Trying to Install a PCM 1 Head Unit - Need help
 

First, let me get it out of the way. I am different. I had a Kenwood double din unit with navigation, a Parrot blue tooth, Sirius and a rear camera. Nice, but to me, they just didn't fit the car. The PCM unit with its cassette player (IMHO) does. Odd, I know.

I bought a working PCM head unit and navigation driver from a fellow 986 Forum member. My plan was (is) to install just the head unit of the PCM. I don't want or need the outdated navigation of the unit. The plugs for the stock CDR 220 are a match for the top plugs of the PCM. However, when I plug in the PCM it doesn't power up. A single din unit works fine so I know the plugs are good.

My thought is that both units need to be hooked up. I am trying to get it working without using the white plug on the nav driver or the bottom blue and black plugs on the PCM unit but I am not sure it's possible. I have searched the net and can't find a fix for this or wiring harness to connect the two.

Any suggestions are welcome.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psvqebx5a0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psxpzbaumi.jpg

Is PCM Retrofit really impossible? - Rennlist Discussion Forums

It sounds like someone did it. But this is an old thread and does not have much detail.

Power

Black Connector, Pins 13, 26 = 12V constant

Black Connector, Pins 6, 19 = ground

Blue Connector, Pin 2 = 12V (BK at ignition)

Blue Connector, Pin 3 = 12V (OR wire at radio connector)

Black Connector, Pin 11 = backlight dimmer (GR/BL at radio connector)


Info

Black Connector, Pin 24 = speedometer (GR/PK wire on radio connector)

Black Connector, Pin 21 = Gauge Cluster (VI)

Black Connector, Pin 20 = clock, Gauge Cluster, black connector, pin 6 (GR/YE)

Blue Connector, Pin 15 = Climate Control Unit, beige connector, pin 12 (BK/GR)

Cool, thanks.... As Dirty Harry stated, "A Man's Got to Know his Limitations". No way I am going to be able to re-write the plugs to get this thing powered up on my own. Plus, I need to get the black and blue plugs or wiring harness.

Chuck,
You shouldn't have to have the CD reader connected for power. I actually took a pic of this when I was removing it, for some reason!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0o...4=w587-h331-no

Thanks Andrew!

I am betting that the wiring harness is different when the factory installs the PCM. Plug A wire 7 is powered on the CDR radios and not on the PCM units. But, your photo shows me that there should be a work around for this.

I am betting if I can figure out which wire powers up the PCM head unit I can jump my wire 7 to it.

But then, I have read that others have plugged CDRs into their PCM wire harnesses and they work... ugh.

I traced the wiring diagram and most of the wires on the blue and black connectors run to either the cd reader or telephone. Those that I listed are the few that don't. I have no idea which have to be connected for it to power up, but I'd guess at least those listed under "power".

Thanks for all the replies.

I have the wiring diagram for both the CDR and PCM and worked all day Friday jumping pins. I did get the face buttons to illuminate, but that was it.

I contacted two pro audio shops that specialize in Porsches. They said without the right harness, its not going to happen. One post I found said that it was done and was so difficult they never would have attempted it if they knew what they were getting into.

It appears that Porsche would make the cars harness to fit the options on the car. The PCM doesn't just operate the radio and navigation, but also taps into the A/C, reads the outside temperature and more.

It was a good effort and IMHO, the unit would have looked great in the car, but alas, it is not to be.

I am going to go back to the cars original configuration of A/C controller on top, then a CDR220 (or CR220) radio, then the storage bin and the DSP. Unfortunately, when I put the double din in I sold the CDR radio and gave the bin away. I'll start a new WTB post.

PCM installation
 

Hallo everyone.
Just signed on this group...No idea if you still have your boxster but it must be an easy project.I am sure there is no need for Navi rom or any other complicated cable in order just to operate the PCM as a radio unit.....Have a look!http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1675363211.jpg

I worded on this for months and couldn't get anywhere. I took the Boxster to a high end audio store that specializes in high end cars. They told me that the wire harness that Porsche used for Boxster's with the nav head unit is completely different that the others. I am sure a very talented tech could have cut and pasted to make it work, but in the end I couldn't justify it.\

The Boxster S is sold and I miss it. The 993 cab I got to replace it helps.