pdalpiaz

I have searched fairly extensively but cannot find the exact answer that I am looking for.

I have a "launch" '05 997, probably mid 2004 build date; August 2004 Delivery.
The dealership has told me they upgraded my PCM software to the lastest verion available for my car which turns out to be 2.1a.
Based on that, I am being told that the most up to date Nav disk that I can use is the 2004.2 (or the 10/2004) disk.

I just wanted to confirm this, because I see hints that this may not be the case, but I want to make sure because my PCM unit is so old.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

AP997S

I too have a 'Launch' 05 997S (# 337). I went thru this same 'Q&A' awhile back. Evidently there is more than just PCM F/W and NAV DVD updates. I was advised that a PCM H/W update is required as well. That's when I decided that my existing PCM/NAV was just fine. So far I haven't had a problem w/ the 10/2004 NAV DVD database regarding mapping and POI's w/ respect to the places I've gone.

BTW: I did try a 2005 & 2006 version of NAV DVD just to 'see' what happens. The PCM wasn't able to recognize the DVD and posted an error message.

Good luck . . . I'll be 'lurking' your thread to see if someone else has found an easy update path.

pdalpiaz

So you are saying that the actual PCM module must be repalced as well?
I will probably just go with the 10/2004 disk although I live in an area of huge growth and I'm tired of "driving though dirt" as the map sees it.
Heres also an interesting fact Navteq $199; Porsche $459 for same DVD

ps is #337 your last 3 of the vin; if so I'm #372

AP997S

'Roger That' on the PCM module.

I noticed last week when we were up in Santa Barbara some of the 'wine country' roads weren't on my map so we too were 'driving thru virutal dirt'. Major or older roads were still there so at least we had a point of reference.

My 'Launch' car is 35 cars older than yours.

Nine9Sixer

i have a launch model and my dealer also tried to put in a new nav dvd and my pcm couldn't recognize it. i also heard it's a hardwire update.

btw, my car is #299 (cool, i didn't know that).

pdalpiaz

Maybe we should get a makeshift "Launch Registry" together sometime.

AP997S

That be cool to enable the 'Launch Cars' to mingle w/ each other. It would be like a 'family or factory reunion' of sorts.

Nine9Sixer

it would make a cool pic. 20 in a row, all black, with hints of yellow peaking out.

joedudes

05 Carrera S Launch #261 here.
My PCM software version reads 1.0 when I look at it via the Main button plus the Trip button click. I'm assuming I should be able to update it to the 2.1a version.

pdalpiaz, do you remember what your PCM software version was before it was update?

I took my car into the local Porsche dealer and they said it had the latest software version.
I'm not to sure if they actually checked it or knew what I was asking for.

If anybody can help me explain to them what needs to be checked to be updated, I would greatly appreciate it.

AP997S

According to Porsche Tech Bulletins 665 & 670 the lastest version of NAV DVD S/W is 04.2204/08.2004/10.2004 for 997 cars built prior to Mid June 2005. This level is appropriate for PCM S/W levels 1.0, 2.0 & 2.1. That build cycle uses Model Level A parts.

Later versions (post June 2005 build) of NAV DVD require Model Level B PCM H/W and PCM S/W (3.0 & 3.1).

You cannot mix Level A parts w/ Level B parts.

To my understanding you'll have to acquire a Level B PCM if you want to use newer NAV or PCM S/W.

I hope this sheds some light on upgrading.

joedudes

Aperkins,
Thanks for the info.
Now if I'm understanding you correctly I should be able to update my pre-mid June 2005 997 from PCM S/W level 1.0 to 2.1a

Right now I'm at 1.0 and my dealer said I was "up to date".

AP997S

I would assume that would be the case. Unless you have a problem w/ 1.0 or there is added functionality w/ 2.1a (If there is it's most likely PCM H/W related . . . . ie. MP3 playback)) I'd be reluctant to upgrade.

I've developed a sort of a 'If it ain't broke don't try to fix it' attitude when it comes to modifying or upgrading F/W or S/W. I used think 'latest & greatest' code was best but after corrupting operating systems and UI's I learned (the hard way) to leave good things alone.

Keep us appraised if you take the leap.

Good Luck!

pdalpiaz

joedudes
I had 1.0 and the dealer told me that there were some technical glitches that were fixed with the newer software (nav and audio), so he recommended upgrading. Turns out he fried my amp and had to install a new one. But funcitonally, I do not notice any difference. I sure would like to free myself of driving around in virtual dirt, but looks like I'm stuck unless I want to replace the PCM.

pdalpiaz

That being said, what would it take to replace the nav system with a new one. Could it be done by replacing the head unit with something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSC...QQcmdZViewItem

Or would I also have to replace the drive and anything else?

AP997S

For sure you'll need to replace the PCM unit w/ a Model Level B unit (if it has the 'SOS' button it's a Level B).

Don't know if you also need to replace the DVD unit although I would think not. You should check this out through Porsche.

You'll also need a new NAV DVD disc (04/2005 or later) and a PCM S/W upload from a Porsche PWIS.

Sorry I can't be more definitive.

Good Luck!