Parts needed for OBC hack - 2001 Boxster S - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Danimal · 09-09-2023, 03:29 PM

Thanks, looking at the project write up online, they pull the steering wheel to install the 4th stalk. However, it sounds like some people were able to do it without pulling the steering wheel.

It also looks like a forum member was selling harnesses to connect the the stalk to the gauge cluster. Any idea if they are still selling them? Or if there is a place to buy everything you need?

I found a used 4 stalk combo switch for $129. Wondering if there are better options out there.

elav · 09-09-2023, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danimal

Thanks, looking at the project write up online, they pull the steering wheel to install the 4th stalk. However, it sounds like some people were able to do it without pulling the steering wheel.

It also looks like a forum member was selling harnesses to connect the the stalk to the gauge cluster. Any idea if they are still selling them? Or if there is a place to buy everything you need?

I found a used 4 stalk combo switch for $129. Wondering if there are better options out there.

I built my wire harness, but it was expensive to do so - there used to be someone on eBay that was selling the wires for a reasonable price. You don't have to remove the steering wheel if you don't want to hook up the 4th stock (people add a button to toggle and select) but honestly, I would do it the right way. BTW, I'm sure the functionality was cool in the early 2000s but the functionality isn't that impressive nowadays. I would say do it if you are looking for a fun project. My stock had an arm that was broken and that got me to do the upgrade.

Danimal · 09-09-2023, 08:49 PM

Thanks, I appreciate the perspective. Not sure the functionality is worth the trouble right now. I was just surprised it didn’t already have it. I think even my 80s bmw had it. I may wait until something is broken like you did.

obthomas · 09-11-2023, 07:37 AM

Danimal

If you use a durametic and turn on the OBC and then get a temperature reading on your cluster you have OBC capability.

It takes 4 wires and a ground from the OBC steering wheel stalk to the cluster connector. four wires need to have a pin on the end to insert into the cluster connector. Some folks know what they are doing and match pins up from electronic shops. Others buy two wires from Volkswagen and cut each in half to get 4 wires with pins.
You can add the OBC stalk without removing the steering wheel.
Once you have the OBC you may well be disappointed with the minimal information available.

Would I do it again, probably not. Good Luck