connection. All is good except the memory and presets reset every time the car is turned off! I believe there is a power wire which give continuous power while car is off, can anyone quickly confirm that a '98 Boxster has this wire and what color it is? I assume that either the guy didn't make this connection properly and I just need to pull it out and redo that connection or is it possible the boxster does not have a continuous wire? Thanks!

Came across this thread (old so you may not even respond). I installed the IXA-W407 as well and although I like it overall, the main reason I got it other than ipod was iPhone bluetooth use. Do you have echo problems (whenever I use the BT the person on the other end of the phone hears an echo of themself). Any bluetooth echo problems for you?

Ok, when switched to parking lights, my left one is on and right one is off. High beams both work and regular beams both work. Is there any doubt that I just need to replace the "parking light bulb" on the right side? Anyone happen to know the part number off hand? Is it difficult to access and replace this bulb on a 2003 996? Thanks!

Moving that panel looks like a PITA. However, what unit did you add in? Actually, moving the A/C controls to the bottom was really easy, mostly a few screws and then unplug wires, reroute lower and replug. That said, prob no need to move it until/unless you wanted to replace the radio. I put in the Alpine IXA-W407 b/c I wanted iPod/iPhone and bluetooth integration (works great except for callers on other end hear some echo because Alpine and iPhone both have noise cancellation and they conflict. (the only PITA on this part was installing a new amp b/c of the MOST fiber optic. Actual amp install was straight forward, more the cost of buying an amp when all I really wanted was an integrated do all head unit)

I had two shelves for awhile and it was much better looking (and functional for sunglasses/phone etc...)than having the outdated looing cd holder. Eventually I moved the a/c controls to the lower shelf location and put in a 7" display in where the radio and a/c used to be.

Porsche dealership wanted ~$80 for the "Porsche" activated charcoal". Looked around and seems several options available at $20-25. Any recommendations of do use or don't use? Also, was going with the "activated charcoal": my research says this is better, any reason not to go with activated charcoal? This is for a 2003 996 if that matters. Thanks.

I've had my '03 Targa almost 2 years now and have completely enjoyed it, so go for it. For me, the targa is the best of both, drives/sounds like a coupe but the benefit of the huge targa top. Always open on sunny weekends, and doable on highways too (but really, a cabriolet on the highway is just as loud when open) In texas here, and driving in the sun is not a problem for me, I do find shade everywhere I park though, if at all possible. Seeing out at the back window is difficult with the top back and esp at night but not that big a deal. I see some other Targa followers here, question for you all: my CPO warranty expires in a month, any specific recommendations on what inspections/tests etc... I should do to ensure I catch any possible warranty items before it expires. For what's worth, everything seems to be fine and I do not see any current problems.

Dcardy, unfortunately it didn't work but really I should of known already. Get this, the IXA-W407 ("digital media stations") apparently uses bitmap .bmp files although everything I read was all about .apn files. When I couldn't get the .apn file to work, I went to ipersonalize site to download their images for the W407, and it was actually a .bmp file which easily loaded to my W407. Did a quick glance at the images for "digital media receivers" and "AV heat units" on ipersonalize and they used .apn files. Figured all units would use the same .apn file. Cyclocross - I saved your image in the .bmp file and will try to load it tomorrow and update in case anyone else is interested. If the W407 allows any .bmp file to load it'll be easy to add different images but there is probably some special coding within the file I don't know about.

Thanks for the link and jpeg file. I've been busy over the holidays so plan to try and figure this out.

I'm looking for a cool Porsche emblem in an .apn file fomat so can update my Alpine IXA-W407 head unit: Anyone have one they would share?

Just did my double din and new amp, researched for awhile and although your post is old, my thoughts: (1)Leave the old wires in place, you'll have a new amp anyway so RCA's will run from head unit to amp, use can tap into the speaker wires, no need for a new harness, it will come with head unit (2)I got a 6 channel amp but you will not have to replace speaker wire except one minor change, the doors and dash should be connected in your current config, my installer ran new wire to dash as those are easiest to reach, 6 channels for three pairs of speakers, my sub is not hooked up as it was 1 ohm and small anyway, would have to run a separate amp or combine rear and door on same channel, so I was told. For now elected to upgrade sub in the future.