OBC/Cruise Control upgrade

[eicheldp]

Thanks for your help.

[Qmulus]

Does anyone have a picture of the '03 or '04 cluster with OBC enabled? I just installed a cluster from an '02 S with OBC and a new four stalk column switch in my originally non-OBC '03 S. It works fine and the '02 OBC cluster has a dot matrix LCD display with higher res than the '03 cluster. I don't see how the '03 non OBC cluster would show all the information that the OBC cluster does...

[BRAN]

MY01 (-02) Boxsters have no DOT-Matrix OBC displays.
Boxsters/996 MY03-04 do have DOT-Matrix OBC displays.
--> I switched from a MY01 Boxster to a MY04 996 gauge cluster.

[Pdwight]

I got the entire assembly with all the stalks for $125 from OklahomaForeign.com....looks like new

Thanks Pjq

[Pdwight]

Originally Posted by BRAN

MY01 (-02) Boxsters have no DOT-Matrix OBC displays.
Boxsters/996 MY03-04 do have DOT-Matrix OBC displays.
--> I switched from a MY01 Boxster to a MY04 996 gauge cluster.

What is that bid "S" switch on your dash there ?

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

What is that bid "S" switch on your dash there ?

That is my custom made "Sprint Booster" switch:
"S" unlit/off = factory throttle response
"S" green = sporty throttle response
"S" red = agressive throttle respone

[Pdwight]

Originally Posted by BRAN

That is my custom made "Sprint Booster" switch:
"S" unlit/off = factory throttle response
"S" green = sporty throttle response
"S" red = agressive throttle respone

Tell me more ...please

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

Tell me more ...please

There are a few solutions on the market,
Sprint Booster was probably the first out there:
SprintBooster by BoulekosDynamic

Definitely worth every penny, imo

[BRAN]

...here the old MY01 OBC enabled Boxster gauge cluster (non-DOT-Matrix)

[Qmulus]

Originally Posted by BRAN

MY01 (-02) Boxsters have no DOT-Matrix OBC displays.
Boxsters/996 MY03-04 do have DOT-Matrix OBC displays.
--> I switched from a MY01 Boxster to a MY04 996 gauge cluster.

OK, so when people activate the OBC on a car without the dot matrix cluster, what do they get? My original cluster does not have the dot matrix display.

Any yes, we need more info on the S button...

I also want to find a 996 cluster with white display for my '03 S. If anyone has any leads on one for a reasonable price, please let me know. I have come up empty handed.

[Qmulus]

Oops, a bit too late on that last one. It looks like BRAN answered the questions already...

[heliguy]

Originally Posted by Qmulus

OK, so when people activate the OBC on a car without the dot matrix cluster, what do they get? My original cluster does not have the dot matrix display.

Any yes, we need more info on the S button...

I also want to find a 996 cluster with white display for my '03 S. If anyone has any leads on one for a reasonable price, please let me know. I have come up empty handed.

Yes...more about this magic S button.

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by heliguy

Yes...more about this magic S button.

not a biggie, just a magic "S"print Booster switch...see above somewhere

Improves per gallon

[heliguy]

Originally Posted by BRAN

That is my custom made "Sprint Booster" switch:
"S" unlit/off = factory throttle response
"S" green = sporty throttle response
"S" red = agressive throttle respone

Can you give us a quick write up on your Sprint Booster installation? Particularly the button you use to activate the different modes and the way you wired it.

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by heliguy

Can you give us a quick write up on your Sprint Booster installation? Particularly the button you use to activate the different modes and the way you wired it.

I can try, too bad I have no photos anymore:

1.) Installation was a snap, "theoretically".
All you do is disconnect the ECU gas pedal connector from the harness and plug the Sprint Booster in between.

2.) Without disassembling the driver side dash, duct work, etc....locating the ECU gas pedal connector was, let's say, a challenge.

3.) The cable length of the harness/connector is JUST okay to squeeze the Sprint Booster in between.

4.) I was able to install it by deinstalling the duct work underneath the dash, lots of led lights, patience and a sore back

5.) I heard of a guy, using a PORSCHE switch, soldering bridges, cutting away connection lines etc., being able to link both smd-boards of the switches. Looked 100% OEM as his PORSCHE switch (using the amber/red LED) was operating the Sprint Booster switch.

6.) I tried to figure out, how he could have done it, but wasn't able to, so I went down another road and did a mechanical solution, as the smd-boards are almost identical in size. I was able to open and modify the PORSCHE switch to hold the Sprint Booster smd-board (instead of its original board) while using its super bright green/red (btw. the smd-LEDs seem identical, so one could change the green to the spare amber LED) LEDs to illuminate "ze MAGIC S" (sanding down the black layer, create an "S" ouline, clear coating on top, done). The switch is functional and its LEDs are powered by the ECU gas pedal connector.



pelicanparts and Wayne's 101 Projects book have good information about it, too.

[pjq]

So as a follow up to the earlier post, I was at the indy shop today (european auto surgeons, Maine) and they turned the OBC and Cruise Control on. It took Aaron all of about 15-20 min and in his test drive everything worked as it was suppose to. He then flushed the transmission oil and brake fluid for me. They have a good shop and do good work.
On the 4.5 hr drive home I used the cruise on the interstate and was surprised how well it held the speed I set, with little fluctuation.
The OBC, I got my outside temperature and a lot of other paraphernalia. I tried playing with it a bit on the way home but then decided the road needed more of my attention.

An unexpected outcome of having these 4 stocks is I now have to be careful with my knees. I'm 6' 1" and 32" leg inseam I've hit those stocks getting in or out of the car.

So in conclusion, follow the books and the info on Renntech.org and it should all work out. Its not a real difficult project for a 2003 -04.

[mctigercom]

Hi There,

Where did you run your ground wire for the OBC? My panels look like they're painted so I'm wondering how good it is. i was thinking of sanding the paint off the panel the screw but I figured I'd see what you did. In the Pelican Parts article, the panels look like they're unpainted aluminum.

Thanks

[danch]

That's strange, I have the 3.2 S but no dot matrix display Al La picture :

What's going on here as I'm about to add the OBC loom & switch

Any idea's ?

[Pdwight]

OK I have my stalk, my Tech turned the function for OBC on when he did a diagnostic of the car after my wreck....how difficult is it to install the OBC Stalk ??

Thanks
Dwight

PS Danch , you have the same display I do

[danch]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

OK I have my stalk, my Tech turned the function for OBC on when he did a diagnostic of the car after my wreck....how difficult is it to install the OBC Stalk ??

Thanks
Dwight

PS Danch , you have the same display I do

Just the obc stalk takes about 20 minutes for a first timer like me, got to install the loom I made next & then get the obc function turned on but I'm doubting things now as my display doesn't look like the others

Cheers

Dan