Bisk

Hi everyone, I am awaiting delivery of my LA Power Kit (with CDC version) and probably have too many options as I have the PCM 2.1 CDC in the front, Bose, Sat Nav and Phone Module on an 07 Plate Boxster 987S
I have been following this thread with great interest, and wondered what would give me the least complicated install route, and without having to make a trip to the dealer?
I like the idea of locating the unit under the front seat and using the MOST connectors and power from the Phone Module.
I can't at this stage figure out if this would work, if I need to bypass any other elements on the MOST ring, and would the Bose still work etc.

I'd welcome a steer on it.
Thanks

gbakerge

Bisk

Thanks, that would do it, but I also still wonder if I just do away with the phone module and plug in the LA POWER to the MOST connector and power it what would happen, such as would the CDC still interfere and need a bypass?
It looks like I will try my way and see what happens, as I would ideally like a wired mic to save on battery issues with a wireless one.
I think this is a combination not seen before on this forum thread

Jeffblak

I would do this...
1. Remove or just disconnect the CD Changer and loop the MOST ring through using the splice connector provided with the new kit. The LaPower unit emulates the CDC so the programming for this device does not change.
2. Remove the factory phone module from under the seat and install the LaPower BT unit in that location. The power wiring and MOST loop are right there. You will need to identify the power wires in the harness with a voltage tester or the wiring diagram in the Service Manual. I had to get some slack in the fiber optic cable by unwrapping it from the bundle a few inches back. You can run the mic cable under the carpet over to the door sill, then under the door sill, then tucked behind the carpet top edge to the dash. You will have to unbolt the seat and tilt it back or remove it to get access. The LaPower unit will need to be mounted under the access plate where the phone module was in order to clear the seat frame. If you mount it on top of the plate the seat will hit it. The MOST ring is polar so make sure you get the in-out correct.
3. Once installed everything should work but you will get a "no phone module found" error. Have the dealer turn off the factory phone module option in the PCM and your are done.

I like this method because it essentially puts the new BT phone module back where the factory phone module was, which to me seems as OEM as possible. The hardest part about this mounting location is access under the seat. I unbolted and tilted my seat back, but to do it again I would remove the seat from the car. You also need some way to mount the LaPower unit under the floor plate where the phone module was. I made a bracket but you could also just Velcro it to the floor (under the access plate). You could also chose to mount the LaPower unit where the CD changer is, or any other location you like as long as you can access power and the MOST ring. If you don't mount the LaPower unit in the location of the old phone module, make sure you splice through the MOST ring at that location also. Lastly, whatever you do you have to disconnect the factory phone module and CDC, or the LaPower will not work correctly.

Bisk

Thanks Jeffblak for the fast and detailed response, I also like the idea of keeping the location as near as factory intended as possible, looks like my post Christmas project.

Zettinger

At this point, I would just unplug the CD changer and plug in the LaPower unit instead. Power should be available from the CD changer plug as well.
The wireless microphone should do the hands free job.

This should take ~15- 20 min install including success beer while testing of course.

jayreyes

Every other day I get this System Error: Amplifier not found / No CD changer detected.

I have to restart car to get the PCM to detect the unit and sometimes it will work, sometimes it will not work.

I see some people have had this problem. Was anybody able to correct this problem?

Connected via wire tap connection for power from PCM and uses fiber optic splice connector.

I'm trying to figure out if it is a power issue or a fibre optic issue.

I notice newer kits come with the three plug MOST fibre optic connector.

Jeffblak

Two things come to mind:

1. Is the power to the BT unit constant hot or on the accessory switch? The LaPower unit goes to sleep when the MOST ring is inactive, and powers itself back up when it sees activity on the MOST ring. I'm guessing, but it seems like the PCM is polling the MOST ring before the units is fully active. I would think the LaPower unit probably works best if power is maintained to the unit so the wake up time is shorter. I would check to see if the power wire you spliced in to is still hot when the ignition is off.

2. The instructions say to install the LaPower unit as the last device in the MOST ring (just before the ring returns to the PCM). I'm not sure why that would make a difference, but the Electrical Systems Manual for the 997 shows the device order as PCM Out -Amplifier - CD Changer - Navigation Module - Phone Module - PCM In. This is one reason I selected the Phone Module location to install the LaPower unit.

Bisk

Just an update to my install with the instructions provided by Jeffblat below and a couple of small deviations, and all working well.

You will be amused to learn that I unbolted the passenger seat to not be able to find the phone module, and then realised that of course it would be under my drivers seat, as we drive on the (correct) side of the road so any UK/Jap spec cars, think offside seat rather than passenger one ) of course!!

The La Power/Mr 12 Volt plugs directly into the MOST cable where your phone module was located.

I removed the phone module from its base plate housing fixing and then 3M velcroed the Mr 12 Volt to it so that it could have the same location (inside the housing not on top or your seat will hit it) making sure the connectors for auxiliary devices were accessible when the plate was replaced in position under the seat

The microphone I located on the steering column above the wiper blade stalk and ran the cable in a dash groove horizontally before tracing down trim of the door, along the door sill and under the carpet at the rear of the seat. There was more than enough cable to take the longest route, so I was happy there.

I used the red power cable connection of the LA Power or also known as Mr 12 volt, on the green and brown wire of the old wire loom for the phone module and grounded the black wire to an earth terminal which was also under the phone module on the chassis. This green and brown is live all the time, and this is what you need.

I found it easier to drop the roof of the Boxster and unbolt the whole seat as there is enough slack on the loom to place it on the floor without disconnecting it from the loom if you are careful, and of course it can cause errors if you disconnect it, so don't.

No error codes on the PCM when all hooked up, so no visit to the dealer. Glad to say it's working well, the microphone location seems good for being heard and not as obvious or noticeable as the above the instument cluster to my eyes.

Added bonus is the in dash CD still works, so although losing the CDC 6 disc player may scare some, you still can use your old CDs one at a time.

I know this is the wrong forum for 987's, but thanks for all of your expertise in the 997 forum that made this install possible.


Regards Nick

Jeffblak

@Bisk That's good news. Never even thought about the left/right driver seat location but it makes sense Porsche would have just one phone module wiring harness for both. Not sure if "correct" accurately describes driving on the left side of the road, unless you are passing of course.

BaileyII

Jeffblak

BaileyII

jayi836

It's my understanding the CD changer has to be enabled finish the install and find a Durametric pro cable or try your Foxwell cable. Its under Gateway. Dealer should do for .5 hours of labor like a key program.

Jeffblak

Do you have any of the options that require the MOST (fiber optic) loop : Bose amp, phone module or navigation module?