Doomsday clock
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 105
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From: Cleveland, OH
Doomsday clock
... is what I refer to the "miles to empty" display on my dash (99 996c2, no onboard computer lever included).
I've read the manual and did a forum search, but haven't found how to change this display to something else. I'd prefer not to have miles to empty on there all the time, causes me to obsess about my mpg a bit.
Is there a way to toggle/change this even if I don't have the onboard computer option?
PS: did anybody catch SuperCars Exposed on SPEED in the states tonight? They had a special (brief and incredibly interrupted by frequent commercial breaks) on TechArt Porsche tuners in Germany.
I've read the manual and did a forum search, but haven't found how to change this display to something else. I'd prefer not to have miles to empty on there all the time, causes me to obsess about my mpg a bit.
Is there a way to toggle/change this even if I don't have the onboard computer option?
PS: did anybody catch SuperCars Exposed on SPEED in the states tonight? They had a special (brief and incredibly interrupted by frequent commercial breaks) on TechArt Porsche tuners in Germany.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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from what I understand... all the cars have OBC, but not everyone have the stalk. I know Ive seen a sight where someone has installed the stalks and accessed the OBC... yes its a DIY. Too bad I dont know where that sight is.... sorry.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Tobacco Road, NC
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 13
From: Jacksonville, FL
WOW!
That was unessesarily complicated!
I just looked over the link from Dell and all I can say is WOW!
There is about a ten step process that uses the virtually identical VW part number (still available through VW) for the stalk (about $90) and about 30 minutes of installation time. Assuming you have a '99 996 you already have all of the wiring, all of the required busses and hook-ups, all of the computer/software, already there, and even the opening in the steering wheel column on the left side, opposite the cruise control stalk. It has a rubber plug over it. You do have to remove the steering wheel to install the stalk. I'll have to search around a bit, but I got the info right here a couple years ago and had the dealer order the parts and install it in a jiffy. And they did not have to disassemble any of my dashboard to install it!
The link above refers to four readouts that you can get, but actually there are five readouts. The fifth is for setting a speed alarm that beeps if you exceed a preset speed on the OBC. You adjust it through the stalk, and the stalk allows you to easily reset the values, or the average MPG, with just a simple pull back. Or you can set the speed monitor to null and not worry about it.
I guess, if you have a 2001, you might need to follow the instructions on the above link, but... WOW!
That was unessesarily complicated!
I just looked over the link from Dell and all I can say is WOW!
There is about a ten step process that uses the virtually identical VW part number (still available through VW) for the stalk (about $90) and about 30 minutes of installation time. Assuming you have a '99 996 you already have all of the wiring, all of the required busses and hook-ups, all of the computer/software, already there, and even the opening in the steering wheel column on the left side, opposite the cruise control stalk. It has a rubber plug over it. You do have to remove the steering wheel to install the stalk. I'll have to search around a bit, but I got the info right here a couple years ago and had the dealer order the parts and install it in a jiffy. And they did not have to disassemble any of my dashboard to install it!
The link above refers to four readouts that you can get, but actually there are five readouts. The fifth is for setting a speed alarm that beeps if you exceed a preset speed on the OBC. You adjust it through the stalk, and the stalk allows you to easily reset the values, or the average MPG, with just a simple pull back. Or you can set the speed monitor to null and not worry about it.
I guess, if you have a 2001, you might need to follow the instructions on the above link, but... WOW!
Last edited by Thundertub; Oct 20, 2009 at 05:28 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
Thanks for the input.
Actually, I'm not looking to install the extra stalk at this point. I was wondering if there was a software or button based way to change the display from miles to empty, to something else. If not, I can definitely live with it.
And to clarify, yeah I guess I do have the OBC, just not the extra stalk with more features.
Actually, I'm not looking to install the extra stalk at this point. I was wondering if there was a software or button based way to change the display from miles to empty, to something else. If not, I can definitely live with it.
And to clarify, yeah I guess I do have the OBC, just not the extra stalk with more features.
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Thanks for the input.
Actually, I'm not looking to install the extra stalk at this point. I was wondering if there was a software or button based way to change the display from miles to empty, to something else. If not, I can definitely live with it.
And to clarify, yeah I guess I do have the OBC, just not the extra stalk with more features.
Actually, I'm not looking to install the extra stalk at this point. I was wondering if there was a software or button based way to change the display from miles to empty, to something else. If not, I can definitely live with it.
And to clarify, yeah I guess I do have the OBC, just not the extra stalk with more features.
I *think* the dealer can change it... but dont quote me on that.
I just leave mine on outside temp all the time anyways .
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 13
From: Jacksonville, FL
I did this mod, with the stalk, to my car several years ago. I LOVE it and use (play with) it constantly. It was particularly helpful during the summer of 2008 when gas was $4.50 and I wanted to make certain I squeezed every MPG out of my car. It is also very nice to have on long trips.
I recommend it to all who can do the conversion without great expense. That would mostly be DIY folks or those with '99's since that year has everything installed and ready to go except the stalk and one simple relay plug that snaps between the current wiring and the new stalk. Oh so easy, and oh so nice to have gadget.
When I did this mod, I had a nice detailed printout with each step, some pix, and a complete parts list (which included cross reference numbers to identical VW part numbers). I do not remember where I got that from and I do not have it now. I think I got it from either the PCA website Technical section (although I just did a quick search there and did not see it, but sent a quick question to Joel Riser to see if it once was there), or perhaps it came from my 6Speedonline days (I SWEAR haven't been back there since I started here early in 2008!) which may have actually referenced a Pelican Parts provided technical procedure.
Anyway, you now have plenty of info for searching around for it. I suggest you do that first before ripping your dash apart as suggested in the linked procedure a few posts up.
I recommend it to all who can do the conversion without great expense. That would mostly be DIY folks or those with '99's since that year has everything installed and ready to go except the stalk and one simple relay plug that snaps between the current wiring and the new stalk. Oh so easy, and oh so nice to have gadget.
When I did this mod, I had a nice detailed printout with each step, some pix, and a complete parts list (which included cross reference numbers to identical VW part numbers). I do not remember where I got that from and I do not have it now. I think I got it from either the PCA website Technical section (although I just did a quick search there and did not see it, but sent a quick question to Joel Riser to see if it once was there), or perhaps it came from my 6Speedonline days (I SWEAR haven't been back there since I started here early in 2008!) which may have actually referenced a Pelican Parts provided technical procedure.
Anyway, you now have plenty of info for searching around for it. I suggest you do that first before ripping your dash apart as suggested in the linked procedure a few posts up.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 32
From: Tobacco Road, NC
The OBC is already present in the cars and the dealer just needs to "turn it on" for you. Takes <5min with the PIWIS. I had a good relationship with my dealer so he turned it on for me gratis. The difference between using the stalk or the link I posted is the cost and extra work to do it. THe thing about the stalk you get it the ability to change the speed limit "gong". Other than that, the switch does the other 4 tasks. It's definitely nice to have either one installed. I like the to be able to see temp and the "doomsday" fuel counter 
