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YOUR RESEARCHReverse Gear Dash Indicator - Easy DIY Project
Reported repair
Replace tranny fluid
Reported resolution
1
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0
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1
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Reported fix
Also happened to my neighbor on his 996.1, till we changed his tranny fluid to Amsoil 75/90 synthetic and the problem went away.
Leading evidence: 'Replace tranny fluid' (1 discussions report resolution; 0 report an unsuccessful attempt). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace tranny fluid' (1 discussions). For that action, 1 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. The most frequently reported fix is 'Replace tranny fluid', supported by resolution reports in 1 discussions. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I found the person that installed my backup camera ran the reverse line feed from the head unit to the fuse box and tied it into the fuse for the backup lights.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I found the person that installed my backup camera ran the reverse line feed from the head unit to the fuse box and tied it into the fuse for the backup lights.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
(see illustration #1) Before spending time and money on such a project, I first tested the output of the blue/black connection with a multi-meter and sure enough, when I engaged the reverse gear, the same trigger that illuminates the reverse lights on the rear of the car, also sends 12V current to the blue/black wire.
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Suggestion
Don't your mirrors adjust when you put the car in reverse?
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I found the person that installed my backup camera ran the reverse line feed from the head unit to the fuse box and tied it into the fuse for the backup lights.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I found the person that installed my backup camera ran the reverse line feed from the head unit to the fuse box and tied it into the fuse for the backup lights.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Might need to add a relay to convert the output to the input requierd by devices, but that's a pice of cake compared to running a wire to the reverse sensor source.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
(see illustration #1) Before spending time and money on such a project, I first tested the output of the blue/black connection with a multi-meter and sure enough, when I engaged the reverse gear, the same trigger that illuminates the reverse lights on the rear of the car, also sends 12V current to the blue/black wire.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
This is a relatively simple installation that shouldn't take more than an hour to install; but again, make sure your system supports the reverse gear indicator by testing the pin#2 wire on Connector A before starting this project.
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Suggestion
Another reason why the reverse wire would be at the radio would be for a navigation system so it knows the car is going in reverse when using the dead reckoning mode.
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How many times have you started your 996 and attempted to pull out of the garage only to realize you're in first gear and not reverse? I know some of you NEVER have the problem, but for those who do, I have a simple DIY solution.
This may not work for every Porsche 996 configuration, but after studying the wiring schematic during upgrading my stereo system, I noticed a line labeled "Reverse Gear". This line is a blue/black wire that is attached to pin #2 on the A connector on Porsche stereo CDR series head units. (see illustration #1) Before spending time and money on such a project, I first tested the output of the blue/black connection with a multi-meter and sure enough, when I engaged the reverse gear, the same trigger that illuminates the reverse lights on the rear of the car, also sends 12V current to the blue/black wire. Therefore, I purchased a simple yellow LED light and using one of the blanks on the center dash, I drilled a small hole and inserted the LED. (see picture)...
The next step is to locate the blue/black (positive) wire and brown wire (negative) for connecting the LED. I first removed the center dash components and located the wire that is connected to the Porsche plug A.
I then soldiered the positive and negative to the wires and reinstalled everything.
Now, when I correctly engage reverse into the proper position, the yellow light will illuminate.
This is a relatively simple installation that shouldn't take more than an hour to install; but again, make sure your system supports the reverse gear indicator by testing the pin#2 wire on Connector A before starting this project. It's my assumption this feature was associated with Porsche's backup sensor option. When you'd engage reverse, the 12V signal tells the radio to mute so that you could clearly hear the beeps. But since I don't have backup sensors, this is a great way to have confidence that I'm in the RIGHT gear at the right time.
Cheers!
Cool little mod. Another reason why the reverse wire would be at the radio would be for a navigation system so it knows the car is going in reverse when using the dead reckoning mode. Most of the time it is in that mode vs. GPS, which is just uses to calibrate itself.
^^^ "Dead Reckoning Mode"? You sound like a pilot! My father served in the Navy and those are terms he throws at me from time to time.
Thanks Paul! Makes sense.
Yeah I'm appreciative of the instructions for this mod but this is a problem I didn't know existed.
When I start my car it goes right into neutral before the key is even turned. Then from there I select the gear.
This serves the same purpose as someone driving an automatic and shifting it into DRIVE or other gear. You get a light indicator identifying when you're moving through the various gears (i.e. P-R-N-D-M, etc.).
Just to pile on, yeah I don't get it either.
1) Clutch and brake go in.
2) Crank car.
3) Take it out of gear and then put it in the desired gear.
