PCM1 woes

Just been in the car agian after a few months of it being off the road and noticed that the display on the PCM initially flashed a few times from bright to dim. After a while, the display remains dim and despite diconnecting the wiring, banging and speaking nicely to it, it remains dim. I know there are thoughts about fitting a modern satnav unit, but i want to keep as standard. Has anyone experienced this fault and can someone recommend somewhere to send it for repair. Thanks Dave

The best people I have found to fix them is Maple Audio in Bath. http://www.mapleaudio.co.uk I believe they charge about £300 to fit a new LCD panel, but IMO you would be better to put the money towards a decent modern Double-DIN system. Sony do a nice one with TomTom Live built in, and jonC4S fitted one to his Turbo recently, and seems to be happy with it. The latest Pioneer AVIC systems are also pretty good - I had one in my Turbo. They all look very much at home in a 996 dash.

I second Richard's recommend of Maple Audio...very helpful when discussing issues with my Audi RNS-E (satnav).

I have a pcm1 sitting in my garage doing nothing. Was thinking of ebaying. Depending on cost of repair you may want to pm me

It a funny coincidence - I live in Bath and used to walk past this business all the time and could never work out what they do. Now I have a 996 its good to know that if the PCM goes wrong the experts are only a couple of miles away.

Thanks for the replies. I dropped the guys at Maple an email and they confirm that a new display would be in the region of £300 as Richard suggested. I'm looking at the options at the moment - if i remov ethe PCM, i will lose the fuel computer functionality. Although i have purchased a new stalk for the dash - Richard, can you confirm that it is just a cas eof reprogramming the dash to enable this option (2000MY 3.4L 966 C4 Tip) If so, what is the best way to get this switched on as i hae previously asked the local OPC but they wouldnt do it. Jon, I may drop you a PM once i make my choice if thats ok. THanks again Dave

To get the OBC stalk to work, you have to connect 3 wires between the stalk and one of the instrument cluster plugs, connect another wire to earth, and have the instrument cluster coded. If you are anywhere near me I would be happy to do oblige, or an independent specialist would also be able to do it. You will get basic outputs from the OBC (range, mpg, outside temp, speed gong, average speed) but it isn't as comprehensive as the PCM trip. Personally, the advantages of a double-DIN system with navigation, Bluetooth, iPod, DVD, radio, and more, would outweigh the loss of the extended trip functions of PCM IMO.

Thanks Richard I am starting to agree with you regarding the benefits of a modern unit I guess with the various enhancements over the years, it isn't as original as it could be so an after market radio/nav unit isn't a big deal I have the switch and details if the additional wiring. If you don't mind, I may take you up on your kind offer to reprogramme things for me. I have no tax on at the moment so may drop you a line later on. Many thanks for your kind offer and sensible advice Dave

I wouldn't worry about originality. As long as it looks in keeping with the interior then I think it would enhance the saleability. The market for early 996s isn't the traditional Porsche enthusiast looking to upgrade, but more the general car enthusiasts who are looking for their first Porsche. At £10k-ish prices, they are cheaper than a decent used Golf GTI. The purchasers of both my C2 and Turbo were delighted to have a modern touchscreen navigation system that they could connect their phones to. On older Porsches, originality is key, but I don't believe it is too important with early Boxsters and 996s, as they won't become collectible in the same way. Just my 2p's worth.

Interesting to hear your views there Richard. I fit your description of a typical early 996 buyer and have been wondering if changing the stereo would affect the resale value. My 996 has the original tape player with CD changer under the bonnet. Connection wise, how easy is it to replace the stereo? Are there adapters to connect into the existing connectors?

If you haven't got the sound package, it is pretty much plug & play. If you have the M490 package (with door speakers) then you need an Autoleads adapter to connect to the head unit, but they are easy to obtain.

Yeah no problem Dave. To be honest I agree with Richard, modern nav unit all the way with built in Bluetooth functionality for handsfree calls is soooo much better. I also agree that a 996 buyer would be more keen on a modern unit than PCM1. I considered keeping my PCM so I could return it to standard upon resale time but the more time I spend in my car the less I think it matters. I'd much prefer a high quality modern replacement if I was buying a new 996, or 007 even. It's there if you want it, let me know. I need 30 mins spare t put it on eBay which doesn;t look like happening in the immediate future. Worth noting what year your car is. I think 2003 onwards is MOST connectivity which makes it harder to install a modern unit but I wait to stand corrected

Tks Richard...how do I know if I have the M490 speaker package?

If you have door speakers, you have the M490 package. You will also find 490 on the optios sticker under the front compartment lid, and in the maintenance booklet.

Richard, Jon, Thanks for the info (and the option for a PCM). I have taken the plunge and decided to replace the old unit for a modern one. I have a good contact at clarion and have their 2 DIN Radio/CD/DVD/satnav unit to install soon. Just had to get a fitting kit, but this will be next months project. Thanks again for all your suggestions and advice. Dave Richard, if its still Ok with you, please could i get the dash recoded at somestage in the future if i PM you when ready.

Well done Dave. I would suggest getting one of these wiring kits: http://www.carstereos4u.co.uk/product/1731-1613/Porsche-911-Car-ISO-Lead-for-Fully-Amplified-System You might not need all the bits, but it will make sure you have what you need before you start. I think you should also be able to get one from Halfords. (Autoleads PC9-410). You'll probably need a surround trim, as the PCM opening in the dash is about 10mm taller than Double-DIN. I haven't seen them sold separately, but here is the complete facia and cage kit: http://www.carstereos4u.co.uk/product/6607-2206/CT23PO02Porsche911DoubleDinFaciaPanelAdaptorCageKit No problem for the coding. Email me when you are ready. It can be done before or after fitting the stalk.

Finally installed today. Looks good but need to tidy th wiring up and remove the old satnav player when the weather comes a little warmer. Picture quality isnt up to much. Dave

Looks nice Dave. You want to get the cubby hole to replace the old navigation drive, and ditch the handset!

Hi richard, I have the original trim somewhere to replace the handset one. I swapped it over last year as a place to mount a phone cradle and cant seem to put my hands on it jut at the moment. I will fit he storage tray at some point in the future. I really want to get the dash out as there are a few marks in the leather that i have had repaired unsuccessfully previously. Fitted the later dash with the glovebox last year and a local guy promised he could make it like new - now I will have to get it out and done properly - probably recovered. Thats going to be the big tidy up session of the wiring probably. Dave Have to say sorry for defective keyboard - reading through old posts it just shows how inaccurate these keyboard can be - they really do need to learn to spell.