KC-Boxster

I have the Durametric software and adapter cable and it works great. It not only does the engine codes but will also do the Temp Control System, ABS, Airbag, Seats and Tip diagnostics and code resets. You can usually find it new on Ebay for less than $200.00 or direct from Durametric at http://www.durametric.com/ for around $300.00. It is worth every penny.

The aftermarket unit appears to be a direct derivative of the original VDO unit but has a generic mounting pad so it could be mounted just about anywhere. One suggestion would be out in front next to the battery where there is ample space and easy access. The internal Printed Circuit Board has also been redesigned by the current manufacturer so that it can be programmed via a DIP switch for virtually any vehicles speed input signals. This unit appears to be top quality and is reportedly the standard aftermarket Cruise Control Installation Kit for Ford and Chrysler dealers. You can take the cam out of a 98 Pedal but if you already have a 98 pedal then you should probably use the entire pedal because it will have the cruise control cable already attached. It will probably be a week before I get the DIY instructions revised and posted. Tim

I have both the 97 Cruise/Pedal assembly and the 98/99 Cruise/Pedal assembly and they appear identical. I actually have the 97 version in my 99 and it works perfectly so I am guessing the only real difference is either minor programming or circuit board changes in the Cruise Control Module itself. They both use the same electrical wiring and hook up identically. Purchasing all of the required parts new from Porsche is either cost prohibitive or impossible since they don't offer all the required pieces. I have actually found sources for all of the required components in the aftermarket to create a kit with the exception of just a couple of wire terminal ends (Which I will locate) and the cruise control cam that would be required to be inserted into the factory non-cruise accelerator pedal. This leaves us with the following options: Option 1: Individual car owners could source the Cruise Control/Pedal assembly and the 3 or 4 Stalk Steering Column Switch assembly from a salvage yard or the dealer (if you have deep enough pockets) and I could build up a Wire Harness to facilitate the installation. Option2: I could provide a kit which would include an aftermarket Cruise Control Module (Which is virtually identical to the factory Porsche VDO unit), Wire Harness and aftermarket Cruise Control Switches that mount to either side of the airbag. This option would require me to go into production and have an injection molded Cruise Control Cam made to work with the factory non-cruise control accelerator pedal. This is all very doable and I would suspect the final cost would be around $400 to $500 dollars. Before I would venture off into this project I would need a significant number of potential interested car owners. Options3: We could come up with some sort of variation of Option1 and Option 2 above so those wanting the stock Steering Column Switch could use it instead of the aftermarket one on either side of the airbag. I have already written the first draft of the Installation Guide and it is currently being reviewed by another dedicated Porsche owner. Once complete I will post it so everyone can see what's required. So the bottom line to all interested Porsche Owners is to let me know how important of a project this is to everyone so I can make a decision. Regards, Tim Casey

You are correct. The basic pedal and inner workings are all the same. But the non-cruise control pedal is missing the third inner actuating cam that is hooked to the cruise control cable. Tim I would if I had it but all I could find was a place that has a plug and pigtail assembly that appears to be correct. I will have to wait till I get it to see if there are any Part Numbers on it that will lead us in the right direction. Tim

Richard you are correct. I was looking at it backwards through the mirror. I have revised my previous reply and added a better picture. So see if the latest posting makes more sense. Tim

Richard: That is not the way mine is wired. All I was able to do during lunch today was look at the connector through a mirror but I am 99% sure the diagram below is correct. My picture is pretty bad but you can see the Grey/Pink wire is in the lower left corner and your right that the Brown ground wire is in the lower right corner but I believe it would be Pin E. Looking at the picture you have attached here is how mine is wired OR/RE, BK/RE, BK, BL, YE/GR K J H G F A B C D E GR/PK, BR/YE, BK/OR, YE, BR I also have found what appears to be the correct connector for the Cruise Control connection and have put one on order. I should have it this time next week, if it proves out I will let you know. I also may have found a source for a Cruise Control Actuator that is virtually identical to the factory Porsche/VDO unit with only a different mounting pad. I should have the DIY instructions completed by the end of this weekend and may try and put together an intire installation package for an aftermarket cruise installation if there is enough interest. I edited this reply about 5 times so make sure you review the last edit because my first post was backward due to looking through the mirror. Tim

