PCM II screen flickeres when system is off
04-23-2003, 01:01 AM
#1
7th Gear
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PCM II screen flickeres when 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, 01:25 AM
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Three Wheelin'
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I leave mine on so it always goes to the white Porsche logo screen - I'll try this tomorrow and let you know. So you're saying switch PCM off, kill the engine, take key out, lock everything, then unlock and open driver door and ghost should come on??
Let me know exactly how to check.
thanx,
Let me know exactly how to check.
thanx,
04-23-2003, 02:15 AM
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Here is how to check: engine is off, key is out, let the cabin light go off too (30 -60 sec), then open the driver's door or just activate the window pop down by the door handle, a slight sound (like a CD motor, though no CD is in) sounds and the screen start flickering for 30-60 sec and then goes black. If you turn on the engine with PCM off the flickering stays on while engine is on. Shining flash light on the screen in some light conditions helps to see the flickering. In the morning in my garage light is coming from the outside from the back of the car and I see the screen flicker as I get in the car.
Thanks for checking.
Thanks for checking.
04-25-2003, 01:43 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?
