Options for programming a rear control module
I just replaced the module on a 2009 base Boxster due to a failure from water intrusion. After connecting the new module I attempted to program it with the Foxwell NT510 Elite which does appear to have the capability to do this but they don't have the proper file for the 987 Boxster. The 'vehicle type' drop down menu only gives options for 997 models, not 987. I selected 997 Cabriolet and that actually got most things working; spoiler, read lid, lights, etc. Not the top, though. I assume it's because of the manual latch vs auto latch on the 911 gives it different coding but I'm not exactly sure. I can open and close the top via the Active Test function of the scanner, so everything is functioning it's just seems to be a programming issue. It stinks that Foxwell didn't add the 987 code when it, otherwise, seems to have everything else in the rear programming function for 997/987.
Also, I did update the Foxwell to the latest Porsche specific update file. Still nothing. What other options do I have here aside from going to the dealer? It's not the end of the world if I have to bring it to the dealer but I just don't want to pay $350 for them to plug my car in for 5 minutes.
Also, I did update the Foxwell to the latest Porsche specific update file. Still nothing. What other options do I have here aside from going to the dealer? It's not the end of the world if I have to bring it to the dealer but I just don't want to pay $350 for them to plug my car in for 5 minutes.
ya, that hurts doesn't it? when i pay $350, i want to see the mech to grovel around on the ground for a bit, and swear a couple of times. you know, get their hands dirty, or at a minimum be forced to don a pair of rubber gloves at least. 
don't know if this will help, but....
there's this guy on youtube that's got a car channel where he's done some sleuthing around on circuit boards and shown the ability to download code off of them, modify it, and copy it back to the chip from whence it came. the channel is "Best Pixel Repair". he's worked on a couple of caymans and a boxster IIRC. here's a link where he successfully fixed something in a way that very, very few people would even attempt! the following video is the final episode of a three-part series. you might want to watch them all. maybe even binge a bit.
BTW, don't let the heavy accent discourage you from watching. it's worth the effort to watch someone that really knows what they're talking about, go about their business.... avocation, actually.

don't know if this will help, but....
there's this guy on youtube that's got a car channel where he's done some sleuthing around on circuit boards and shown the ability to download code off of them, modify it, and copy it back to the chip from whence it came. the channel is "Best Pixel Repair". he's worked on a couple of caymans and a boxster IIRC. here's a link where he successfully fixed something in a way that very, very few people would even attempt! the following video is the final episode of a three-part series. you might want to watch them all. maybe even binge a bit.
BTW, don't let the heavy accent discourage you from watching. it's worth the effort to watch someone that really knows what they're talking about, go about their business.... avocation, actually.
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; Apr 16, 2023 at 04:28 AM.
ya, that hurts doesn't it? when i pay $350, i want to see the mech to grovel around on the ground for a bit, and swear a couple of times. you know, get their hands dirty, or at a minimum be forced to don a pair of rubber gloves at least. 
don't know if this will help, but....
there's this guy on youtube that's got a car channel where he's done some sleuthing around on circuit boards and shown the ability to download code off of them, modify it, and copy it back to the chip from whence it came. the channel is "Best Pixel Repair". he's worked on a couple of caymans and a boxster IIRC. here's a link where he successfully fixed something in a way that very, very few people would even attempt! the following video is the final episode of a three-part series. you might want to watch them all. maybe even binge a bit.
BTW, don't let the heavy accent discourage you from watching. it's worth the effort to watch someone that really knows what they're talking about, go about their business.... avocation, actually.