Since my installation was on a Boxster there appears to be some minor differences but I would suspect they are generally the same. Is your car left or right hand drive? Here are the answers as best as I can figure. 1)The Bridge Plug BS1 is located on the back of Relay Panel 1 outboard of the pedals. It is real easy to take out. Loosen the 10mm nut on the forward side and slide it out on the aft side. You will then be able to twist it around to see the Bridge Plugs on the aft side. On the Boxster the Speedometer wiring is Grey with a Pink tracer so just find the Bridge Plug with all the Grey and Pink wires plugged into it and you will have your speed sense connection. One Caution- Some of the Bridge Plugs only have a 4-way connector and some have an 8-way connector so you may want to splice into an existing wire instead of inserting it into an open slot on the Bridge Plug unless you are sure tere is electrical connectivity between all 8 ports. 2) Plug XS/2 is located on the forward bulkhead in the trunk. The short harnes from XS/2 to the Tiptronic Control Box was already wired to to the XS/2 plug so all you should need to do is run the wire from the Cruise Control back to the XS/2 connector. This unfortunately is harder than it sounds on a Boxster unless you pull the top loose. On the 996 it may be easier. 3) BS14/2 Was installed on the Boxster and I would guess it is there on the 996 as well. It is located on the back side of Relay Panel # 1 in the same general location as BS1 and if it is like the Boxster it has Black wires connecting to it. BS5/2 is also located in the same location and that is where you can pick up the Break Light power on signal. On the Boxster it is a Black wire with an Orange Tracer. You should not have to replace the original brake light switch as one of the previous entries suggested but you will need to add the a wire to Brake Light Off signal terminal. On the boxster it is a Black wire with Red Tracer. 4) There were no numbers on the 10 Pin Connector for the Cruise Control. I now suspect that it may be a Siemens VDO connector since the Cruise Control is made by VDO but so far I have not been able to find a number. I am still researching. In a pinch you could just use a suitable electrical connector and then fill the plug cavity with hot melt glue to keep them isolated and secure. But just be sure to lightly coat the inside of the cruise control recepticle with dielectric grease so you could pull out the home made plug if you ever need to disconnect it. Are your electrical schematics electronic? If so, would you attach them so I can compare them to my set for the Boxster. Regards, Tim

I am working on a step by step installation guide with photos. As usual I am probably going way overboard so it will take a few days to finish it. The connector for the Cruise Control is a 10 Pin environmental type connector that Porsche doesn't list in their IPC, most of the other connections are plugged into existing connectors that use specialized terminals. You are correct about the stalk connections, I already have the plug numbers and terminal ends. It looks like Porsche uses AMP plugs for a lot of their connectors so I will also try and figure out the plug and connector P/Ns now that I have been able to see them first hand. The electronics are very simple. The Relay and Block Connector Panel left of the pedals have a connection block for different boxes to pick up the electronic speed signal and that is really the only connection related to the OBD Computer. Tim

:) I have just completed a retrofit of the factory Cruise Control in my 99 Boxster 2.5L. It was not very difficult once I had all the parts. If you want to perform this installation it is imperative that you get the required wiring out of a wreck. I was lucky enough to find a salvage yard that allowed me to come in and removed the wiring that I needed. The reason why this is so important is that the local Porsche dealership does not have access to all the required electrical plugs and connectors. What is required is the following: 1. Cruise Control Actuator/Cable/Pedal assy. 2. Wiring Harness 3. 4 Stalk steering column switch 4. Shop Wiring Schematic. The two most difficult tasks were running one of the wires back to the trunk to the Tiptronic Control Unit. This would not be necessary if you have a manual transmission. The second task wasn't so difficult but I did have to hold my tongue just right to disassemble the gas pedal assembly to hook up the accelerator cable. The whole installation took about 6 hours and only cost me about $250. It was worth every penny and works great. I also added the necessary wiring to install the On-Board Computer display switching via the 4th stalk. Let me know if you need any further details. Tim