DME Program Update - Early 996TTs

[Richard Hamilton]

Reading through TSB 6/01 for the 996 Turbo, there was a new DME program map introduced in October 2001. It says that after engine replacement or repair, the DME program should be updated.

Mine is a very early Turbo (September 2000) and I have checked - it has the old program. Does anyone know the benefits of the later program?

[jpflip]

I got in front of me the book "996 the essential companion" and they say about the incorporated change in 2002 : "DME (ECU) 7.8 engine and diagnostic software introduced as standard on all normally aspirated Carrera models. Different version programming required for US OBDII, EU EOBD and RoW/option M150 versions" ( M150 Emission system removed for country without unleaded fuel). So in conclusion it is related to the catalytic converter in use. Because up to 1999 there was 3 different types... There has to be other upgraded function but the list here is very long... I guess you got version 7.2.2 ?

[Richard Hamilton]

Even early Turbos like mine had DME 7.8, and the mapping update mentioned in the TSB is specific to the TT. I just wanted to find out what the changes were, and if I would benefit from doing the upgrade.

[jpflip]

In the book I mention earlier they say that model 2000 had 7.2.2 software and in 2002 it was upgraded to 7.8. And this is what I got on my car which is 2002.... Don't you think your's was already updated ? Do you have the TSB title and number ?

[Loren]

All 996 Turbos are DME 7.8.

If choose to reprogram it should not be a problem - but you will need your IPAS codes to do that.

[Richard Hamilton]

Well my indy has just got the IPAS codes :) , so we'll reprogram it over the weekend. I'll let you know if it seems any different afterwards.

[Richard Hamilton]

Successfully remapped! It's difficult to say from the very short run I did afterwards, but it seems somehow smoother at low revs and tickover. That might be down to resetting the adaption values, so time will tell if it has made any difference. It's snowing heavily right now, so not a good time to experiment.

While remapping, we chose the EOBD Tiptronic map option (UK car), but I could have chosen EOBD X50 Tiptronic. Any thoughts on what might happen if we had? (Short and long term).

Edit: I just thought I would add this in case it is of use to someone else. After a couple of days driving, albeit at slow speeds, I feel there is a definite improvement. Before the remap, I used to get a slightly annoying fluctuation in revs when at a constant 14-1500rpm. (30mph-ish in 3rd, or about 40mph-ish in 4th). It happened mainly when the engine was cold. The revs would pulse up and down by about 50rpm at a frequency of about 0.25Hz. My thought was it might be at the variocam switching point, but I don't really know. Anyway, the result is that the remap seems to have cured the 'problem'.

Maybe when I'm feeling brave enough I'll try the X50 program.

Edited February 3, 2009 by Richard Hamilton