Changed over RCM, need to visit dealer to code to my car?

06 Boxster S . I was having trouble with taillights/spoiler/roof when I got my Boxster a few months ago. I changed over the RCM (under drivers seat) which restored the taillights and spoiler to normal operation but since then neither the seat heating nor roof has worked (in fairness, the roof hasn't worked since I got it, I've been progressively problem solving this issue). I know that before I changed the RCM the seats used to work (or at least the switch indicated as such). Does anyone know if the RCM has to be recoded to the car? Cheers, Julian

The RCM does have options that need to be selected to match your configuration. I don't know if it also needs to be "coded" to your VIN, but at the very least maybe your settings are wrong? For example, and RCM from a Cayman would fit, but probably wouldn't be configured for a Boxster top... I believe various tools can do the setting changes ( Foxwell device, for example)... but this doesn't address any coding issues, if necessary.

Interesting....Anyone within 150miles or so of Kansas City have a Foxwell or other of these devices that might be able to change the settings? Cheers, Julian

Certainly one way to go, but if you're going to work on a car like this, you may want to get a device for yourself, as it's quite useful. The Foxwell NT530 is what I have read that many people use, and it's relatively low cost (around $150)... could probably get a used one as well, if you prefer. You may want to search on these forums for other posts about it, or other options if you prefer.

I do already have an iCarsoft POR2.0 which has been good-ish but was leaning towards replacing it with a durametric setup. Might need to look into whether the Foxwell is a better option. Anyone know if theres a feature comparison somewhere? there goes my morning...

Check out the threads on the Foxwell ... unfortunately there's no single chart, sorry! I think the key is that the Foxwell does program some things. Durametric or PIWIS are certainly more capable, but for most owners, the Foxwell seems to have good coverage, from what I've read. It's on my wishlist for xmas this year, as I don't want to go full Dura/ PIWIS for cost reasons...

Just get the Foxwell . Unless you get the professional Durametric (large $$$) it pales in comparison to the programming capabilities of the Foxwell NT530 w/ Porsche software when used on the 987. I own both, and iCarScan. The Foxwell is my go-to tool. I received an email about a sale price on it today.. $149 with one vehicle manufacturer. Contact: [email removed] - the sale is over on the 18th. If you go to the foxwelltool.com website you can look at the capabilities spreadsheet and see what it is capable of -- but I know from using mine that it should be able to tell the rear module that you have heated seats and a convertible top. I bought mine to code the lights on a sport PDK steering wheel to my car - it was less than having a dealer or independent do the same with a PIWIS, and I've been using it ever since for stuff like diagnosing a knotty problem with my '11 Cayenne Turbo. It's REALLY excellent on the 987 series (and I believe the 997 and 955/957 series cars.) Software updates are free for life - a BIG plus over competing brands.. and for Durametic - look at how many YEARS AGO their last software update was (I've had 3 updates on the Foxwell in the past 6 months.) Just buy it.

I was waiting for Don to post... as usual, he doesn't disappoint!

OK, I'm sold on the Foxwell now I plugged in my iCarsoft again last night to re-look at the RCM and note that it sees both "Convertible top Up" as ACTIVE and "Convertible top Down" as ACTIVE ...not sure whether that means that a "top down" sensor and "top up" sensor are both powered and ready or what.

OK, update time. I rented a durametric pro cable to try and sort out the roof and heated seats. No luck with the seats, call that a loss. I was able to tell the roof to open and close using the durametric software, call that a partial win. The when looking at the rear comfort module it appeared I did not have a "convertible top" installed so I changed that to "installed". Then when unlatch the roof from the header rail the passenger window drops an inch or so....but not the drivers window If I used the software to open the roof now, the switch will close the roof, but not open it. Further research...perhaps I should change the drivers door latch assembly, OMG $200+ for a new one...Oh, but I see people have had success with other VW group parts. I remembered seeing a 2010 Cayenne at a local pick n pull a couple of weeks ago while getting bits for my old Lexus (some of the Porsche cyclone door card clips may have fallen into my tool box...) So after work Wednesday I headed back and got the drivers door latch assembly. Got up early this morning, dismantled the door and installed the Cayenne part. All went smooth and easy. Now my window behaves correctly when I open the door and also drops when I unlatch the roof....however....switch still does not open the roof (yes the ebrake is pulled and showing on the dash). At a loss now....any ideas? Cheers, Julian

Julian - what is the "state" of the top switches, and does it change when you try opening it. You can read that with the Durametric. And the 987 does NOT need the ebrake engaged for the top to come up or down - the top can be operated when moving up to 30MPH, where it is unlikely you'd have the parking brake engaged (I think it's quite optimistic calling it an emergency brake..)

I'll check when I leave the office later today (...is it 5 yet?), I keep my POR2.0 in the glove box for just such an occasion...unfortunately I don't have that Durametric cable anymore. Cheers, Julian

Hello did you figure our the problem? I'm having the same issue