PCM II flickers when the system is off
04-23-2003, 01:02 AM
#1
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PCM II flickers when the system is off
Owners with PCM II please let me know if you experienced anything like this: 
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navscreen42203.jpg" alt=" - " />
When driver (but not passenger) door is opened with engine off (key is out) and the PCM is off too, a faint image (can see a distorted image of the word "PORSCHE" moving) flickers on the PCM screen. When the the ON button is pressed on, the PCM system works normally and the screen goes black after the OFF button is pressed. The problem ghost image can be reproduced after a couple of minutes (after all electrical shuts off) by opening the driver door again. The ghost image is particularly visible when sun shines in from the back of the car. I notice it every time I get in the car in the morning. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
The dealer confirmed the observation and said that another '03 Turbo with PCM on the lot exhibits the same problem and that it is normal operation of the PCM screen <img border="0" alt="[blabla]" title="" src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" /> . However, they promised to post a question on the dealers technical bulletin board. So far no reply.
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navscreen42203.jpg" alt=" - " />
When driver (but not passenger) door is opened with engine off (key is out) and the PCM is off too, a faint image (can see a distorted image of the word "PORSCHE" moving) flickers on the PCM screen. When the the ON button is pressed on, the PCM system works normally and the screen goes black after the OFF button is pressed. The problem ghost image can be reproduced after a couple of minutes (after all electrical shuts off) by opening the driver door again. The ghost image is particularly visible when sun shines in from the back of the car. I notice it every time I get in the car in the morning. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
The dealer confirmed the observation and said that another '03 Turbo with PCM on the lot exhibits the same problem and that it is normal operation of the PCM screen <img border="0" alt="[blabla]" title="" src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" /> . However, they promised to post a question on the dealers technical bulletin board. So far no reply.
04-23-2003, 01:28 AM
#2
Drifting
Try rebooting the system. Here's how...
Disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes.
The follow this boot up procedure --
"When loading data, the following instructions must be observed:
1. If no navigation CD is inserted and the "NAVI" button is pressed, the PCM2 displays the message "Please insert navigation CD".
1.1 Insert the navigation CD into the PCM2 CD slot. If a different CD version is inserted, not all map data will be available, thereby restricting the navigation function. The data loading operation starts.
1.2 To load the CD data, the PCM2 normally requires 3-4 minutes (during this time no destination input is possible).
1.3 Press the "MAP" button, and the loading bar will appear to indicate the progress of the loading operation.
1.4 The loading operation ends when a map appears on the display.
2. If after 5 minutes there is still no map displayed, then the complete system must be shutdown as follows:
2.1 Remove ignition key. Leave the vehicle, lock it with the hand-held transmitter (or vehicle key) and leave it locked for at least 5 minutes.
2.2 Unlock the vehicle with the hand-held transmitter (or vehicle key).
2.3 Then repeat the process from Step 1."
Disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes.
The follow this boot up procedure --
"When loading data, the following instructions must be observed:
1. If no navigation CD is inserted and the "NAVI" button is pressed, the PCM2 displays the message "Please insert navigation CD".
1.1 Insert the navigation CD into the PCM2 CD slot. If a different CD version is inserted, not all map data will be available, thereby restricting the navigation function. The data loading operation starts.
1.2 To load the CD data, the PCM2 normally requires 3-4 minutes (during this time no destination input is possible).
1.3 Press the "MAP" button, and the loading bar will appear to indicate the progress of the loading operation.
1.4 The loading operation ends when a map appears on the display.
2. If after 5 minutes there is still no map displayed, then the complete system must be shutdown as follows:
2.1 Remove ignition key. Leave the vehicle, lock it with the hand-held transmitter (or vehicle key) and leave it locked for at least 5 minutes.
2.2 Unlock the vehicle with the hand-held transmitter (or vehicle key).
2.3 Then repeat the process from Step 1."
04-23-2003, 05:13 PM
#4
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Loren,
Thank you for the rebooting suggestion, unfortunately, it did not work. The ghost image was back as I opened the driver's door after reconnecting battery, nav CD loading did not solved it either.
It appears to be an electrical interference of sort related to the activation of circuits when the door is opened, perhaps it's a shielding or grounding issue.
I hear other people experienced this problem too, may be Porsche will activate a campaign to fix it.
Thank you for the rebooting suggestion, unfortunately, it did not work. The ghost image was back as I opened the driver's door after reconnecting battery, nav CD loading did not solved it either.
It appears to be an electrical interference of sort related to the activation of circuits when the door is opened, perhaps it's a shielding or grounding issue.
I hear other people experienced this problem too, may be Porsche will activate a campaign to fix it.
04-23-2003, 06:15 PM
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I have the same "problem". IN addition to Loren's instructions, please consider the following:
2.4 Walk around the car in circles for 5 minutes.
2.5 Open the car with the transmitter while standing on right leg.
2.6 After losing balance, enter the car, close the door and turn on the radio.
2.7 Turn off the radio.
2.8 Problem solved. (temporarily)
2.4 Walk around the car in circles for 5 minutes.
2.5 Open the car with the transmitter while standing on right leg.
2.6 After losing balance, enter the car, close the door and turn on the radio.
2.7 Turn off the radio.
2.8 Problem solved. (temporarily)
04-25-2003, 01:42 AM
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Between 996 and 996 Turbo forums a half dozen people confirmed that this flickering problem is a PCM init design flaw.
I know this is not a functional issue, however, how would you feel if your TV in the living room would flicker when it is off. I guess it is not going to be acceptable.
Judging by the manifestation of the problem it can be easily fixed by Porsche or Simens (the manufacturer of the PCM init), as the problem is likely due to faulty electrical shielding or grounding of the unit.
I suggest we (owners of cars with PCM) keep pushing for the fix. What do you believe is the best way to get attention to this problem from Porsche/Simens: write letters, complain to dealers, other?
I know this is not a functional issue, however, how would you feel if your TV in the living room would flicker when it is off. I guess it is not going to be acceptable.
Judging by the manifestation of the problem it can be easily fixed by Porsche or Simens (the manufacturer of the PCM init), as the problem is likely due to faulty electrical shielding or grounding of the unit.
I suggest we (owners of cars with PCM) keep pushing for the fix. What do you believe is the best way to get attention to this problem from Porsche/Simens: write letters, complain to dealers, other?
