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Part 1 - How it started. I have a new-to-me 2018 Carrera Cabrio, and I want the remote (and door handle) to be able to open/close the top without using a SmartTop. I started off by blatantly assuming I could do some coding via PIWIS/Launch x431 to work some magic. That means the first order of business is getting the proper four button rubber cover and four button plastic "mask" installed on my key. I got a basic entire four-button key from Amazon and the four button rubber cover for cabrios from Ali Express. With some disassembly, part swapping, and re-assembly, voila. Links and Pictures below.
The original key, disassembled so that I could swap out the 3-button rubber and plastic pieces for the 4-button pieces. Note that the remote's electronics have four buttons.
The donor key from Amazon with the 4-button plastic mask (plastic thing with four holes, 1 spot in from the far right), along with the 4-button rubber cover for convertibles (far left)
The key as I hope to use it. Yeah, the replacement side shells don't seem to fit very well - I'll fix that later.
Part 2 - Just a quick update. I used my Launch x431 to do the following coding, which does not enable the fourth button for opening/closing the top. The fourth buttom does trigger the LED activity lights on the door panels, but pressing and holding the button will only cause the car to unlock, then re-lock, both happening after you let go of the button (one button press and hold for several seconds and release --> car unlock followed by car-relock). I can, however, use the lock/unlock buttons on the remote to close and open the windows. Baby steps, and probably time to suck it up and hook up the PIWIS.
Coding / Brush Hiding in Front-end Electronics:
Coding value-Comfort functions-Comfort functions via door lock - Yes
Coding value-Comfort functions-Comfort functions via remote - Yes
Coding value-Comfort functions-Windows comfort opening - Yes
Coding value-Comfort functions-Windows comfort closing - Yes
Coding value-Comfort functions-Convertible top opening - Yes
Coding value-Comfort functions-Convertible top closing - Yes
I wonder if the same approach used to enable matrix headlights in North America would work. This is per @rnlst_log . Basically code the car to “think” it’s in Germany, change config to enable soft top operation by remote, make some changes so car “speaks” English shows proper units etc
I wonder if the same approach used to enable matrix headlights in North America would work. This is per @rnlst_log . Basically code the car to “think” it’s in Germany, change config to enable soft top operation by remote, make some changes so car “speaks” English shows proper units etc
Try to disable Windows opening and closing. On 718 Boxster and Spyder Top and Windows open/close are mutually exclusive. You can open/close Windows or open/close Top but not both with the Keyfob.
Try to disable Windows opening and closing. On 718 Boxster and Spyder Top and Windows open/close are mutually exclusive. You can open/close Windows or open/close Top but not both with the Keyfob.
Thank you for this tip, and for the info in your PM. I'll check those things out next and report back.
Just a quick follow-up - I cannot code any of the "981" options in rear end electronics (BCM hinten). I get Write Code Failed. I'll try disabling the Windows comfort open/close next, but I'm out of time for the day. I also wonder about the need for that, since I'm trying to get the fourth button on my remote to work, which is supposedly dedicated to the convertible top operation. That should hopefully leave the lock/unlock buttons for comfort open/closing of the windows, which I think is what you get in Europe.
EDIT: Disabling Comfort Windows open and close did not change the behavior. If I don't get things working today using PIWIS instead of the Launch x431, I have a hired gun set up for Sunday to help out.
Part 3 - Ok - got it to work, but it seems that I can't code this with my Launch x431. Trying to enable the "remote" parameter in the Convertible Top module produces a "Write Failed" on my Launch. But if I change it via my PIWIS, everything works now.
Here's the specifics of what I enabled from a PIWIS perspective using manual code with no rules:
This first set does the following in BCM Vorne (Front End Electronics for you Launch folks). In plain (Launch) English you are setting the following to Yes. Coding value-Comfort functions-Comfort functions via door lock - Yes Coding value-Comfort functions-Comfort functions via remote - Yes Coding value-Comfort functions-Windows comfort opening - Yes Coding value-Comfort functions-Windows comfort closing - Yes
This second part disables Comfort Access for the Roof, but enables it for the Convertible Top (still in BCM Vorne/Front End Electronics)
Now - change over to Verdeck (Convertible) control unit, and enable the "top operation via remote control". I cannot perform this step using my Launch x431 (Porsche code 24.42), I had to use my PIWIS (41.400). Your mileage may vary.
Ok - got it to work, but it seems that I can't code this with my Launch x431. Trying to enable the "remote" parameter in the Convertible Top module produces a "Write Failed" on my Launch. But if I change it via my PIWIS, everything works now.
Here's the specific of what I enabled from a PIWIS perspective using manual code with no rules:
This first set does the following in the BCM Vorne (Front End Electronics for you Launch folks). In plain (Launch) English you are setting the following to Yes. Coding value-Comfort functions-Comfort functions via door lock - Yes Coding value-Comfort functions-Comfort functions via remote - Yes Coding value-Comfort functions-Windows comfort opening - Yes Coding value-Comfort functions-Windows comfort closing - Yes
This second part disables Comfort Access for the Roof, but enables is for the Convertible Top (still in BCM Vorne/Front End Electronics)
Now - change over to Verdeck (Convertible) control unit, and enable the "top operation via remote control". I cannot perform this step using my Launch x431 (Porsche code 24.42), I had to use my PIWIS (41.400). Your mileage may vary.
Since I needed to get a laptop set up with piwis for my distance sensor replacement on my 991, thought I'd give this a try too....Loved the SmartTop on my 996, this is a more economical.solution 😀. Thanks for posting such detailed instructions!
My 718 has had the SmartTop installed for two days and now I find this thread? Argh. Oh well. Nice job.
aaaarrrghhhhhhhhhhhh.
I just installed the smarttop last week and was so proud that I actually did it myself instead of paying a shop to do it!!
if nothing else, your method allows to use the the 4 buttons on key fob as intended.
it’s not even the $499 cost of the the smarttop that matters. It’s the fact that the functionality already exists inside the car and just needs to be reprogrammed. Oh well.
well done!!!
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Coding for convertible top - and so it begins