4) Drive
Sadly there is no profit line item
Cool find and write up though
If you don't get... I guess you just don't get it!
The same could be said why there's a need for gear pattern sticker on the manual shifter when the 6-speed gear pattern has never changed for the 996.
Or, why there's a digital speedometer and analog speedometer on the same gauge.
Or, why some P-cars have a digital clock on the gauge cluster and an analog clock on the dash.
Or, why they call it a glove box when no one ever uses it for gloves
Or, why they charge $100,000+ for these cars new and can't design decent cup holders that actually work.
on and on and on it goes...
It's there if you want it, but if you don't care for it, then fine.
To each his own.
Personally, I only had one blank on my center dash and thought it might be a great little mod.
Personally, I've never had a problem with shifting into reverse either, but that's not always the case for other drivers that I trust to drive in my car. It's sometimes painful to watch them trying to pull out of a parking space and having to explain how how to push it far to the left and then up only to see them put it back into first gear again. The light helps.
Another option for the dash blanks would be for my Escort Smart remote. Now there's an idea!
Nope! I started on manual and have preferred it all my life with the exception of driving in Atlanta or stuck in traffic.
But when I let other *trusted* people drive my car, it helps those that are not acquainted with the gear pattern or reverse position.
Plus, it helps to complete the dash buttons!
Somewhere I saw an example of someone taking apart their Escort smart remote and installing it in the dash. If I find the link I'll post it. Great idea.
+1 to the Reverse Indicator. Easy way to help avoid a potentially hazardous error.
I will say that if I go to neutral at a stoplight I am always cautious to make sure I don't slam it into reverse instead. Since I have the SSK on my car it does take a little bit of an effort to put it into first sometimes.
So you could argue that in that scenario an indicator light would help prevent some of the second-guessing.
Your points above do make sense too. In fact I don't think I've ever really paid any attention to the analog speedo on my car. Takes too long to figure out how fast you're going. I know Porsche needs to include it because of the classic 5 gauge cluster but it's pretty useless to me personally.
I think we all agree though, great write-up and photos to go along with the job!
^^Thank you Fernando. No "profit" being made. Heck, it took me more time creating this post than it did installing the reverse light. ha!
Just sharing for those interested.
That's what I was wondering.
These guys should try driving a Euro Dog Leg box from a Merc or BMW. There's a reason why all the ones that got imported into the U.S. has crunched rear bumpers.
lol
Nice idea and even better documentation. Thanks for that.
Guess I'm one of those guys with bigger problems. My 5 speed Boxster feels like it has a beefier shifter. After driving the 986 a for few days I get into the 996, I push the shifter a little to hard to the left and there ya go...
Thank you Rich. I must admit, I usually don't have trouble with gears, but I was about to pull out yesterday and noticed the yellow wasn't on and though the light was malfunctioning. It was fine, I was in first gear. Hahaha
Great write up, thanks, I was looking to tinker something like that and then stumbled on yours.
Wife will be more eager to drive the 911 with this mod!
Any way to push it a bit further and make the radio Mute too?
If your radio supports "radio mute". This is usually associated with backup cameras or telephone. Works by the same principle.
Thank you for the nice comment!
The amount of AH on this forum keeps amazing me every time.
Great writ up.
Although I don't think I'm going to install a LED, you defenetly saved me bunch of time, as I'm in the process of installing a double DIN with a BU camera.
Might need to add a relay to convert the output to the input requierd by devices, but that's a pice of cake compared to running a wire to the reverse sensor source.
I just hope I have this wire in my car, (02 C2) as I didn't see it on none of my boxsters.
Edit: no sh*t. I just took a look at my old CD-R that I removed from the 99 box, and it looks like it had that wire as well. I just never paid attention to it.
I went to a double din Kenwood head unit and added a license plate frame back camera as well. That camera is a Godsend in tight parallel parking spots or when backing up to a low curb or concrete wall. Uses the reverse-sensor backup light switch on the transmission to trigger. Radio goes quiet, screen comes on.
The idea of a reverse indicator light is a good one as well. Never had a problem accidentally being in reverse myself but, like my camera, if it makes your car better for you then why not. Nice elegant solution that's very clean and looks correct.
Yea, that's a great idea. Sometimes when I'm backing up in tight spots, I would love to have a back up camera. Does your system calculate distance with beeps and a superimposed graphic on the video screen?
Gear pattern inserts/stickers are useful for those of us who have driven dogleg first-gear cars, like the 914...
As far as the mod - props for using existing pinouts for something you find useful.
Just a shot in the dark but I'm guessing that's what turned on the radar backup system option these cars had.
