OBC/Cruise Control upgrade
 

2004 Boxster S
I finished my winter project of installing the 4 stalk controller so as to enable cruise and the OBC. I followed the directions as laid down in "101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster", "986 Bentley Service Manual" and the web site Renntech.org which has a wealth of information for this upgrade. Now I just have to get to an Indy Shop/Dealer to activate both through the computer.

I took my time for fear of breaking something and this took two days, no breaks. If I had to do it again probably 4-5hrs. My garage temperature was around 5 to 6 C so plastic parts aren't as pliable.
When removing the instrument cluster all the documentation tells you to lift straight up after removing the 2 screws behind the telephone speaker and the hazard flasher. They don't mention that there are 5 plastic tabs helping to hold the instrument cluster to the dash. Likewise with the Trim Ring around the steering column and the dash, it is secured on top with 2 screws and under the steering column there are 2 plastic tabs, lift straight straight up.

The condensed wire plan is;
2003-4 Boxster Cruise:
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 17 - Stalk Connector Pin 1
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 4 - Stalk Connector Pin 3
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 1 - Stalk Connector Pin 4
Fuse B7 - Stalk Connector Pin 2
2003-4 Boxster OBC:
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 23 - Stalk Connector Pin 2
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 22 - Stalk Connector Pin 3
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 21 - Stalk Connector Pin 4
Plug C (Grey) on the Instrument Cluster Pin 24 - Stalk Connector Pin 5
Earth (ground) - Stalk Connector Pin 1

I've attached a few photos that may help someone in the future. I have more if someone is interested.

5 metal sockets in dash and 2 metal sockets under steering column.
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398951790.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398951943.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398951998.jpg

Back side of Instrument Cluster up side down showing 5 plastic tabs
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398952678.jpg

2 stalk compared to 4 stalk
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398952809.jpg

Nice one! :cheers:
I remember doing my 996 Gauge Cluster & OBC upgrade (so I know how you feel ;)). It took quite a while to gather all necessary information and materials (i noticed that the recommended wires for the 996 Gauge Cluster were not "perfectly" fitting, but figured out, which were the right ones for my MY2001), and to exactly understand what you are doing. I used the same books and forums just like you did. :D

BTW: I was able to do those upgrades, without any soldering (used "Posi-Lock" connectors, which are perfect) and without removing the steering wheel (you can attach the OBC-stalk switch "easily" from the left side).

Only thing i wasn't able to do is the cruise control, as there is no valid information on how to do the connection on a MY2001 car with a 2004 996 gauge cluster: Motronic or Gauge Cluster?
But actually i can live without the cc :D

Is there a way to add the cruise control stalk without removing the wheel?

No................

Where there is a will, there is a way...but it will be a long and hard one.
Definitely not as easy as the OBC stalk, which "only" needs to be screwed off and on again.
And additional to that, you cannot easily disassemble or remove the CC stalk from the main unit...so bottom line I would say....no.........too.

:ah:

I used the VW 000.979.009 repair wires which have the correct ends so on the 2003-2004 cars you don't have to cut and splice the wires. I only had to solder one wire and that was the power wire, which had to be lengthened, from the fuse panel B7 to the cruise control connector.

Adding an OBC stalk or thinking about adding a Cruise Control stalk without removing the steering wheel? Why?
What ever you do you have to disconnect the battery, after that 10 minutes later the air bag and steering wheel are off and laying on the passenger side floor and now you have a little more room to work.
Since I don't know what I'm doing and I'm flying by the seat of my pants I like to be able to see what I'm suppose to be doing and see where I might go wrong so I can hopefully catch myself before I make the mistake. I had time on my side so I didn't mind removing the extra parts.

Here's two more views of the stalks.
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398982659.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1398982698.jpg

How do I know if my "03 S comes with the software for the OBC stalk?

heliguy, you have it. It's part of the software package from the factory it is just not switched on.
You need a PST2 computer to turn it on. It needs to be switched on at the DME and the Instrument console. The dealers have these type of computers as well as serious Porsche mechanics.
Check out Renntech.org, search 986 cruise control (OBC will be there), lots of good reading. 2003 & 2004 are the same. 2000-2002 slightly different.

So, if I get the 4 stalk addition and hook it up, I can then take the car to the dealer or independent and he can activate the cruise and OBC?

What functions does the OBC have?

[QUOTE=heliguy;398473]So, if I get the 4 stalk addition and hook it up, I can then take the car to the dealer or independent and he can activate the cruise and OBC?

