PCM/NAV Update Question - Early MY Build 997's

[AP 997S]

Are there any US market MY2005 early build members in this forum that have upgraded their PCM 2.1 (Standard Version: PCM S/W 04035xxxx) and NAV DVD? If your PCM lacks the SOS button, SIM slot, etc you have the initial PCM 2.1 release (IE. Standard Version) and that's the one I'm querying about.

I believe the required steps are to first update the PCM Standard Version to Level A (using Porsche disc #00004320546004) and then update both PCM followed by the NAV to the latest levels (using NAV update disc(s) kit #99704490151). I concerned that the early build PCM (no phone capability) is not compatible w/ the updates I just mentioned.

If you've done the upgrade or have had the dealer do it can you share any information regarding problems, issues, etc with me? You can reply to this thread or send me a private message if you like.

I'm considering doing the update but don't want to throw $300 at it if it's going to be a major undertaking, problematic or cause other issues. I'm an experienced DIY'r so I'm not concerned w/ my ability to go through the update procedure and/or the required steps.

I searched all the forums and can't find any threads specifically covering this early build 2005 PCM/NAV upgrade so please don't answer w/ 'go do a search'.

Thanks in advance for any information or help.

[AP 997S]

Anybody?

:thankyou:

[Loren]

Did you read the TSBs on the subject?

[AP 997S]

Did you read the TSBs on the subject?

Loren,

Yes . . . have the 'Installation & Conversion Instructions' (Service 32/07, dated Oct. 24, 2008)) sitting right in front of me now.

There are a number of questions that are raised by the 'Installation & Conversion Instructions'.

1. It mentions my PCM s/w Standard Level (04035) in paragraph 2.3.1. It states that I have to first update to Level A using a disc not in the kit. I checked this out and that disc is available for less than $7. No problem.

2. In the same paragraph (2.3.1.) mentions a possible Bose Amplifier udate (Bulletin #7/04). This is the area I'm concerned about. Is this Bulletin in the Renntech library?

3. All the illustrations and first steps refer to the next hardware level of the PCM. The one that added phone capabilities. My PCM hardware is the initial release (ie. no phone buttons, SIM slot, etc). More apprehension that this kit applies to my hardware level of PCM.

I believe the update kit 997.044.901.51 contains all the required PCM and NAV S/W updates as long as you start out at Level A. I don't think it covers the prerequisite hardware (ie. PCM, Bose Amplifier, etc) clearly enough. Hence my apprehension about throwing $300 at the kit and then discovering that I need newer hardware as well.

Any information, suggestions, ideas, etc would be of great benefit.

Thanks for the help.

Arnie

Edited December 8, 2008 by AP 997S

[Loren]

2. Yes, TSB 7/04 9110 PCM2.1 & BOSE Amplifier Spare Parts Requirements -- Jul 5, 2005

3. Check the same TSB for VIN and hardware levels.

[AP 997S]

2. Yes, TSB 7/04 9110 PCM2.1 & BOSE Amplifier Spare Parts Requirements -- Jul 5, 2005

3. Check the same TSB for VIN and hardware levels.

Found the TSB in the library and also got a printable copy from my Porsche parts contact.

That TSB (at least at the initial reading) is the most convoluted and confusing document I've read in a long time. I plan to carefully read it again to attempt to make sense of it and determine if my PCM & Bose units are up to the level required for the update.

I think Porsche purposely writes Tech Bulletins in a confusing manner to deter DIY.

[Loren]

2. Yes, TSB 7/04 9110 PCM2.1 & BOSE Amplifier Spare Parts Requirements -- Jul 5, 2005

3. Check the same TSB for VIN and hardware levels.

Found the TSB in the library and also got a printable copy from my Porsche parts contact.

That TSB (at least at the initial reading) is the most convoluted and confusing document I've read in a long time. I plan to carefully read it again to attempt to make sense of it and determine if my PCM & Bose units are up to the level required for the update.

I think Porsche purposely writes Tech Bulletins in a confusing manner to deter DIY.

LOL - Porsche does not write them for DIY period. These are dealer/OPC only documents.

