Howdy guys,

got the SmartTOP module today from Mods4Cars Took one week for shipping to my door from the day of order.

Here are the contents, pretty simple:

The actual control module, a USB cable for firmware updates and programming, and the harness used to plug into the car's electronics wiring. Also included is a velcro sticky that you can stick onto the module and a stable surface of the car (I used the metal cover below the cable connect point). I did this last after everything was attached and wired in and after I checked for correct operation.



First thing to do is load up the M4Connect app on your mac or pc - they have both versions. Connect the module to your USB port, and the module will scan itself and check the Mods4Cars server for any firmware updates. This app will also let you program your module to your specific tastes in window position and general behavior of your cabriolet top, etc.



With the module programmed and firmware checked, I collected the install kit, a phillips-head screwdriver, and a pair of needle-nose pliers and went to the car. To access the install area, you put the top into "service" position which is half-way open.



Next you carefully pull up on the two rectangular areas above the seats to access the screws that hold the rear cover in position. Removing these is simple and straightforward and I printed out the online install manual to refer to along the way.



Next after a few trim pieces are removed (just carefully pull up on them) as per the manual, you come to pulling back the carpet which is hooked in three places - the ends, and the middle. The middle will pull off easily enough, but at the ends I needed the needle-nose pliers to grab the carpet and pull so there was enough slack to un-hook the ends. It took a bit of fiddling, but came off easily enough.



Now I rolled the carpet back and tucked it so it would stay, exposing the electronics harness area of the cabriolet top. This area is behind the rear seats and faces to the rear, and is difficult to see without a mirror or looking through the rear window - (difficult to do if you are working from the back seat) - so what I did is use the front camera on my iPhone to see what I was doing. I propped up the iPhone against the rolled back carpet, and it worked like a charm - my own "rear" view camera Here is what the area looks like from that camera angle pointing forward. Again this is a very tight space so I'm actually kneeling on the back seats behind this wall of wiring and reaching back here.



In the above photo, the wiring connector on the left is what I will unplug, plug into the SmartTop harness, and then plug the SmartTop harness into that left socket. The SmartTop harness uses the exact same harness connection and high-quality plug and it fits perfectly.



After this, I brought the module back and plugged it into the SmartTop harness also, and looked around for a suitable place to attach it. I found the metal plate right below the harness connections worked fine for me and did not obstruct anything. I peeled off the velcro and attached the module.



It it both firmly attached yet able to easily be removed if need be. After checking the diagnostic light on the module with the ignition switched on - (it should blink, a steady green is a possible fault) - I switched off the ignition, checked everything once more, and rolled the carpet back up and reversed the install procedure. It reassembled perfectly with nothing sticking out anywhere or out of place. It fits perfectly in the space back there.




It is optional to do, but I left the USB cable plugged into the unit for an easy update if need be, so I wouldn't have to unhook the carpet and roll it back again. I have extra sticky sided velcro tape, so I just laid the cable under the carpet and attached the end of the cord with sticky two-sided velcro under the plastic trim that screws down. Easy and secure. I'll just need to unscrew and remove that one long trim piece to update the firmware. Since it is a brand-new module for this car, I kind of expect some type of update in the next few months, but who knows really..maybe I'll just end up removing the cord next summer without needing to use it.

Anyway, there we go. I can now open and close the top remotely, and with one-touch operation inside the car, as well as a few other improvements you can look up on the operation manual if interested. Module Operation and Programming Porsche 991 Cabriolet

And now.. on to winter Porsche cabriolet driving adventures!

 

Thanks. Mine just came in today and I will install this week-end.

 

super awesome, after a day of using it..soo glad it's done. Tonight walking out to the car the top was down before I got in, the wind deflector was in place, and I just started the car and drove off. Love this thing.

 

good stuff!!!
great diy, thanks for posting!

 

thx Sid, fun to share the install with you guys. The 997 C4S cab install had more room back there actually, this was a real tight space behind the seats where the harness is. Just interesting to see how the Porsche engineers used the available space after the redesign of the model.

 

You're car is badass! Every time I see it, I like it more. Great color & wheel choice.

 

Yep I'll second that!
I wish I had the fortitude to undertake something like that... but when it comes to electrical stuff I absolutely suck.

 

Wow thanks guys!!

Hey I'mAllIn, your gorgeous 991 cab with the black SportTechno wheels is amazing. I just looked up your pics again and what a sweet ride. I think we all can really appreciate each other's cars, Porsche gives us all something a little different to just look at and say, "wow" We are a lucky bunch. Sid, looking forward to your C4S cabrio buddy!!

 

Great post. Thanks.

 

Just installed mine and its a must to all cab owners. Very cool feature and even the wife likes it.

As Nicoli and the manufacturers direction state, install is straight forward. I did struggle a little bit trying to plug the the unit in. I was trying to push the plug all the way in and then flip the locking lever, which won't work. Plug goes in about halfway and flipping the lock lever actually completes the process.

 

Mods4cars guys are good, and if you ever have any questions they will answer your emails promptly. I had them on my 2007 C2.

ChuckJ

 

I did the SmartTop install a couple days ago. It was easy to do, though I had similar issues with the carpet tabs on the outside.

I have the Multi-function steering wheel so for now the only option to change settings is to connect up to the computer. I contacted Mods4cars support and they are going to take a look at the possibility of an update that would allow changes setting similar to what the operations manual shows for using the stalk on the steering column.

I don't think I'll be changing setting much but would like to capability to easily disable the feature if someone not familiar with the SmartTop operation was operating the car.

 

I don't even have a Cab, but I appreciate you posting this in such detail. Another testament to what a GREAT group of people participate in this forum. Rep Points on the Way!!

 

Great stuff guys. I can't live without this Smart Top. I use it almost every day (unless it's raining hard) to get at least a few minutes of open air time with the PSE on.

Favorite is probably the one little flick of the switch to retract the windscreen and start the top closing while pulling into a parking spot. Turn the car off, open the door, etc - the top continues to close. Car locks. I love that.

My only gripe so far is that if I open the top with the keyfob (3 presses of unlock while walking towards the car) - I have to wait for the top to finish opening, before opening my door, or the process halts sometimes and I have to flick the switch again inside the car. Not a major gripe and maybe they'll fix it with a software update sometime, but that's the only complaint I've got. Otherwise this thing opens my top, puts up the windscreen, boom done. No muss no fuss, love it, and closes everything one touch perfectly.

p.s. I left the USB cable connected and secured under the middle of the back trim so only have to lift out the upper part to access the update port. I used this to turn off the module when taking it in for service once already (just a precaution as the issue was related to the seat movement electronics - it was resolved). I'm glad you contacted them about the multifunction steering wheel not controlling the module - I had totally forgotten about that. Thanks.

 

Nicely done!