Dharn55

Loren - I have had a few requests to post a DIY on the heated seats I did in my cab, but can't figure out how to post a DIY. Can you give me some instructions?

Ok, Here is the parts list:

Part Number Description Qty

996.618.521.00 Control Unit Seat Heater (Relay) 2

996.612.540.01 Wiring harness Sear Heater 2

996.521.531.01 Foam part Backrest Cushion with Heating 2

996.521.521.01 Foam Part Seat Cushion with Heating 2

996.618.531.00 Support Control Unit (metal bracket) 2

999.591.712.40 Plastic Rivet 6,0x23,0 2

996.613.153.00.A02 Tip Switch Seat heater gloss black 996 Left 1

996.613.154.00.A02 Tip Switch Seat heater gloss black 996 Right 1

999.650.109.40 White Female Electrical Switch Connector housing L 1

999.650.035.40 Black Female Electrical Switch Connector Housing R 1

999.650.330.00 Electrical Connector (Female spades to tip switch 20

000-979-008-A Audi Electrical Wire/Connector (Small square to seat) 6

000-979-227 Audi Electrical Wire/Connector (female blake to fuse) 3

000-979-117 Audi Electrical Wire/Connector (female bullet to seat) 3

999.650.320.22 Contact Bushing (to relay BS15) 3

999.607.060.00 White 25A Fuse 2

996.552.335.02 O1C Dash Bezel for Seat Heat Switches 2 hole version 1

On the small electrical parts the quantities are doulble what you need, but they are cheap and some of them break easily so I ordered extras. You don't want to be partway throught the project and be missing some small piece. The total cost with shipping from Sunset was $611 last fall. The major difference between the Boxster and a 996 cab is the placement of the heater switches. In the boxster Dennis Vogel put them where the rear window switches fit in the center console behind the ashtray. In a cab they go in the lower console on the dash, so the wires route the same way Dennis Vogel shows, they just stop at the lower dash so they are shorter. The biggest trick is the back cushions which take a set of hog ring pliers and clips (available from JC Whitney for $10-12). I had an upholstery sho do the backs, I did the bottoms my self.

Warning!!! when you have the seats out, don't reconnect the battery or put the key in or you have an airbag warning light go on which requires the dealer to reset. Any questions, PM Me, I will be glad to help.

If you are going to a new amp you will probably want to use the low power outputs on the Becker 220 CDR. Becker sells an adaptor for the low poer output with RCA jacks and a wire for the amplifier control. I bought one a few months ago for adding my JL Audio amp.

Here is one on ebay. Make sure it has the brackets that fit on the sides if you bid on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-Box...1QQcmdZViewItem

Hi, after recently buying a '99 996, I've just discovered that I don't have the socket for the locking nuts on the wheels. I wanted to remove them for cleaning, etc. I tried the one from a friends '01 Boxster S and it didn't fit. Are they year or model specific? Are there a large variety of patterns? Are they available for purchase anywhere? Any advice you could give me would be much appreciated!!!

There are 6-8 different patterns for the sockets. You will probably need to go to a dealer and have them determine the pattern on yours, then they can order you the right socket. This is what I had to do when I bought my car.

There are at least 2 on Ebay, I have been looking at them. Here are links.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARMAN-BECK...sspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARMAN-BECK...sspagenameZWDVW

There are a few models, don't know which one is OEM for Pcars. Also, most seem to have European CD's and I don't know where you get the US version of the CD's.

I saw two separate models on eBay as well and have questions into the sellers. One is from a BMW E38, don't know about the other one yet. Have a question on the Becker board as to compatibility.

Thanks for the help. Will keep at it.

Joe

I know that they are single DIN units so they will fit into the dash. I think that most Beckers are Standard in terms of the rear plug-ins for the wiring harness' but don't know for sure. Also, finishes may be different (i.e. satin vs. gloss). Good luck, let me know how it goes if you buy one and install it.

There are at least 2 on Ebay, I have been looking at them. Here are links.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARMAN-BECK...sspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARMAN-BECK...sspagenameZWDVW

There are a few models, don't know which one is OEM for Pcars. Also, most seem to have European CD's and I don't know where you get the US version of the CD's.

I was browsing ebay today and saw what appeared to be a couple of B&M short shifter kits (in-car) for about $100.00. This is what I put in my car, although I paid $210.00 for mine. There was also one of the Porsche OEM kits listed.

Some of the aftermarket aluminium pedal covers have flanges to widen the gas pedal. This may help to bring the gas pedal loser to the brake for heel toeing.

Here is a link to a ebay auction for a rear lid and spoiler, Buy the whole thing for $795.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-996...1QQcmdZViewItem

You might want to keep an eye on ebay. I often see rear lids with spoilers in the range of $500-$1,000. You could buy one and use the mechanism, then sell the rest of the parts or keep as spares. I don't see any listing rigth now, but they are there regularly.