But I guess now we know why so many dealership shops have trouble with what should simple stuff. :rolleyes:

[berty987]

My understanding of the tech bulletins and experience of updating PCM's your particular vehicle needs to update to level A software as the first step. If your car does not have the Bose amplifier , the risks of problems are greatly reduced. On the level A update CD there is a BOSE file that updates the amplifier to 00017500/3504 from the original version 00016400/3531 in the PCM. I've not been able to find a tech bulletin on using the level A update CD, so no way of knowing if the Bose amp needs to be updated separately or is done as part of the updating process in the pcm. Once the system software and bose amp have been updated to level A , the next step is to update the PCM to level B. When at level B , the navigation drive can be updated using the single update CD (installed in the DVD drive itself), though I'd suggest that it may be safer to update the navigation drive using a 2005 edition map first. When the navigation drive has been updated you must run a 2005 or later map DVD and NEVER re insert the 2004 map. The Bose parts tech bulletin is directed towards PCM and bose hardware replacement where a newer PCM fitted as a spare (loaded with the 00017500 software) could be installed in a vehicle with an older bose amp (loaded with 00016400 software). If the PCM is already at 017500 as a result of being a new item , attempting to update by inserting the update CD will skip that section of the program. In this case an amp with older software would be missed since the PCM was already at the correct level. I beleive this is why the bulleting suggests updating the Bose amplifier using the PWIS unit to the newest software before installing the replacement PCM. There is no comment about PWIS updating of the Bose amp for existing production status PCMs with original level Bose amplifiers.

Obvoisly if the PCM and bose amp are at different levels then there is no sound.

If you have bose and feel brave enough to try this update yourself , providing you update the PCM in the correct sequence , there is nothing in the TSB's to suggest any additional work is required.

Edited December 9, 2008 by berty987

[berty987]

The items on the MOST ring such as the Telematic module , Navigation drive and Amplifier do not have separate CAN BUS comms, it therefore follows everything must be updated via the MOST ring. The PCM sits at the heart of the MOST ring and provides the sequence timer for the MOST and interface to the CAN gateway which the PWIS unit connects to. Therefore , when the PWIS tester is connected to the vehicle , the PCM acts as the gateway to the MOST ring to allow the Bose amplifier to be updated. I would therefore suggest that the update CD (update to Level A) WILL update the BOSE amplifier as a device and the PCM itself as part of the update , in just the same way was the telephone module is updated.

Difficulties arise if the PCM is at a later version of software to an amplifier that has not been updated. In this scenario the update CD skips the bose amplifier update sequence as the main unit (PCM) is already at the correct level.

The more I read about the system and investigate the wiring , the more confident I am that the update CD will take care of the amplifier as part of the update without the need for intervention with the PWIS.

[AP 997S]

berty987,

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.

You hit the nail right the head regarding my apprehension. My PCM, NAV and Bose are at the earliest levels in terms of both hardware and software. According to service records they have never been upgraded due to a service activity or maintenance actions.

Here's screen shots of my 997's software/hardware levels. As I said I believe they are still at 'Launch Car' levels.

I don't plan to do anything until I'm certain that my hardware (ie.BOSE Amp) is at a level that is compatible w/ the NAV Kit (997.044.901.51) and the Level A CD update (disc 000.043.205.46.004). The latest NAV Kit contains the PCM updates (post Level A) that alledgedly supports the latest NAV DVD. The last thing I want to do is to have to bring my car to the dealer in the event the PCM becomes inoperable due to my attempt to update it. It's been my experience that my local dealer's Techs are not that well trained and mainly want to simply replace parts.

Thanks again for the education.

Arnie

[berty987]

The level A update CD is part number 000 043 205 460 04 (replaces 01). This has the update for the BOSE (00017500), TEL (0002.22R), MMI (04202LD1) , GATEWAY (04113AD1). After the update from existing model level to level A , the PCM is still designed to work with the earlier 2004 map DVD.s so you can then update to level B to allow the navigation drive to be updated to facilitate use of the post 2005 maps. Interestingly the navigation drive is not updated via the PCM , it is updated by self extracting files on the map DVD. This is why it is essential to update the PCM before the navigation drive. Once the PCM has been updated to level B software version 3 (this is as far as you unit can go ) , the navigation drive needs to be updated either by using a series on newer maps with self extracting files , or by using the navigation drive specific update CD (000 044 901 40). The model level B update CDs (000 043 205 46 02 and 03) which come bundled with the new 2008 map and navigation update CD will update the MMI and GATEWAY elements to 05024ad1 and 04514BD1. There is no further update available for the TEL or BOSE from that of LEVEL A on the level B update. There are different phone software versions floating about, I can only assume these are loaded as separate files by a differnet update process or via the PWIS. I have the phone module in my car and it works perfectly with the 0002.22R version. Other versions Ive seen are 05034B54 and 04464AD2.

[AP 997S]

berty987

Based on your last note it sounds like you're of the opinion my hardware (PCM & Bose) is at a level that is compatible as long as I update first to Level A using disc 000.043.205.46.004.