YES.
I'm booked in for May 22 to have this work done so I can let you know if it's as simple as the book's say it is. I get to drive 4.5 hrs to this garage,Yeah! Road Trip!


OBC Function:
Outside Temp. (good for the north)
Average Fuel Consumption
Average speed
Calculated Range on remaining fuel
Cruise Control Speed Exceeded (warning chime)
Digital Speedometer
Drivers settings
Stored warnings
Additional info on illuminated warning lights

My little telephone speaker in the left corner of my dash is also wired in but I've never used it. Maybe it is connected to the OBC?

[QUOTE=pjq;398501] IIRC that screen on the left of the tach is a microphone

Stalking a Stalk
 

I have a 01S and would love to have OBC function, I have not found a stalk for sale. Do you guys have any ideas where I could locate one and a ballpark price ?

Thanks in advance

Dwight

Sounds like there's little usability compared to modern cars but I'm sure I'll do it.

heliguy I agree. What I really wanted the OBC for was outside temp. and flip easily between miles and KM.
But the main reason for the four stock was the cruise control. Doing a road trip without cruise is getting to be tough. The foot starts to cramp, then the leg muscle cramps and my knee is aching like a b______d because its in the wrong position for too long, this all means I have to pull over and take a break. Damn..... this aging process is playing hell on the body.

JayG is that little microphone for the telephone or something else? Is it any good?

Pdwight checkout OklahomaForeign.com I think about $150, dealer is double that if I recall. There is also the website owner Pelican Parts they would have all the parts and pieces needed for this upgrade. Oklahoma Foreign is a salvage yard and seems to have a good reputation with the Porsche community. Whale Tale in Ontario Canada. There are a couple of other reputable salvage yards but that age thing just kicked in again.

Behind the little screen on the left is Porsche`s optional place for an external mic (for the telephone). If you have one installed, you probably had a PCM/Telephone module or an equivalent aftermarket car radio. Sound wise not noticeably better than inbuilt-mics, imo.

Back in 2010 someone posted at Renntech ...

This corresponds with 101 projects instructions.

However, this was answered by ...
Is this response that self-made harness wires can have same connector on both ends for 2001-up models correct?

lkchris,
"....same connector on both ends for 2001-up models correct?"
I don't know if that is a correct statement BUT it is a correct statement for 2003-04, it is 009 wire and connections. The instructions you quote are also correct.
OBC requires 5 wires, Cruise Control Requires 4 wires.
on 2003-2004 you use 009 wires and the crimped ends are correct to fit into the Stalk connector you will make up and the back of the existing grey multi-pin connector that attaches to the instrument cluster.
For the 2003-04 you just need to cut one of these wires. One piece of the cut wire you will crimp an eyelet onto the newly cut wire which will ground your OBC and the other piece of cut wire you will solder an extension of wire (3ft) so as to be able to reach the fuse panel and bring power up to the new cruise control connector you made. You will use fuse B7 as your power source. For a 2003-04, 99% of the work you do will be up at the dash, 1% at fuse box to connect power lead. Minimal soldering.

On earlier model Boxsters you need to wire back to the DME, the instrument cluster and the Stalk (03-04 you just work between the stalk and cluster). Some of these end connections require the 010 crimped wire connection (slightly larger) and some require the 009 crimped wire connection, so this is why you need to cut and solder back together one 009 wire and one 010 wire. This is all well explained on the Renntech.org site as well as 101 Projects and Bentley book.

BRAN, I have the CDR23 radio. I think i need the OBC activated to activate the telephone module?

Not to hijack this thread, but I found a 2005-2008 OBC stalk and was wondering if it will fit & function on my 2004 S. I already have the cruise control from the factory.

No, the 987/997 switchgear on the column is different compared to the 986/996. I don't think the 9x7 stalk will fit onto the 9x6 module.

Thanks for your help.

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...
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1399564294.jpg

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.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1399567192.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1399567218.jpg

Got my OBC Stalk in
 

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

Thanks Pjq

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

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 :D

...here the old MY01 OBC enabled Boxster gauge cluster (non-DOT-Matrix)
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1399573805.jpg

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.

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

Yes...more about this magic S button.

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

Improves :D per gallon :cheers:

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 :D

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.

:cheers:

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

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1399672797.jpg

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.

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

That's strange, I have the 3.2 S but no dot matrix display Al La picture : Attachment 18543

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

Any idea's ?

Install the stalk
 

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