Updating PCM 2.0 Maps

[Zakowsky]

Greetings, new 2004 CTTS owner, long term DIY mechanic. Love the vehicle (also have a 944) but not used to vehicles with this level of "dealer involvement" if you know what I mean. I have the stock PCM 2.0 with software 3.0, and one lousy CD with 2004 maps for the west coast. After searching high and low I can't find anyone looking to sell their set of newer North America maps for this antiquated system. Btw, I decided to stick with the stock head after reading all about the notorious MOST system, H.U.R. adapters, Bose amp replacements which lead to speaker replacements - figured I like the sound enough as it is, and for real navigation will probably use Google Maps on my phone anyway, but would like to be able to just see where I am on a console map and keep the system stock with the info on the dash. I also like having the trip info on the console etc.

Anyways I'm thinking of sucking it up and buying the new (well, 2015) maps set from Porsche, even though it is over $400 here in Canada. PN 00004490231, but what I am worried about is the dealer says it "might" need to be activated at a dealership, at a cost of course. It seems people sell updated CDs on eBay and such, and people use them without dealer intervention. Has anyone here tried this map set, and is the activation process just making sure your PCM 2.0 software is updated to version 3.0? Is this something a Durametric kit can do (something I figure I am going to need eventually anyway)? $400 is steep as it is, and a charge from the dealer on top would make me seriously consider a complete NAV upgrade.

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

The Durametric software cannot update your PCM, you need a PIWIS.

[Zakowsky]

Thanks JFP; do you think I will need to do this at all if I am just updating my maps? The person I talked to at Porsche didn't really know...

[Loren]

Sometimes map updates require firmware updates. The dealer should know that based on the maps you purchased.

If no firmware needs updating then yes you can update the maps yourself.

[Zakowsky]

Thanks Loren; as my dealer didn't know, and one might guess that the much newer maps might need a firmware update, I think I will go back to mulling over a complete upgrade. Or maybe just live in 2004 for a while!

[fpb111]

PCM 2.0 with software update 3.0, like yours, worked with 000 044 901 21 2008 updated CDs my 2004 TT with no dealer interaction needed. Today I am ordering the new 2015 update, # 000 044 902 31, CD set from https://parts.porscheofannapolis.com/oem-parts/porsche-software-update-pcm2-00004490231

$244.82

[Zakowsky]

I wonder if they are coming out with a 2017 version soon; that is a good price.