I just might buy the Level A CD first since it's only $6USD and see if my PCM accepts it and successfully updates to Level A. I believe Level A is compatible w/ my existing NAV DVD so all should be good. Once that is done I'll take the 'giant' step and update both PCM & NAV using NAV Kit 997.044.901.51 ($300USD)

If I follow the steps I just mentioned do you think I'll have to hook up to a PWIS for anything?

Once again thanks for the help.

Edited December 10, 2008 by AP 997S

[berty987]

Personally I dont think the update to level B is the issue , providing the Bose amp updates as part of the update to level A. As I commented above , there doesn`t seem to be any other way of updating the bose amp than via the PCM , the level A update CD has the bose update as well as that for the Telephone and system software so its obviously designed to update all the hardware in one sequence. When I updated my own car from level A to level B using the same CDs that are in the kit you mention , it all rolled though without issue. At the time of my PCM update in 2006 , the separate update Cd for the navigation was not avaialble , so the navigation software was updated by the self extracting file on the 2005 map DVD. This file runs only once after a new map is loaded in the DVD drive and the PCM screen prompts if a navigation update should be initiated. All of the map DVDs up to 2007 have a navigation software file as part of the data , there have been 3 revisions in software for the navigation drive since the 2005 version. The last update was in 2006 and is still current on the 2007 map DVD.

If you are buying the MAP update and Level B disks as a bundle from a dealer i would expect them to do the update for you as part of the cost. You may decide you want to do the level A and B update all yourself , purchase a used or nearly new map DVD from e bay and the update CD`s via an alternative source. Certainly this would be the cheapest option. Whatever you decide please post back on your findings and results.

The best advice I can give is follow the wording in the TSB very carefully and make sure the ignition is ON or the engine is running during the update , to prevent the PCM shutting down in powersave mode part way through the update. Be patient with the update process , there are often long delays with no visible activity during the process. Do not be tempted to eject the disk or switch off the PCM , it will get there eventually or in the worst case give an error after update. If this happens follow the procedure from start to finish a second time.

Edited December 11, 2008 by berty987

[AP 997S]

Just ordered the Level A update CD. Figured for $6 bucks its worth the try. If it successfully installs I should see the new S/W listed for the PCM and AMP when I bring up the S/W version screen.

I doubt very much if my dealer will perform the NAV Kit update at no charge even if I buy the kit from them. They would certainly want to charge me labor. At least thats been my experience w/ them. I might run down today and talk w/ the service adviser just to make sure.

I'll certainly post my findings and results when I have some.

[lukester]

Hi!

Excellent insight provided regarding updating the PCM navigation. I have EXACTLY the same SW-version for amp, pcm, navigation, etc, like in your provided screen-shots. I assume that you also have the launch-car spec. My car is a 07/04 european version but with the same sw-version like I mentioned already.

I'm also in the process of updating to the latest map here in Europe and I'm eager to understand if it's possible to update and if it's secure to update. I actually already have the two update-CD's that come with the 2006-update package and also have the navigation DVD's for 04/2005, 10/2005 and 04/2006.

My question is now if I will destroy something by running this update. I have read about someone who failed and that the BOSE-amp stopped to function, which I understand is due to out-of-sync SW-version when PCM is updated to a later SW and BOSE still uses an old version.

I don't have the update disc that is mentioned above that should update to "level A".

Have you sucessfully updated your system? I'm really eager to update my system but would really appreciate feedback from you who seems to have the exact same baseline like I have.

Many thanks in advance for all advice I can get!

Regards

Lukas

[AP 997S]

Hi!

Excellent insight provided regarding updating the PCM navigation. I have EXACTLY the same SW-version for amp, pcm, navigation, etc, like in your provided screen-shots. I assume that you also have the launch-car spec. My car is a 07/04 european version but with the same sw-version like I mentioned already.

I'm also in the process of updating to the latest map here in Europe and I'm eager to understand if it's possible to update and if it's secure to update. I actually already have the two update-CD's that come with the 2006-update package and also have the navigation DVD's for 04/2005, 10/2005 and 04/2006.

My question is now if I will destroy something by running this update. I have read about someone who failed and that the BOSE-amp stopped to function, which I understand is due to out-of-sync SW-version when PCM is updated to a later SW and BOSE still uses an old version.

I don't have the update disc that is mentioned above that should update to "level A".

Have you sucessfully updated your system? I'm really eager to update my system but would really appreciate feedback from you who seems to have the exact same baseline like I have.

Many thanks in advance for all advice I can get!

Regards

Lukas

Lukas,

Beware . . . . .

I tried the Level A upgrade a few days ago and I suspect I've turned my amp into a brick. The Level A upgrade disc reported a failure when trying to download the new amp software. It sent a screen message to remove the upgrade disc and reinsert it. Unfortunately it won't eject from the PCM. I've tried every technique (ie. reset PCM via 148, remove the source power, etc, etc) but no success.

