On Board Computer (OBC) Hack and custom buttons
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
On Board Computer (OBC) Hack and custom buttons
Somehow, I had never heard of the On Board Computer (OBC) hack. I didn't know that my '99 had the computer built in. Furthermore, I didn't know that my Durametric could turn it on. I just needed Version 6 of the Durametric software.
In case anyone is in the dark (like I was), ALL 996's from '99-2001 came with the OBC built into the dash, but it was an option to have it enabled, and to have the 4th stalk to control it. I believe it became a standard feature in later models.
I enabled the OBC yesterday with my Durametric. Took about 5 minutes, mostly to boot up my computer. Dealers can also enable this feature.
Rather than add the 4th stalk (which costs about $325) I'm just going to add a dash button to cycle through and select the various optons.
I have two questions for anyone who has done this:
1. If you are not installing the 4th stalk, do you need to remove the steering wheel to remove the instrument panel and get at the connector there? The DIY is unclear on this.
2. I know many people use the footwell light switch to control the OBC. Has anyone removed the graphics from a standard switch (such as the Targa switch) and replaced them with custom graphics?
Footwell light switch:
Targa Switch:
Custom Switch????
I'm planning to follow the DIYs at Renntech HERE and HERE and at Pelican . There have also been some threads on Rennlist, but somehow I missed them. There is also a PDF version of a DIY, in case anyone wants more info.
In case anyone is in the dark (like I was), ALL 996's from '99-2001 came with the OBC built into the dash, but it was an option to have it enabled, and to have the 4th stalk to control it. I believe it became a standard feature in later models.
I enabled the OBC yesterday with my Durametric. Took about 5 minutes, mostly to boot up my computer. Dealers can also enable this feature.
Rather than add the 4th stalk (which costs about $325) I'm just going to add a dash button to cycle through and select the various optons.
I have two questions for anyone who has done this:
1. If you are not installing the 4th stalk, do you need to remove the steering wheel to remove the instrument panel and get at the connector there? The DIY is unclear on this.
2. I know many people use the footwell light switch to control the OBC. Has anyone removed the graphics from a standard switch (such as the Targa switch) and replaced them with custom graphics?
Footwell light switch:
Targa Switch:
Custom Switch????
I'm planning to follow the DIYs at Renntech HERE and HERE and at Pelican . There have also been some threads on Rennlist, but somehow I missed them. There is also a PDF version of a DIY, in case anyone wants more info.
#3
Burning Brakes
I don't know about the OBDII stuff but I do know about those switches. They are all momentary contact switches. So, they might work great for cycling through a list or selecting an item but you will need a relay to turn anything off or on.
I used the footwell for lidar jammers and the targa for my garage door opener when I had a 996.
I used the footwell for lidar jammers and the targa for my garage door opener when I had a 996.
#4
Pro
Frisbee, are you talking about accessing OBD codes via the dash or HVAC or enabling stuff like Avg MPG/DTE etc ?
I have a 2003 and would love to access OBD info on the fly
I have a 2003 and would love to access OBD info on the fly
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
OBD is on-board diagnostics, for emissions and maintenance.
#7
Rennlist Member
[double post-ignore. Forum server is doing some weird things!]
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#9
Guys, just to clarify for some, this is only for '99-00 owners where OBC feature didn't come out of the box like '01+ models did.
If you have a '01+, you already have that functionality.
However, I still find it interesting that this was hidden on the '99-'00.
If you have a '01+, you already have that functionality.
However, I still find it interesting that this was hidden on the '99-'00.
#10
Rennlist Member
My kind of mod! Though I already have the computer on my '04, so no direct need...
I don't know about creative, but I wanted some extra buttons for hidden garage door openers and didn't like the graphics or the cost of using repurposed Porsche OEM dash buttons.
I put some simple black pushbutton switches on the lower batwing between the heated seat switches. Easy to access & drill, and a replacement OEM batwing is only about $10 if I ever want to go back to stock... You could even use a small momentary double throw toggle instead of a pushbutton to mimic the operation of the stalk. The location is not quite as convenient as higher on the dash, but I think you might be surprised how little you change the mode once you have it set to the display you like most.
I put some simple black pushbutton switches on the lower batwing between the heated seat switches. Easy to access & drill, and a replacement OEM batwing is only about $10 if I ever want to go back to stock... You could even use a small momentary double throw toggle instead of a pushbutton to mimic the operation of the stalk. The location is not quite as convenient as higher on the dash, but I think you might be surprised how little you change the mode once you have it set to the display you like most.
#11
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I don't know about the OBDII stuff but I do know about those switches. They are all momentary contact switches. So, they might work great for cycling through a list or selecting an item but you will need a relay to turn anything off or on.
I used the footwell for lidar jammers and the targa for my garage door opener when I had a 996.
I used the footwell for lidar jammers and the targa for my garage door opener when I had a 996.
The 4 functions are up, down, set, and reset. Up and down are redundant, since you can just continue up until you circle to your choice. Set is only needed for the speed gong, which I wont use . So, I can get away with one two-contact momentary switch.
Now, who has done something creative with a button so that it looks like it would control the OBC?
#12
Does anyone know if the Seat Heater switches are momentary? I'm too lazy to take mine out and check.
Been meaning to wire up my garage door opener to a factory switch but once again too lazy and down on the priority list.
Been meaning to wire up my garage door opener to a factory switch but once again too lazy and down on the priority list.
#13
Rennlist Member
#14
Rennlist Member