don't know if this will help, but....
there's this guy on youtube that's got a car channel where he's done some sleuthing around on circuit boards and shown the ability to download code off of them, modify it, and copy it back to the chip from whence it came. the channel is "Best Pixel Repair". he's worked on a couple of caymans and a boxster IIRC. here's a link where he successfully fixed something in a way that very, very few people would even attempt! the following video is the final episode of a three-part series. you might want to watch them all. maybe even binge a bit.
BTW, don't let the heavy accent discourage you from watching. it's worth the effort to watch someone that really knows what they're talking about, go about their business.... avocation, actually.
I used to live north of Boston - I would have suggesting meeting up and we could have used my NT530, which does have these functions. I'm very surprised to hear the 510 doesn't... did the update "take" on the device?
Anyway, the point is, maybe meet up with someone to borrow their 530? I'd say you should see if you can buy that instead of paying $350, since the 530 costs less than that anyway.
Alternatively, I'm in central CT, so if you wanted to meet up, we could do that as well...
Anyway, the point is, maybe meet up with someone to borrow their 530? I'd say you should see if you can buy that instead of paying $350, since the 530 costs less than that anyway.
Alternatively, I'm in central CT, so if you wanted to meet up, we could do that as well...
I used to live north of Boston - I would have suggesting meeting up and we could have used my NT530, which does have these functions. I'm very surprised to hear the 510 doesn't... did the update "take" on the device?
Anyway, the point is, maybe meet up with someone to borrow their 530? I'd say you should see if you can buy that instead of paying $350, since the 530 costs less than that anyway.
Alternatively, I'm in central CT, so if you wanted to meet up, we could do that as well...
Anyway, the point is, maybe meet up with someone to borrow their 530? I'd say you should see if you can buy that instead of paying $350, since the 530 costs less than that anyway.
Alternatively, I'm in central CT, so if you wanted to meet up, we could do that as well...
i certainly appreciate the offer but i’ll see if i can manage something locally. Maybe the dealer will give me a break…sigh.
I actually followed this guys ()YouTube - "Best Pixel Repair") lead and replaced my Boxsters RCM with one from a Cayenne and had the chips swapped over like he did, it worked except for opening my roof (I can close it with the switch, just not open in it). I suspect its something else though. I use my Foxwell NT530 to open the roof on nice days 

I actually followed this guys ()YouTube - "Best Pixel Repair") lead and replaced my Boxsters RCM with one from a Cayenne and had the chips swapped over like he did, it worked except for opening my roof (I can close it with the switch, just not open in it). I suspect its something else though. I use my Foxwell NT530 to open the roof on nice days 

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jkoravos, were you able to resolve this properly? I have an 05 Boxster base and I am having the same exact issue. I also have a PIWIS 2 and can not get it to change from a 997 vehicle code to 987. When I attempt to change it I puts a big "red question mark" with "50210" behind it in the field.
Thanks, IXXINut
Thanks, IXXINut
I have a similar problem. I had to replace my water-damaged RCM with a refurbished unit, which was supposed to come programmed for my car's options. It mostly works, but my Foxwell NT530 shows the same drop-down list as yours, with no 987 models at all, only 997s. I don't know if that's supposed to be that way, or if the replacement RCM was programmed wrong, or if the Foxwell just doesn't understand what a 987 is, or if it doesn't make any difference and I'm chasing a red herring.
Unlike yours, my top does go up/down in response to the switch on the center console. I can also do it via the Foxwell. But it bothers me that the drop-down list for car type doesn't say 987 Boxster.
Unlike yours, my top does go up/down in response to the switch on the center console. I can also do it via the Foxwell. But it bothers me that the drop-down list for car type doesn't say 987 Boxster.
jkoravos, were you able to resolve this properly? I have an 05 Boxster base and I am having the same exact issue. I also have a PIWIS 2 and can not get it to change from a 997 vehicle code to 987. When I attempt to change it I puts a big "red question mark" with "50210" behind it in the field.
Thanks, IXXINut
Thanks, IXXINut
Resolved: Counter intuitive, when setting up the Gateway and rear control unit. Do NOT select "power top"! There is no roof control module! The roof is operated via relays.
So, I was wondering if one of the members here has the 05/13 987 Boxster with a good working rear module. The Foxwell can reprogram the rear box using replace mode we need someone with a good 987 Boxster box ask them super nicely to save their box to the Foxwell and share the backed-up file tothe group. Then go through the reprogramming feature and that should work in theory.
Is that doable? I've got a Foxwell NT530 and I'd be happy to scan my car's module and upload the results.
However, I am still troubleshooting a problem with the convertible top, and there's a tiny chance the problem lies with the control module. Until I'm 100% sure it's correct, I'd hate for anyone to use my setup as the gold standard.
However, I am still troubleshooting a problem with the convertible top, and there's a tiny chance the problem lies with the control module. Until I'm 100% sure it's correct, I'd hate for anyone to use my setup as the gold standard.
I have a 987.2 Boxster (2010 based) and am happy to do this. I have an NT530 as well. I just need to know what the desired process for saving the file is? I haven't had to do it before, so I'm not sure of the steps.


