Porsche Cayenne Sat Nav Problems........

[checkett]

I have a 2004 Cayenne, the sat nav has recently developed a fault with the screen as in it is black most of the time. If the screen is tapped gently it comes back on on for a small period of time then goes off again. I took it to my dealership who told me i would have to have a a new unit and it would cost £1200. I cant believe that this is the case and some were there must be some one who can repair these units. The dealership were completely un helpfull and didnt investigate the problem at all.

Any information or know how on this topic would be greatly recieved.

[Henry-F]

Porsche dealers don`t have the ability to mend PCM systems. They can only replace units and it does sound like an internal fault within the unit.

I have thought for some time that factory sat nav may be a problem as it gets older and the cost of it`s replacement is disproportionate to the value of a car (it`s disproportionate enough on a 40k car !) Given the integration of the unit within the car`s interior is is not just a case of pulling it out and bunging in a stereo either.

I note the OPC waranty specifically excludes PCM.

I think the unit is made by Clarion, we had a stereo repair man down to buy a car off us recently and he said he had given up trying to mend them as he couldn`t get parts from Clarion. I do hope Porsche weren`t stopping Clarion from selling the parts in an attempt to sell more replacement units as that would be very unsporting of them.

We have had a couple of units where the little drawer that takes the sim car gets knocked or pushed in slightly too hard and an internal plastic lug breaks rendering the latch mechanism u/s and the drawer remains open. A penny part that requires the purchase of a new unit, at the time we were quoted considerably over 1,200.

Henry

[johnfm]

Henry-F said:

I think the unit is made by Clarion, we had a stereo repair man down to buy a car off us recently and he said he had given up trying to mend them as he couldn`t get parts from Clarion. I do hope Porsche weren`t stopping Clarion from selling the parts in an attempt to sell more replacement units as that would be very unsporting of them.



Henry

and probably against the law - I think the EU takes a dim view of restrictive practices.

[935]

The annoying thing about faults like these are they are most likely caused by a stupid failure of a cheap part. (In your case it sounds like the "zebra strip" connecting the LCD screen to the base unit). However, I can understand why they are replacement only units as the cost of fault finding can be huge! Certainly at Porsche rates the whole thing would be uneconomic. The product will be made in the East for an unbelievably low price so Porsche could (and should) offer a deal on replacements. Come to think of it, why are they so expensive in the first place? Tom Tom et al show the way and they make a huge profit on their products. It's time for all manufacturers to be realistic and reduce the cost of this "option". Either that, or watch the after market clean up!

[955 GUY]

could be worth contacting someone like porshapart ? They always have a few Cayennes being dismantled.

It was bad enough having to put up with Porsche not issuing revised SatNav CDs for over 4 years, but must be driving you mad if the whole unit is up the creek. Good Luck.

[kippaxking]

The SIM card holder on my PCM2 unit broke a few years ago and the only solution was to replace the entire unit. It was carried out under the normal warranty without any issues so I'm sure the unit is covered.

[ian_cab28]

Solihull OPC warranty person told me recently that the pcm is specifically not covered by the warranty (maybe the new car warranty though). I'd see it as a positive advantage for a car not to have pcm1 or 2 as the cost to replace is just so high and the technology quickly dates, to my mind the becker traffic pro / discrete parrot carkit is much neater just as functional. I've notice that kenwoood and pioneer do double din nav/dvd/bluetooth units for much less that pcm replacement if you can find the necessary skilled dashboard surgeon!

[Henry-F]

kippaxking said:

The SIM card holder on my PCM2 unit broke a few years ago and the only solution was to replace the entire unit. It was carried out under the normal warranty without any issues so I'm sure the unit is covered.

We had ours changed under warranty as a gesture of goodwill having owned the car from new (and the fact it was broken whilst in for work at Reading !)

I can categorically state that the PCM unit is not covered by a Porsche supplied used car warranty as currently issued.

Henry

[philip888]

I had the same LCD problem with my 2004 Cayenne, decide to give it a go, took out the pcm unit and strip the lcd, it was the connecting ribbon and i also found some water marks, after some cleaning and re soldier all the possible connecting point, BINGO !!! the PCM display working 100%.

I am glad to have the £1400 in my pocket rather than my porsche dealer !!

[hog 1]

If you don't have the DIY capabilities, it might be worth giving these guys a ring as per Stirlings post on sim card trays;

"It can be repaired by Putnoe radio services
They are the Becker UK service agents
01429 869220

Costs about £70

Most porsche OPC's have never heard of them and charge you £2500 for a new unit
Used them 3 times this year, there a husband and wife outfit, not the quickest but at £70 against £2500 whos complaining"

[Gio G]

I unfortunately had the CD drive go on mine. After one week of ownership! It is not covered under warranty, however Porsche will give a part goodwill gesture if your lucky.

Bearing in mind the number of units I have heard going wrong, Porsche need to be a little more helpful!!