Obc

[ralphie]

i have a 986s with the instrument cluster that has the detailed display

whats the best way to access its functions as i do not have the 4th obc stalk...

[Lil bastard]

I think you'd be happiest adding the 4th stalk. These are readily available from wreckers and you can use one from either a 996, 986 or even a 993 (though w/ the 993, you need to modify the connector).

The 4th stalk is the only one which detaches from the main cluster - it just screws on, but of course, not available separately from Porsche. It will screw onto your existing 2 or 3 stalk cluster, then wire it in using the excellent write-up from our own Tool Pants.

It'll give you a stock appearance, and IMHO, is easier to operate w/o taking your eyes off the road.

[ralphie]

this was originally my idea..

but then i bought a 3 stalk obc (w/o cruise) from the net, took it to a garage that serviced porsches and mechanic said that the plugs were different and couldn't fit it

should this be the case? or can i still use the stalk and 'modify' it?

TIA

[ralphie]

do you have a link for the write up? cheers

[Lil bastard]

If you have a 3-stalk cluster, you'll find a PN # on it. I suspect it will start with 993 (if the connectors are incompatible). Also, you'll see that the OBC stalk will detach from the rest of the unit - it just screws off.

Were it me, I'd remove the 3rd stalk, implant it on the OEM cluster on your car and do one of 2 things. I'd either find the compatible Molex connector for your car and transplant it to your new stalk, or get a generic Male and Female 4 wire (? IIRC) connectors and splice them in place of the stock Molex connectors. Pretty easy to do. Also, you'll want to cut the rubber cover on the escutcheon to accept the additional stalk with a razor blade or such.

Here's the write-up:

http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/obc/obc.stalk.pdf

[Tool Pants]

Originally Posted by ralphie

this was originally my idea..

but then i bought a 3 stalk obc (w/o cruise) from the net, took it to a garage that serviced porsches and mechanic said that the plugs were different and couldn't fit it

should this be the case? or can i still use the stalk and 'modify' it?

TIA

Need to see a picture of what you bought.

[ralphie]

996 613 215 00

how do i post a picture?

Cheers

[ralphie]

[ralphie]

got it

ive tried to photograph as much detail as possible

[Tool Pants]

That is the right switch assembly for a car without cruise control. I thought perhaps you got a 993 unit by mistake because the 993 unit looks very much like a 996/986 unit, but the the 993 unit has a different connector for the obc stalk.

So you need to buy the male connector and 5 VW wires to make the wiring harness that comes off the obc stalk connector. 1 wire goes to ground, and the other wires go to the back of the instrument cluster. Here is the harness I make. The connector that is not hooked up to anything is for the 4th stalk for cruise control.

[ralphie]

may i know where i can buy the connector, wiring and metal bits?

and should i just use this newly purchased 2nd hand 3 stalk and add my cruise control or remove the 4th obc stalk and add onto my exsting 3 stalk with cruise?

thanks

[Tool Pants]

The cruise control stalk cannot be remove. The obc stalk however can be removed and then you transfer the obc stalk to your existing switch assembly.

[Tool Pants]

The male connector you can buy from BMW or Porsche. BMW part number is 61 13 6 909 058. Porsche part number is 999 650 513 40.

You also need 5 VW wires. Assuming you have a 1997-2000 use three 000 979 009 and two 000 979 010. The wires you have to buy from VW not Porsche.

You also need to crimp on something to the ground wire. It goes by different names. Eyelet or ring terminal. 22-18 wire size. 1/4" or 6 mm stud size.

You also need something to connect the spliced wires together. I forget what they are called, or you can just solder them.