So after many years of working well, my PCM crapped out. Took my car out of the garage after several weeks of storage to do a little social distancing driving and guess what? The radio was dead. No power to it...checked the fuse and it was blown. Disconnected the battery, changed the fuse and yep it immediately blows again. So off to the dealer for a checkup. They said it was an internal PCM short and something they really haven't seen before, in other words I'm screwed and need a new radio or PCM. The quote to get a new PCM is 3500 plus install!! Since that's not in the budget my options are: buy a used unit for around $500 but no guarantee it'll work or for how long OR get an aftermarket unit installed for around $1500 (the install kit and faceplate for the radio is $800 alone through Suncoast) - and I'd have a vastly improved and more advanced radio, wireless car play etc.. SO I'm not sure which route I want to go. I want a clean install and a as "stock" of a look as possible plus the ability to go back to stock if I ever sold the car and then next person wanted it all original (could be done with the kit from Suncoast).
Has anyone had to replace their PCM or had similar problems and what did you do?

 

hi, I think the used PCM market that can then be programmed to your car by the dealer is best, if you want a stock look. installing aftermarket double DIN units would only work on the head unit, not in the Multi-function display - so no radio/NAV or telephone coming up through the instrument cluster MFD. If I had to do this, I would do aftermarket for the reason you stated, get a unit compatible with MOST system, etc. See what does plug-in-play aftermarket - Denon, etc.? Crutchfield may offer help.

 

Yeah I'm moving forward on an aftermarket unit. The thing that kills me is the only decent faceplate and wiring harness I can find is the one from suncoast which is Porsche priced @ $825, then you have to add on the cost of a head unit and install... Still cheaper than an outdated PCM from Porsche and would allow the option for a stock replacement in the future. Been looking at a Kenwood head unit that has all the features I'm wanting and getting a local high end custom shop I've used before to install it. I tried contacting several audio stores around here I've gotten recommendations for, just to see what they'd be able to do and none seem to want the work. No call backs even after several in person visits so F them. I'd think if someone is trying to throw thousands at you you'd at least want the business. I'll update once the install is done.
I'm aware of maybe losing the dash display for certain pcm screens but honestly i never used those anyway. I usually leave it on the vehicle temps etc.

 

Sorry about your PCM issue. Mine failed the first month my car was delivered and it had to be replaced. I had another issue about a year later and they had to reload the software. Then just about a few months after my 4 year warranty was up the unit went kaput again. The dealer got PCNA to pay 95% based on my low mileage. If I recall the total cost was about five thousand so I had to pay $250.

These PCM units are like lightbulbs. Good luck with the Dealer Goodwill!!

 

I have the exact same issues as you. For the money, I would like to go after market. Did you end up doing that and if so, thoughts?

 

Sorry to hear that. The first two were covered 100% and the third was covered 95% by Porsche North America. So I never went aftermarket. Would be worth checking the price difference. Also maybe a used unit? Best of Luck!

 

Can you retrofit a PCM4? I have heard you can but it is tricky.

 

It's enough difficult, but possible. Done this several times.

 

Really? You’ve got to tell me more. I’d love to do it or have someone do it.

 

What you want to know? Huge parts list, pcm4 is not enough at all, lots of coding, and hacker job. So it's not a selfmade installation, unless you are skilled technician... New instrument cluster, new gateway, new amplifier, new parking aid control unit, new camera(s) and its control unit, new radio amp, two phone antennas, even usb plug is need to be changed. Steering column control unit and new steering wheel. Lots of new wiring. And theeeeen....))))

 

Wow!!! That’s insane. I’ve already got the wheel but I didn’t realise the depth of what’s required and the skill. I’ve got no chance. I’d need to find someone (I’m in Melbournne) I’ve got no chance. Disappointing because I’d love to do that upgrade.

 

Serg, any chance you would ever be willing to write up a guide for that retrofit?

 

Well, to start you definitely need all parts laying down together. This will take time for sure. Then we'll see what can be done remote, what not.

 

Well, one day I will, for sure. I've done some cayennes and one macan so far, but 991 pretty close.

 

Serg any chance you can come to Melbourne hahahahahaha