OPC refuse to activate Dension GW500

[Faz]

Just had the Dension GW500 iPod gateway fitted by a specialist and as my car is not equipped with the CDC4 CD changer I need to have the PCM system re-programed for "CD changer fitted", the system will then see the Dension unit. Called in at OPC Wilmslow to get car booked in only to be told that they wouldn't re-program the PCM as it was against Porsche GB policy and further as the Dension unit was now fitted my warranty was void! Somewhat irritated by this response I told them that they must be mistaken and that I knew of other OPC's that had carried out PCM re-programing. I went on by stating that I've spent £140k on 2 x brand new cars with them in the last few years and all I simply wanted was for them to re-program my PCM but there was no shifting them from their stance. I have a good relationship with OPC Wilmslow, they know me quite well and normally look after me very well and I've never had any problems with their service previously so I left stating that I'd make further enquiries and get back to them. I'll post details of where I get to with this later in the week. []

 

[mex99]

Go to Bolton - will be fine there - alternatively find a Porsche trained indy - will take minutes.

The orig OPC need be careful - with sales down 45% and allocation dropping you would think they would want to hang on to customers - I'd have this conversation with someone who cares - dealership MD - he/she will realise that a new car every couple of years is the sort of customer they need hold onto!

 

[Black80XSA]

My understanding was that any enabling of aftermarket kit by the OPC was always at the owners risk, and as a result was not covered under warranty. I think Porsche would be hard pressed to refuse an engine replacement on the grounds of a Ipod connection, but even so it does leave owners in a grey area.

 

[Mark Elder]

Seems to be Wilmslow specifically that have a thing about audio equipment and the warrenty! - see
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=361818&mpage=1
Good job most of the OPCs are customer-focused.

 

[Faz]

Update - got a call from OPC Wilmslow this morning and after checking with Porsche GB they are now prepared to re-program the PCM for a charge of £55 + VAT but with the caveat that I'll not be allowed to extend my warranty when it runs out. I'll do a bit more digging on this and post update later.

 

[Mike Cooper 33]

I had my PCM replaced under warranty (CD kaput) and Chiswick OPC reconnected the Denison as part of the work so no problem there. No one mentioned invalidating the warranty.

 

[berty987]

I think the issue is that the dension unit directly interfaces with the MOST fibre optics on the audio communication system. Since its not a porsche approved accessory Porsche are jumpy about any potential claims on the PCM/ Audio equipment that may be a result of a mal function of the Dension unit. Since its all fibre optic , I struggle to see what fault could occur that could damage the PCM , though the dension does put a strain on the PCM memory with its huge potential for larger music libraries.I beleive that the PCM holds the music library of the dension unit internally , utilising the PCM's feature to memorise CD tracks and CD names.

 

[paulstevens]

Guys,

It is my understanding that the PCM is NOT covered under the extended warranty regardless of any other influences.

Paul

 

[Ronnie C]

I've had my PCM replaced under warranty.

 

[paulstevens]

Ronnie,

Was that inside the "normal" 2yr" warranty or inside the extended warranty i.e. after the main purchase 2yr warranty?

Paul

 

[Ronnie C]

Paul, I'll have to check my records but I'm working away from home on a long term basis atm.

 

[graham m]

I know it won't help with warranty issues, but Mike at Sports & Classic in Knutsford has all the latest gear (barring Gen 2) to hook up and re-configure the PCM. May be worth a try?
Graham

 

[garyw]

Paul
The current extended warranty does not include the PCM, the new more expensive warranty will cover PCM
The PCM should be included in the standard factory warranty.

garyw

 

[Faz]

All, the OPC stated that I'll not be able to extend the warranty full stop, not that the PCM system would be excluded.

 

[Faz]

I know Phil Hindley at Tech 9 very well and he has the latest diagnostic tools so might get them to re-program and not say anything to OPC then wait and see if they send me the reminder to renew warranty next April.

 

[Black80XSA]

I read another thread some time ago about a Boxster owner who automatically renewed warranty over the phone one year, but then did it in person the next time - OPC ran the car round to give it the once over at the end of what was then the current warranty, and came back refusing to cover the car because it had an aftermarket stereo headunit fitted.

 

[Porrohman]

I have to say that having renewed my warranty this year I find the OPC's attitude quite depressing. I agree that fiddling with the ipod connection should not effect the warranty if your engine goes up in smoke. I assume that Porsche make a profit on the payments. If enough of us were willing to contribute I would be up for PCGB running a warranty scheme rather than going through the OPC's. I know that there are other warranties available but it would be reassuring to know that it was administered by real Porsche enthusiasts.

 

[Faz]

That sounds like a great idea, may be AON or equal affiliated company can get involved. Who does the ground work for us, is it something Robert Prince can investigate?

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: Faz

That sounds like a great idea, may be AON or equal affiliated company can get involved. Who does the ground work for us, is it something Robert Prince can investigate?

Sadly I don't think that could happen... I doubt the club would be allowed within the COC to support something thats not an 'official' Porsche product..

Admittedly we couldn't stop someone unofficially looking into something.. but I hope you get what I'm trying to insinuate []

garyw

 

[Faz]

I'll see what I can do and report back.