996 PCCM+ install
Discussion
I'm just writing this in case it helps others with their install. PCCM+ installs seem to be reasonably well documented online but I had not found any guides that covered the exact configuration of my own car so....
My car is 99 Carrera 4 Millenium Edition
In terms of audio gubbins it has:
490 - sound package
662 PCM
663 Nav
680 DSP
The last one is the weird one. Most write ups I'd seen for DSP equipped cars have the equaliser panel at the bottom of the centre console but PCM equipped cars seem to integrate all of that into the head unit. So my car had climate control at bottom, DVD for sat nav above it then PCM unit.
I'd spoken to a pal at length who's done this install on 996.2. I'd also read a fair bit online before I started but there were some bits that took a little understanding.
Disconnected battery and removed A pillar and the existing PCM unit and nav drive.
First thing, on my car I needed to use the full length antenna cable for radio. The kits comes with an adaptor to piggy back onto the existing antenna cable but mine had a different type of connector so I used the full cable supplied and routed it to the centre via the dash speaker aperture. I positioned the GPS antenna next to the A pillar too and routed the cable the same way. Not sure I'll use the GPS but I'd regret not installing it if I didn't do it now.
I mounted mic on steering column (made sure wheel was pushed fully in first).
Right, next thing is particular to cars with PCM1 and DSP amp. You need to remove the data Pin/cable at the amp end from the connector and replace it with a ground cable which I bought from Porsche from a couple of quid. 996.642.587.00. That grounds to a bolt right next to amp. Pretty straight forward. I'd read about this beforehand so was prepared.
I wasn't keen on installs where the USB/AUX/Phone interface box is on display and since I only intended to use that for phone connection I decided I'd hide that in behind the cubby (bought that from Porsche too) and just have a coily lighting cable poking through and sat in cubby.
Fitting the PCM unit to the surround wasn't very well documented in the instructions. You effectively sandwich the plastic fascia between the side brackets and PCCM unit itself. PCCM goes in from the front. Cradle from the back. Squeeze them together while tightening the bolts.
Was now ready to test. Plugged all the various cables in. Unit fired up okay but no sound. I'd read loads about people having no sound and having to switch from CAN mode to amp (hold finger on 'volume' in settings menu to switch) but that did not fix it on my car. Messed around for a while and then in desperation I connected the most unit which I'd left off as my car doesn't have most. And low and behold. I had sound. I admit, this was my fault. The instructions don't mention any scenarios where this unit is not used but I just assumed.... Oops.
Spent some time tidying cables and put everything back together.
This is a very expensive unit but I have to say it looks absolutely fantastic in the car and works brilliantly. Cushions the blow a little. Though I'm still a little frustrated that Porsche don't include a nav card given how much the unit costs.
Hope that helps someone.
My car is 99 Carrera 4 Millenium Edition
In terms of audio gubbins it has:
490 - sound package
662 PCM
663 Nav
680 DSP
The last one is the weird one. Most write ups I'd seen for DSP equipped cars have the equaliser panel at the bottom of the centre console but PCM equipped cars seem to integrate all of that into the head unit. So my car had climate control at bottom, DVD for sat nav above it then PCM unit.
I'd spoken to a pal at length who's done this install on 996.2. I'd also read a fair bit online before I started but there were some bits that took a little understanding.
Disconnected battery and removed A pillar and the existing PCM unit and nav drive.
First thing, on my car I needed to use the full length antenna cable for radio. The kits comes with an adaptor to piggy back onto the existing antenna cable but mine had a different type of connector so I used the full cable supplied and routed it to the centre via the dash speaker aperture. I positioned the GPS antenna next to the A pillar too and routed the cable the same way. Not sure I'll use the GPS but I'd regret not installing it if I didn't do it now.
I mounted mic on steering column (made sure wheel was pushed fully in first).
Right, next thing is particular to cars with PCM1 and DSP amp. You need to remove the data Pin/cable at the amp end from the connector and replace it with a ground cable which I bought from Porsche from a couple of quid. 996.642.587.00. That grounds to a bolt right next to amp. Pretty straight forward. I'd read about this beforehand so was prepared.
I wasn't keen on installs where the USB/AUX/Phone interface box is on display and since I only intended to use that for phone connection I decided I'd hide that in behind the cubby (bought that from Porsche too) and just have a coily lighting cable poking through and sat in cubby.
Fitting the PCM unit to the surround wasn't very well documented in the instructions. You effectively sandwich the plastic fascia between the side brackets and PCCM unit itself. PCCM goes in from the front. Cradle from the back. Squeeze them together while tightening the bolts.
Was now ready to test. Plugged all the various cables in. Unit fired up okay but no sound. I'd read loads about people having no sound and having to switch from CAN mode to amp (hold finger on 'volume' in settings menu to switch) but that did not fix it on my car. Messed around for a while and then in desperation I connected the most unit which I'd left off as my car doesn't have most. And low and behold. I had sound. I admit, this was my fault. The instructions don't mention any scenarios where this unit is not used but I just assumed.... Oops.
Spent some time tidying cables and put everything back together.
This is a very expensive unit but I have to say it looks absolutely fantastic in the car and works brilliantly. Cushions the blow a little. Though I'm still a little frustrated that Porsche don't include a nav card given how much the unit costs.
Hope that helps someone.
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