All that work and your not replacing the speakers. I can tell you that the speakers are the weakest link in the whole system. I am still running my stock head unit and amp (I will be replacing the amp soon) but replaced the dash speakers with Focal 100KP's and the door units with Focal 136KP midrange. This made all the difference in the world. The stock speakers are trash. If you are going to spend the money, REPLACE THE SPEAKER!!!

I am looking for brushed aluminum rings to go around the Tack, Speedometer, etc.

Does anyone know of a web site or place where I can order these. Also I am looking for metal foot pedals for the clutch, Brake, Accelator and foot rest.

Thanks

For all of your Help.

soutahc4s: 2002 Carrera 4S Carrera White Exterior with All leather black interior.

These are the best looking ones I have seen, pretty good price too. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-996...bayphotohosting

My 00' C4 Cab came with the 18" wheels (8" and 10") and the stock tire sizes (225/40/18 and 265/35/18). I am upgrading to new 18" with 8.5" and 10" widths. I found that the new 997's have changes the tire size on 18" wheels to 235/40/18 and 265/40/18. What do you think abunt running theses on a 996?

I thought it might close some of the opening around the wheels and body without new springs/lowering. Does anybody see or know of a problem with this set up?

The problem is that your car was designed for equal size front and rear tires. The 997 was designed for the new sizes which are about 1" larger in diameter in the rear. The difference in tire diameters could cause problems for the 4WD system, ABS and PSM.

You see alot of owners running non-standard size tires. I have looked at the relative sidewall heights as follows:

225/40=90

265/35=92.75

235/40=94

265/40=106

Many recommend 275/30 and 285/30 on the rear

225/40=90

275/30=82.5

235/40=94

275/30=82.5

225/40=90

285/30=85.5

235/40=94

285/30=85.5

With PSM and 4wd the concern is relative size. You can see that There is a wide variation of the delta in the sizes you see in postings here and on Rennlist. I believe these are all milimeters. The stock is only about 3mm, but you can see there are alot of owners running larger deltas.

Anybody out there running 275 or 285's on the rear and the standard 225 or even a 235 on the front? have you had problems?

Actually on the stock set up 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 (with PS2's) the front are 829 revs/mi. and the rears are 822 revs/mi. so the rears are slightly larger diameter. However, with the 997 tires sizes, 235/40/18 and 265/40/18 this goes to 819 front and 790 rear. With a C$ the differential may be important.

My 00' C4 Cab came with the 18" wheels (8" and 10") and the stock tire sizes (225/40/18 and 265/35/18). I am upgrading to new 18" with 8.5" and 10" widths. I found that the new 997's have changes the tire size on 18" wheels to 235/40/18 and 265/40/18. What do you think abunt running theses on a 996?

I thought it might close some of the opening around the wheels and body without new springs/lowering. Does anybody see or know of a problem with this set up?

The problem is that your car was designed for equal size front and rear tires. The 997 was designed for the new sizes which are about 1" larger in diameter in the rear. The difference in tire diameters could cause problems for the 4WD system, ABS and PSM.

You see alot of owners running non-standard size tires. I have looked at the relative sidewall heights as follows:

225/40=90

265/35=92.75

235/40=94

265/40=106

Many recommend 275/30 and 285/30 on the rear

225/40=90

275/30=82.5

235/40=94

275/30=82.5

225/40=90

285/30=85.5

235/40=94

285/30=85.5

With PSM and 4wd the concern is relative size. You can see that There is a wide variation of the delta in the sizes you see in postings here and on Rennlist. I believe these are all milimeters. The stock is only about 3mm, but you can see there are alot of owners running larger deltas.

Anybody out there running 275 or 285's on the rear and the standard 225 or even a 235 on the front? have you had problems?

My 00' C4 Cab came with the 18" wheels (8" and 10") and the stock tire sizes (225/40/18 and 265/35/18). I am upgrading to new 18" with 8.5" and 10" widths. I found that the new 997's have changes the tire size on 18" wheels to 235/40/18 and 265/40/18. What do you think abunt running theses on a 996?

I thought it might close some of the opening around the wheels and body without new springs/lowering. Does anybody see or know of a problem with this set up?

The switch illumination LED is polarized. Make sure that you have it connected correctly to the power source. try reversing the leads to see if that works

I thought of trying to do what you are doing, but look under product here for the "Flash2Pass." I installed this in my car and now open the garage door by flashing my brights. A great solution and much easier that installing in the dash and modifying the switches. Also, it moves with you and can be used on just about any door as opposed to modifying a garage door opener from you current door. Just a thought.

Are your seats heated or not? I just a a DIY to add heated seats to my car so I have extra foam seat cushions. One or both are yours for free except you would have to pay shipping. You can also get them from Porsche (I use Sunset). The heated ones cost me about $115.00@, the unheated one are much less. Putting them in the seats is a DIY if you are a little handy. If it is orders that are bothering you it might just be in the foam, then just clean the leather. Let me know if you want them.

Dharn55

Are you going to post a DIY (with pictures) of your heated seat project. I've been waiting to see it, and to see if I think I can do it. Until I read your original post, it never occurred to me that heated seats would significantly extend the top down season.

