PCM

Guest · Jun 29, 2007

Does anyone have any ideas what the likely cause of the following system error is on my 2004 Turbo S.
System error: Amplifier, CD changer, Phone not available

Richard_Hamilton · Jun 29, 2007

Take a look here, as the problem you have seems similar: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=297432

Terry is getting a PST2 check done next week, and one of us will post if we have any more info on his problem. Meantime, if anyone else has any ideas, or experienced the same fault, please let us know.

Richard_Hamilton · Jun 23, 2008

It very much depends on which month yor car was built. Very early 2001 was First Generation PCM1 (8bit) and from Feb was Second Generation PCM1 (16bit). If you have a 16 bit system, try contacting Gerard Mahoney at SatNavShop on 0121 773 7000, as apparently he has 2008 maps for PCM. If it's 8 bit, there might possibly be an updated Porsche disk, but at £410 you could buy 4 TomToms and get change.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=378926

(date format is mm/dd/yyyy)

Richard_Hamilton · Dec 17, 2009

Not sure what the problem is, but there is a fuse on the back of the unit too. As you have found out, they are hideously expensive to replace, and (assuming yours is PCM1) you could buy a far better aftermarket system for 1/4 of that price. If you want to maintain originality, the only place I know who repairs them is:

Putnoe Radio Services
12 Clifton Ave
Hartlepool
TS26 9QN
01429 869220

I believe they are difficult to get hold of (only work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) but they are supposed to be good. Never used them myself though so don't shoot the messenger.

wealy · Dec 17, 2009

Thanks Richard - must check the fuse at the back first then. How does the unit come out? Is it like teh old Becker system that requires two flat keys?

Richard_Hamilton · Dec 17, 2009

Assuming it is PCM1 (early 2002) it comes out like this:

dij999 · Dec 17, 2009

you could buy a far better aftermarket system for 1/4 of that price

Richard -what systems did you have in mind and would it provide the audio, telephone and sat nav functions in one package as per the PCM unit? My unit works reasonably well but would consider an aftermarket upgrade if only to improve the sat nav functionality. Would there be a loss of other functions if the PCM unit was removed, I guess the 'computer' data would be unavailable?

Richard_Hamilton · Dec 17, 2009

Yes - you would lose the Trip facility, but gain in every other respect. I bought a Pioneer system, which has satnav, bluetooth phone, ipod control, apart from being a CD/DVD player, radio, etc, etc. There are quite a few double-DIN systems on the market, depending on your budget and what features you want. Try www.audio66.com for some ideas.

dij999 · Dec 19, 2009

Yes, Pioneer' s AVIC-F310BT looks like it could fit the bill.

Richard_Hamilton · Dec 20, 2009

The F310BT looks OK, but the screen might be a bit small for my old eyes. The F700BT has the same size screen as my 900BT (5.8") which is better, for not a lot more money. If you have the M490 amplifier you will need an adapter cable for the amplifier input, and you would have to get/make a trim surround for the unit. The Becker PCM units are about 10mm taller than double-DIN, so it leaves a gap at the top.

There was a very good thread on RennTech recently from an Australian who had fitted VW cupholders to fill the gap - and a nice satnav unit which looked good:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=30339&view=findpost&p=160775

dij999 · Dec 21, 2009

That is a really good mod and am now looking out for the bits.

Have to find something to do with the Becker sat nav CD drive unit now when the job's done, I could just leave it there to fill the gap but there must be something more useful that could go in that space, even if its just storage.