computer retrofit

[doubl a]

Anybody know anything about retrofitting the computer option in a 2000 ?

[Tool Pants]

If you mean the OBC aka trip computer, I have done about 30 of them. From 1997-2003. With stalk and with switch. We video taped 3 installs and they will out someday on a dvd. Jeff

[doubl a]

Thanks Jeff. How much do the parts cost and is it any more tricky/technical than installing a disc changer ? Andre

[Tool Pants]

About $170 with the stalk and $35 with a switch. Also filmed a cd changer and rear speaker kit install, B&M, and a few other projects. With a stalk you have to remove the air bag and sterring wheel and this bothers some people, but we cover it all in detail on the tape. Now if I can just get my video editors away from their real jobs so we can transfer it to a dvd. Jeff

[donv]

Any tips on how to approach the dealer service staff re: turning on the new functionality via the service computer? I tried the "temp display" move at purchase time but was politely declined...

[Tool Pants]

You have to understand that in Porsche eyes the trip computer retrofit does not exist. And some dealers say it cannot be done, which I find funny since I have done so many.

All I can tell you is my friend Peter is the shop manager at my local dealer. He is the Boxster PCA tech advisor, goes around the country giving Boxster tech sessions, owns a Boxster, and he wrote the retrofit instuctions which he gave to me years ago which are now out on the net. We just ask Peter to turn it on. Come to San Jose and he will do it for you - or try another dealer local to you.

Keep in mind that on a 2001-2003 you will not see anything when it is turned on - only once you have added the stalk or switch will you see anything. Also the instrument cluster software changed in 2003 and Peter could not turn it on on some 2003s but then he figured out why and has no problem turning it on. Jeff

[PeterJoyce]

Tool Pants: Can it be turned on in a 2004? Thanks!!!

[Tool Pants]

How do you people find this old stuff. It has been done on 4 2003s, 2 of which I did. The others I helped over the internet. Nothing changed in 2004.

[Pilot2519j]

How much does this cost to do Tool Pants? Considering doing it. I have a 2003S

[Tool Pants]

The price has not changed. You need the trip computer turned on with a PST2. Some dealers may charge you $50 for it. But I know someone(s) that have it. There was a software change in the instrument cluster for MY03 so an extra step is necessary and none of the dealers know about this and will tell you it cannot be done.

[PeterJoyce]

I foud it so that I would not have to start a new thread. I hate fourems with millions of threads.

[Nick_USA]

Can this mod be done to a 2004 Boxster S and has anyone done this ??

[Ghostrider 310]

Tool Pants, you are a great resource of wisdom, I have lkearned a lot from your posts at PP. Anyhow, will you inform us on the CD's availablility? I'd like to see that B&M swap, BTW, do you like the B&M product?

[Brucelee]

Thanks for all your help, Toolpants!

[ukchris]

I did it on my 03S, works great, takes about 15 minutes. The key is getting the right wires, there's a WV part number you can order online, they're about $3 each and you need two. They are slecial because the connector on the end fits into the harness behins the instrument cluster.

So, two wires cut in half gives you four connectors, you take out the console, stick them in the approriate slots and extend the wires to the dash area. That gives you the ability to control all of the OBC functions via four momentary switches, two dash switched or the stalk. I also saw one install where someone put a Tiptronic wheel on a standard car and used the shifter buttons to control the OBC.

Chris.