Not that a light would have helped, but, and honestly just once, I got excited from a stop and put it into reverse. Didn't hit anything, and more embarrassing than anything, but it's a easy mistake to make if you're in a hurry or distracted.
Great idea, despite the petty sniping by "perfectionists-in-denial, dogpile conformists."
Almost thought I had wandered into the grade-schooler's thread, "Good week in the 996 forum..."
One has to have driven a manual shifter a few thousand miles to know that incorrect gear choice does occur and can be destructive.
Keep up those ideas.
Great idea to have rear camera activated with Reverse engagement, although I think I used to have a car that did that.
Do the manual shifters have an LED number on the dash showing the gear engaged? If not, maybe you could figure out a way to have a heads-up display of the gear that is engaged? (another inadvertent error that occurs to frequent-drivers, especially in the higher gears).
b3, I apologize in advance. Still think you did good work and it's a cool hack even if I don't think it's a needed thing.
1/2-3/4 of a million miles on just about every imaginable shift pattern from 4 speeds to 7 speeds good enough for you?
In all those miles I have never hit anything from being in the wrong gear. It's called paying attention to what you are doing and not driving like an idiot. That just takes common sense which shouldn't require "thousands of miles" to develop
I don't even get the "someone that isn't familiar with it" argument. The only people I'll let drive
any
car I own are ones that I trust not to do stupid stuff. If they show discomfort then I simply don't put them in a situation that will be challenging (e.g. a tight parking space).
We've taught people to drive stick in the 996 as it is an easy one to learn on, none have ever had issues moving until they are sure they are in the correct gear.
Sure you end up in the wrong gear from time to time, but in the case of 1st/Reverse you're an idiot if you are dumping the clutch in a situation where you can hit something before you can react and stop. If you aren't dumping the clutch then you should be doing it gently to get started and if you still can't react in time, you parked too close to something.
Thanks Gnat... Gimme ya best shot... nothing can bother me right now because I'm soaking up some nice sun and "vitamin-sea" on the beach at Tybee Island. Wish I could have brought my 996, but too many people with too much stuff.
Actually, I expect some criticism when I bring an idea to the technical forum. IMHO, it crosses the line when people like Aero911 start the personal attacks mixed with over embellished claims. It's fair game to argue the technical merits of an idea or mod, but when someone tries to prove their point by playing the "character attack" game, then they don't have a leg to stand on.
Cheers!
Well the people that get confused needs trade in their car and get a VW with the safety mechanism where you have to push down(push up?) the **** to get it in reverse.
Just got a chance to read this. Great write up and cool application. I admit there's been a few times I've eased off the clutch and she didn't start heading in the right direction. Not sure if that was mistaken gear or just lack of attention to what I was doing.
I wired my backup monitor display and its wireless receiver to that source so that they only get power when I am in reverse.
The camera and transmitter get their power from the backup light.
I found the person that installed my backup camera ran the reverse line feed from the head unit to the fuse box and tied it into the fuse for the backup lights.
The auto mirror adjustment is a feature you can enable/disable using the seat memory. The things you didn't know thread and the manual outline the steps. I get the impression it comes disabled from the factory and its up to the owner to set it to their liking.
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On my car, I have the upgraded sports seats and so I have the mirror tilt feature....or, do I?
The cool thing is that the little reverse cable hack can be used in all kinds of funs ways. For example, put a very large 12V reverse 1 million lumin LED spot light on top of the car to help illuminate when backing up. Everyone will see you for miles and pull out of the way. Or you could feed the 12V reverse signal to a loud siren or feed an audio loop on a loud speaker. ha!
I know this an old thread, but as long as someone brought it to the top for consideration, my 2cents...
This Happens to me almost every time I back out of my garage with a cold not driven car for maybe days.
And for all the comments about not knowing how to shift,,, no, wrong. Sticks are not new to me, been driving manuals since middle of last century. On 18 wheelers, cars on the road, on the track, off road, on bikes, atv, etc... I know how to shift better than most imo and have a trophy case full of wins/podium finishes to prove it for those thinking I don't know how to drive. Not even 1 money shift in my shifting life. I know where the gears are....
Also happened to my neighbor on his 996.1, till we changed his tranny fluid to Amsoil 75/90 synthetic and the problem went away. Will do my tranny fluid change on my 996.1 soon...
Keep in mind this does not happen after the car gets to warm/move around the tranny oil even a little. Actually, as soon as I back out of garage, if I turn around and back it it, no problem at all. When cold like after a few day in the garage, its remarkable how firmly you have to press the shifter to the left to engage reverse or you're in 1st gear instead of reverse.
So yes, this is a thing for some of us....
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