I noticed on some 996's that the outdoor temp is shown below the mph. My 996 does not show this, is there a switch somewhere to change modes so I can see the out door temp? I know its a newbie question, but I don't have the owners manual. Thanks!

 

Yup, you need to have someone with a PST2 or PIWIS turn on your OBC (On Board Computer).

 

Thanks Loren! Anybody close to Santa Cruz, CA with a PST2or PIWIS this is a chance for a free case of beer. I'll drive to the location of your choice. Are there any other benefits to the OBC?

 

Case of Fullers ESB....hmmm tempting, but I do not have either unit but I do drink beer, so maybe next time

 

or just play with the lever below the turn signal. At least that's what you do on a C4S 2002.

 

If you have a 1999-2001 there is a work on cars day in San Jose and we can turn it on for you.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...howtopic=14592

 

What year 996 do you have? You can download a pdf of the owners manual here:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...ads&showcat=16

You probably have to register first, but it's free... If I were you, I would check it out before I bought anyone a case of beer

- Nick

 

On a 2002 - 2004 model, one of four different bits of information can be selected to show in the tach, below the information message area.
1. Outside Tempature.
2. Miles Per Gallon.
3. Miles remaining on the current fuel level.
4. Average Speed driven.

Moving the lower stalk on the left side of the steering wheel up or down will allow you to toggle through the four selections.

 

I believe this "onboard trip computer" was an option on the '99-'01 cars, but standard on the later ones -- the OP may not have that "little stalk under the turn signal".

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I'll be bummed if I don't have the OBC, I like seeing the temp. Thanks Tool Pants, I'll see you on Saturday.

 

Yeah, I wasn't sure about the '99 - '01 model years. Since he didn't list the model year of his car, I thought I would share what I knew to be true about the post facelift cars.

 

All 99-01's have the OBC but it may not be "turned on/enabled" which is why you need the PST2.

Once you have it turned on you can do the "OBC hack" for about $40 in parts and maybe an hour of your time which will allow you to cycle through outside temp, average speed, average miles per gallon and distance until empty. Pretty cool addition really.

Or you could go one step further and install the 4th stalk onto the steering column which will give you the 'speed gong' in addition to the above functions. This will make it look factory installed.
Not worth the extra cost or time to me but it is an option you'll have.
So go get the OBC enabled!

 

Spudbutter has a 1999. So when I turn the OBC on he will be able to see the outside temp.

At the July 28th work on cars day we are doing the 4 stalk retrofit on a Boxster. If Spudbutter can get his parts before Saturday we can do his car at the same time.

 

Ok, someone clarify, if I can see the outside temperature does this mean the other options are ALREADY available to me, or do I need the mod above to get the other features besides the temp...

 

If you can see the outside temp display then the OBC is turned on. But until you retrofit a switch or the 4th stalk you cannot see the other OBC info. The stalk/switch allows you to cycle from the temp display, to the next display, to the next display, and so on. To see the other features you need to do a retrofit.

For some reason Spudbutter's 1999 has never been turned on.