PCM problem

I'm having a problem with the navigating the PCM menus using the rotating naviagtion button on my 2002MY PCM. When navigating up and down the menus by rotating the button, located at the bottom right of the PCM unit, it sometimes allows me to highlight all the available menu options, sometimes it allows me to highlight just a couple and sometimes none at all, i.e the thing is stuck! When I turn the car off and restart it sometimes helps but not all the time. It is an intermittent problem. Has anyone has this problem and can suggest a remedy? I have software version 5.4.3; is the the latest version?

Derek, There is no "mute" button. I enquired about it at my OPC, as I needed this for conference calls whilst in the car. The fact that there is no "mute" button makes the phone module limited for me (apart from 1 to 1 calls). Looks like you may have a fault. Jason

Thanks ......Just had a thought. My cigarette lighter don't work either. Will have a look tonight to see if hands-free microphone unit and cigatette lighter are on the same fuse. Will keep you posted

From the Suppliers thread in the FAQ section: PCM Repairs: Putnoe Radio Services 12 Clifton Ave Hartlepool TS26 9QN 01429 869220 official Becker service agents Maple Audio 4/5 Hayes Place Bear Flat Bath BA2 4QW Tel (01225) 442180 Fax (01225) 469790 Email: [email removed] Web: www.mapleaudio.co.uk

Dont suppose it's under warranty? Mine was playing up with lights flicking on and off and Porsche agreed to replace it - goes in this Friday for a new unit.

PCM1 and 2 are completely different. PCM2 uses the fibre optic bus, although there is a version which uses cable connections for the speakers, but they are like hen's teeth to find second hand, and rididulously expensive to buy new. I would go with a modern double-DIN system, which will be so much better than PCM2. Bluetooth phone, iPod, up to date SatNav, etc, etc. They look great too - very much in keeping. Personally, I think most buyers would prefer to buy a car with one fitted, rather than an antiquated PCM system

I got my Pioneer from Road Radio in Crawley: http://www.roadradio.com/ If you search on eBay you will find hundreds of cheap double-DIN systems. Something like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TD717G-7-Double-Din-Car-Radio-DVD-Player-GPS-Sat-Nav-/180665123126 If I was doing it again, I would seriously think about using one like that. Also remember that FM and analogue TV have a limited shelf life, as the Government keep threatening to shut them down. When they do, we will all be looking for new digital radios.

Has anyone managed to find a double din that includes DAB?

You can plug in a digital tuner to most of them, but I don't think ayone does it built-in. I doubt the main manufacturers think the UK market is important enough yet. Now if the US had DAB it would be a different story. They seem to have taken the satellite route, so that seems to be where all the development is taking place.

Here is an even cheaper one - looks like the same unit: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170608457160 It should fit straight in. PCM is the same width as double-DIN, but about 10mm taller, which leaves a small gap at the top. Connects2 make a surround for the Boxster/996 which takes up this gap, or you can make a filler piece from black plastic. That's what I did on my C2. What isn't too clear is whether these units come with a mounting cage. I imagine they go, but it might be worth enquiring first. If not, the Connects2 has a cage kit. http://www.carstereos4u.co.uk/porsche-double-din-facia-fascia-panels/connects-2-ct23po02-1-porsche-911-996-double-din-facia-panel-adaptor-2084948-391943-.php

The kit I linked to in my last post should fit your car. And the cheaper one I linked to (£179) looks strangely similar to the one you are interested in - same supplier, so worth asking the differences. The OBC features will still work in the instrument cluster - assuming you have the OBC stalk, of course.

Here's a link for the same kit, which shows it as 1997-2006 (not that there was ever a 2006 996!). It also says 'without cupholder'. Either way, it should work. Apparently, if you have the cupholder you can fit it upside down. http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/connects-ct23po02-porsche-typ996-double-facia-plates-p-9382.html Edit: Or go here: http://www.connects2.co.uk/ and search Porsche.

I didn't realise you didn't have the OBC stalk. It can be added relatively easily, so you will could the OBC functions in the instrument cluster, if you want to do that. PCM1 removal:

The OBC stalk is the only one which attaches separately to the central switching unit. The snag is that you can't buy them separately. However, I know a man who might have one. To add the stalk, you can remove the steering column covers, and screw it to an existing mounting bracket. You then need to remove the instrument cluster, and connect three wires to one of the plugs. If the instrument cluster is already showing the outside air temperature, etc, then that's all there is to it. If not, you have to get the cluster coded, which is a 5-minute job with a Porsche tester. I have a DIY showing how it is done. If you drop me an email, I'll attach it to a reply. I'll also talk to my man, to see how much he wants for a stalk.