I'll be visiting my Porsche dealership service on Tuesday to see if they can restore the PCM & Amp via PIWIS. I spoke to their PCM specialist last week and he said I would have no problem doing the Initial Version to Level A. WRONG!

I wish I had followed my 'normal' advice . . . . If it ain't broken don't fix it.

I'll keep you updated after my service visit.

Cheers,

Arnie

[lukester]

Thanks alot Arnie for providing me this information. I feel very sorry for you that the upgrade went wrong and that it is so complicated to update the PCM

I will not upgrade and if I will I will let my dealer do the upgrade and also take the "hit" if something goes wrong.

Best of luck and I really hope that everything will be solved for you and that you can enjoy the new maps with a functional amp!

Would be really interesting to hear your report regarding your progress.

Thanks,

Lukas

[berty987]

I hope you manage to get it sorted. I read elsewhere that some people have had success ejecting discs from the PCM by pressing the eject as the PCM starts up. I guess you also have tried this ?

[AP 997S]

Update . . .

From what I know understand a later version amp must be in installed prior to doing the PCM update from 'Initial Level' to 'Level A'. There is some 'hand shaking' that goes on between the PCM and amp and if they don't 'shake' correctly the early version amp turns into a 'brick'.

We'll be putting in a new amp next Wednesday to see if that allows the update to continue or at least restore the PCM to a operational state (ie. eject the cd).

Porsche has all sorts of configuration/compatibility tables regarding PCM, AMP & NAV hardware and software. They've created a fricking monster by not doing proper backward compatibility testing or at least documenting the 'pot holes' in a manner that can be understood. I suspect the new PCM (touch screen) will be even more problem laden due to it's increased complexity. On the other hand I thought I read somewhere that the new PCM is a Japanese product so it might be a smoother road since they tend to do a better job in this area.

My advice to anyone thinking about updating their PCM or NAV software is to carefully review/analyze all the 'gotchas' and if you're in doubt have your 'official' Porsche dealer do it. That way if something goes wrong they'll be accountable.

I'll provide my next update after the new amp is installed.

Happy New Year to you all!

[AP 997S]

FLASH

Get in the car this morning and start it up to run some errands. Hear a clicking sound and lo and behold out slides the Update disc. I guess the PCM got tired of trying to read it or it simply timed out (10 days) or the disc decided on it's own to get the hell out of the PCM.

Nothing else to report . . . . new amp install still scheduled for Wednesday.

[PTEC]

Man am I sorry I didnt get to this thread earlier. I roasted a bose amp as well trying to accomplish the update. As you said, that version of BOSE cannot be made to work with the new software. From what I could gather that amp only came installed in the very early build MY05s. I seem to remember a VIN split in the spare parts bulletin. Luckily my extended warranty covered a replacement amp and the new one came with the updated software already installed. With the new amp the MY08 nav update went smooth as butter.

Edited January 6, 2009 by PTEC

[AP 997S]

Man am I sorry I didnt get to this thread earlier. I roasted a bose amp as well trying to accomplish the update. As you said, that version of BOSE cannot be made to work with the new software. From what I could gather that amp only came installed in the very early build MY05s. I seem to remember a VIN split in the spare parts bulletin. Luckily my extended warranty covered a replacement amp and the new one came with the updated software already installed. With the new amp the MY08 nav update went smooth as butter.

This is exactly the route I'm taking. Dealer installs a 'new' amp on Wednesday which hopefully will enable the update and later NAV DVD usage.

'Experience is the best teacher'

Happy New Year

ps. Is your PCM the non phone configuration (ie. no SOS button, SIM slot, etc) version?

[PTEC]

No buttons for telephone functions on mine.

[berty987]

Please let us know how you get on at the dealers on Wednesday Arnie. Was the old amp recoverable , did the new amp allow the level A and B updates to roll through unhindered ? Certainly it will be interesting to hear if the technician is aware of a separate Bose updae CD for the earlier amps , or if it has to be done via the PWIS only. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. Good luck !

Edited January 6, 2009 by berty987

[PTEC]

So I was browsing through some of the old information that I had gathered up when trying to do the NAV update, heres what I'm seeing. According to the "PCM2.1 and BOSE Amplifier spare parts requirements" before updating to Model Level A, you must first check to see if you have the correct Bose amplifier. It states any bose amps having part number 997.645.333.04 or 997.645.333.05 must be replaced with 997.645.334.22 or newer. It would seem therefore as though there is no way to update amp so that the nav update can be peformed through software. There are BOSE software updates out there but as far as I know none of them will accomplish this action.