PCM radio reception problems

[MartinJWaite]

Hello,

I bought my first Porsche 9 days ago. I have a generation two Boxster with a PCM satellite navigation system. I travel the country during the week, and listen to the radio 50% of the time. While tuned into - say Radio two, I use to the radio automatically tuning to the strongest signal automatically. This doesn't happen, I am always having to manually retune.

I also notice that Medium Wave - talk sport for an example (but applicable to all stations) can't pick any station up, just static.

Is this something I must get used to to drive a fantastic Porsche?

Regards

Martin

 

[Nick_USA]

Most strange .... radio reception, certainly in the UK isn't usually a problem; unless perhaps the car has either had a new windscreen which has been connected correctly (has the radio aerial in it) or there is a receiver fault. There is a test on the dealers computer (PIWIS) that can be run to test both the radio, aerials and reception quality.

 

[MartinJWaite]

Thanks for the quick reply Nick. I plan on taking the car into the Porsche dealer today to see if they can have a look, I'll ask if the radio can be checked as you suggest.

On a tangent, I was very impressed by the standard of sales staff at Porsche dealership @ Cardiff. My wife and I have been so well looked that I'm sure the Radio issues will be quickly resolved.

Regards

Martin

 

[Nick_USA]

Oh, whilst I remember get the dealer to check the 'country' setting for the radio receiver as if it is set incorrectly the frequency spacing will be incorrect and could also cause your radio problem.

 

[MartinJWaite]

Will do - thanks.

Three year old rapped up warm. Top down - ready to head off.

 

[BrianJ]

For what it's worth, I have a non-PCM CDR-30 in my Gen 2 Cayman S. When travelling the country I find it doesn't automatically swap to the strongest signal to maintain the station very successfully. My workaround is just to press the relevant station button again (eg in your case Radio 2) which causes it to connect to the locally strongest signal. And Medium wave reception is poor. There is an option for improving medium wave but as it's a wing-mounted 1960s-style aerial I've never seen one!

 

[MartinJWaite]

Thanks Brian,

I have just returned from the dealership.

Within minutes of explaining the problem the car was taken into the garage and a computer connected to the car. The diagnostic tool identified an error code on the radio that the technician hadn't seen before. The car is now booked in to have the radio repaired. When I am aware of the solution I will post it here.

Thanks for the advise.

Martin

 

[Nick_USA]

I am glad they confirmed the fault for you. There are many components to the system; on yours there are 3 aerials and 3 aerial amplifiers all of which including there connections could lead to the fault. That said it is probably the head unit but we will see. The 09+ cars have fewer items to change but the system is more complicated internally.

 

[MartinJWaite]

Radio reception update.

Latest from Porsche centre Cardiff, it appears that an antenna booster is at fault for the poor FM signal and non excitant AM band.

Part on order from Germany.

Im still finding the whole experiance with Porsche an extremely enjoyable time. I might propose soon ;0)

 

[MartinJWaite]

Latest update on the radio reception problem.

Car went into garage to have a new booster. Unfortunately the new booster didn't appear to fix the problem.

I believe the next theory involves ordering new cables from Germany.

Martin

 

[Nick_USA]

I hope they fix it soon and are looking after you given all the hassle.

 

[MartinJWaite]

To be honest Im having a ball. I get to drive around in a variety of dealership Porsche cars that I wouldn't normally have access too

:0)

 

[Nick_USA]

ORIGINAL: MartinJWaite

To be honest Im having a ball. I get to drive around in a variety of dealership Porsche cars that I wouldn't normally have access too

:0)

Glad to hear .... you will have to include 'today's drive' in the updates []

 

[MartinJWaite]

Mmm good idea.

 

[MartinJWaite]

Update and close.

Problem resolved.

I'm told that new wiring had to be ordered from Germany. The wires link two of the audio boxes together. I don't have anymore info than that sorry, suffice to say the reception is back to what I expect it to be - excellent.

BTW. Porsche Centre Cardiff didn't disapoint. While my Boxster was in for repair, I was given a couple of months old 911 cab for the day.

My God that 911 could fly. My Boxster feels slow now in comparison.

Regards

Martin