997 PCM - no satellites ?

[tsmat]

Hoping someone can help new member

I recently bought a 2007 997 carrera 4s convertible which had the 2006 navigation map installed - only used it twice, worked ok but some new roads on my journeys not shown, so I bought update for the firmware and navigation map ( to 2012) on the internet, followed the installation instructions to update the firmware with no problems, inserted the map DVD and all worked ok - I used the satnav over the following 2 days several times all ok. The next time I tried it would say calculating route but no details and after checking nav/status found that no satellites are being detected - I have since tried reinstalling firmware( with another copy from original supplier) and map DVD but still no satellites - I have checked the connection into the satellite antenna and even connected another satellite antenna directly into the DVD player but still no satellites. I have tried taking out the PCM fuse and rebooting the PCM with 1,4 & 8. but still no satellites. The map displays showing car in wrong location, and any destination entered can be seen on the map - as I drive along the map changes but is not relevant . All other functions of the PCM work ok.

I wish now, that I had looked into it before hand as I am getting horror stories that I may have wrecked the PCM and it is not possible to revert to the 2006 navigation map and firmware ? - could this really be the case as the DVD reads the map disc and telephone, sound system etc. all are ok.

Does anyone know whether this is likely to be a software or hardware problem

Any help /suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Loren]

:welcome:

When you say you bought the update on the Internet - did you buy the "Porsche" update or a third party update?

[tsmat]

I bought the updates on the Internet from satnavupdates.com The discs looked genuine and there were full Porsche instructions which were very comprehensive. I installed the firmware exactly as the instructions, then the Map DVD with no problem and it all worked ok for two days. I contacted the supplier when I first could not get any satellites and he said the discs were copies of the original Porsche ones and that he had supplied many updates for many different cars without any problems. ( There is a website giving full details) He was very helpful and sent me another copy of the discs which I installed but still cannot get any satellites ?

If there was anything wrong with the discs I do not understand how it worked for the first 2 days ?

[JFP in PA]

"...and he said the discs were copies of the original Porsche ones" seems to sum it all up.....................

[Richard Hamilton]

I don't think you really needed to update the firmware in order to run the latest maps. My Cayman is MY 2007, and the software version is 4.0. (Press MAIN and TRIP to check).

The 2012 map ran on mine without updating the system at all. I also use a copy DVD in the drive, and keep the original safe at home, so if it is a good copy it should be OK.

I would get a diagnostic check done on the PCM with a PIWIS tester. If you are anywhere near me, drop me a PM, as I would be happy to do it for you.

[tsmat]

Hi Richard

Many thanks for your response - the first constructive one ! I wish now that I had not updated the firmware but the Porsche installation instructions that came with the discs said that the 2012 map would not run properly without updating the firmware - mine is now SW4.0 Target : 05395BD1/4505 etc. However it all installed ok with all the correct prompts and the 2012 map DVD worked ok for the first few journeys until I got the 0 satellites problem. I have got the original Porsche 2006 Map DVD but not the earlier firmware disc so I am unable to try reinstalling that but I have read somewhere that that is not possible ?

I am beginning to think that I may have a hardware problem so your offer of testing the PCM is most welcome - perhaps you would contact me on atsmart@talktalk.net so that we can exchange phone numbers and perhaps arrange something - I live in Leicestershire so am not too far away.

Again, many thanks for your response

tsmat

[Richard Hamilton]

What was the number of the update disk? As I said, I don't think it was necessary. It is only required for MY2005 and 2006 cars. As it reads SW 4.0, I doubt if the update disk has done anything.

The 2006 DVD should still work in your system. The firmware would not need backdating. When you insert a map disk it asks you to confirm an update, but this only updates the POIs in the head unit. The incompatibility you refer to is the original 2004 disk, which cannot be used after the firmware update required for the 2005/6 maps.

If you have tried a 1-4-8 reset, I think it might be a hardware issue too. You are welcome to come down for a diagnostic test, but I'm sure there would be a local independent specialist who could do it for the cost of the fuel to get here and back. I'll email you my details anyway.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Richard Hamilton