Kim

2000 Cab

I have been meaning to do a DIY on the heated seat installation, but time has gotten away from me and I really did not take enough pictures. However, I really don't need to reinvent the wheel because 99% of what you need is in the following DIY by Dennis Vogel. www.dennisvogel.com/boxster/heatedseats I talked to Dennis abount using his info and updating it to a 996, but he preferred that I not reuse his work, but just refer people to it. He has offered to add a link to a 996 update but I haven't done that yet.

While his is for a boxster, there are only a few variations for a 996. I.e. the standard location for the switches in a 996 is the lower console so the wiring is a little shorter and you need a bezel (in a coupe you could put the in the center console location). I have a revised parts list with the bezel, etc. for a 996 that I am happy to share. All the parts cost me in the neighborhood of $600-$650 from Sunset Porsche. I also bought wire at the local NAPA store and some connector from Radio Shack. If you are going to do it take Dennis' advide and buy a few extra of the electrical connectors. Sometimes they break or bend. I did the seat cushion work myself with the exception of reinstalling the seat back covers as this required hog ring pliers (which I since bought for another project, you can get then at JC Whitney really cheap). I paid a upholstery shop $50.00 for that. The quoted $250 for the whole cushion installation if I brought the seats to them. Total time was about 5 hours.

I can only say that I love them. Used them alot before I put the hardtop on and use them all the time in the cold now. If you want to try it let me know I will be happy to provide whatever assistance I can. I did take some pictures of the seat cushion part which Dennis did not have in his instrucitons.

Hi All

Wondering if anyone out there has redone their car seats. I have 99 c2 cab with graphite grey partial leather seats. I believe the PO had a real dog sitting in the pax seat and it left the seat alittle tainted.

Curious if there are any 'seat kits' out there. Porsche will sell them for more or less 2k for both seats.

I'll check out recaro on monday.

Thx Rick

Are your seats heated or not? I just a a DIY to add heated seats to my car so I have extra foam seat cushions. One or both are yours for free except you would have to pay shipping. You can also get them from Porsche (I use Sunset). The heated ones cost me about $115.00@, the unheated one are much less. Putting them in the seats is a DIY if you are a little handy. If it is orders that are bothering you it might just be in the foam, then just clean the leather. Let me know if you want them.

The light in my rear defrost switch is not coming on ('04 C4S). I wanted to do a bit of diagnosis before I bring it to the dealer. In particular, I want to make sure that it is not a problem that I caused when I had the relay and fuse carriers out to install PSE. I was wondering if anyone knows which relay is used to control the rear defrost (I am assuming it is relay controlled). I was also wondering if there is a wiring diagram available that covers this.

Before someone asks the obvious, I did check to make sure it was not a burnt out fuse!

Thanks,

Pete

If you PM me with a Email address I will send you wiring diagrams and relay layouts from my manuals. Can send them as a doc. file you can open in word.

The female connector housings are available in white (999.650.109.40 Sunset Porsche $2.96)) or Black (999.650.035.40 Sunset Porsche $1.86). Don't ask me why 2 colors or why 2 prices, I don't know but I got both when I was adding heated seats to my car. The femal spades that fit inside are 999.650.330.00 and were $.46 at Sunset Porsche. So for less than five bucks plus shipping you could repalce the whole housing and female spades. You can also get them at your local dealer and because they are such low cost parts it may be more convenient.

i recently ran the wires for adding switches to run the radiator fans and the engine compartment fans. I was going to use a Footwell Light Switch, but when I tried it the fans only ran when the switch was held down. Apparently it was designed to control a relay and it not a simple on/off switch. Does anyone know of a Porsche tip switch which will accomplish this, i.e. keep the fans on until I switch them off. I would prefer not to mount a non-standard switch.

There are probably a dozen for sale on Ebay in misc. colors. Go to Ebay motors and look under car & truck parts. Put in Porsche and 1998 thru 2005. There are also regular ebay advertisers who have them in multiple colors. LA Porsche Dismantlers tends to be pretty high cost. Good Luck

Trying to decide if the price is worth the difference. Is the 3 spoke also smaller in diameter or just fatter grip? I would like a smaller diameter wheel as well as a fatter grip. Is an aftermarket wheel (RUF) or something else a good idea? They don't seem like much more $ than what the OEM 3 spoke is going for after you change the airbag and the wheel. Anyone have some advice?

Depending on what your color is you can probably find a good price on one on Ebay. Blacks and Greys are pretty common. I have Sav Beige. There was a 3 spoke wheel the other day that went for $116.00 w/o airbag. I could not find a Sav Beige airbag so I did not buy it. I recently bought a four spoke wheel and airbag for $150.00 in perfect condition, because mine was badly worn and had glue/marks on it. Then sold the old one for $100.00 with pictures of the problems. The buyer probably wanted the airgbag. I know there are several black 3 spoke wheels and airbags on ebay now.

Finally received the lights today. Someone on Rennlist poited out that the new 997 comes with clear brakelights. In Illinois we have pollution inspection, but not lights etc.

I would imagine that if you have a rigid State inspection, where they check lights, horn, etc. . . they could fail the car?