PCCM+ Getting Installed today . . .

[RNajarian]

4/7/2023

Update:

I activated the SiriusXM radio. It looks like the original XM antenna located in the rear spoiler works well with this radio. The signal is strong and even worked in a basement parking garage.

My next task will see if replacing the AM/FM antenna booster will gat me my AM bands.

[RNajarian]

I took a little time to poke around in the spoiler of my Cayenne. Removal is probably the easiest thing you can do to a Porsche. Remove 3 plugs, 3 torx screws, and lift.

I located what I suspect to be the AM antenna.



Moving it around improved reception slightly, not much. Unfortunately I cannot find any plug to replace the antenna.

I’m going to research to see if you can splice wire to improve reception.

Stay tuned . . .

[fisher22]

I just ran across this thread. Pretty interesting indeed. You went through a lot for this and you really saw it through.
BTW, I don’t get surprised anymore when Porsche says something like “maybe it didn’t work before you brought it in”.

[Adamsaki]

What was the issue with the XM not working? I have an 05 Cayenne and I installed the PCCM+ myself a couple of months ago by following the Andrew Shaffer youtube video, it works well but AM reception is very poor and XM is not an option on the tuner button, XM shows up but it won't allow me to select it. My car had factory XM beforehand. I have not installed an XM antenna, will the factory XM/Sirius satellite radio antenna work? It sounds like we've had similar problems but you've solved the XM issue. I love AM but it sounds like that isn't going to get resolved.

[Mr. Merk]

As explained on page one of this thread, the PCCM+ does not accept the factory XM, but requires a standalone XM setup like this:

https://shop.siriusxm.com/siriusxm-sxv300-connect-vehicle-tuner.html

[RNajarian]

Yes that is correct. I have the same satellite radio add on with my PCCM+

I would shop around to see if there are newer add on satellite receivers that have the “nice” features.

Tells you when a favorite song is playing, or a favorite group.

Installation of the add on unit isn’t hard, you do have to find a place to put the antenna. . . Which usually is the spoiler in the rear.

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Adamsaki

What was the issue with the XM not working? I have an 05 Cayenne and I installed the PCCM+ myself a couple of months ago by following the Andrew Shaffer youtube video, it works well but AM reception is very poor and XM is not an option on the tuner button, XM shows up but it won't allow me to select it. My car had factory XM beforehand. I have not installed an XM antenna, will the factory XM/Sirius satellite radio antenna work? It sounds like we've had similar problems but you've solved the XM issue. I love AM but it sounds like that isn't going to get resolved.

Never resolved AM issue. Angry- Angry-Angry

I’m wondering if it is a problem with the antenna

Does the satellite radio need to be coded at the dealer ? Mine was installed at the dealer so maybe they did it then.

[RNajarian]

Update:

It has been one year three months since I upgraded my original head unit to the Porsche branded PCCM+ head unit.

Before I get crucified let me state initially I was happy with the integrated Bluetooth, touch screen and correct date.


Now 15 months later here are my thoughts.

-It is not as fluid/smooth as major manufacturers head units. Response time to the touchscreen is slow.

-AM radio doesn’t work (this seems to be a common problem),

+The steering wheel controls do work which is a plus.

-My Compass option (which I paid for during the custom ordering process) is gone. My Durametric Professional reports “No compass module detected.” Possible it was incorporated in the original head unit.

+The ability to install a back up camera exists (Though I have not done this)

+Trip data/MPG/MPH is easier to access and use.

+Carplay works as CarPlay should.


Final Negative. . .

I had my oil changed by a trusted independent mechanic. His updated Snap-On hand scanner COULD NOT reset the service reminder. I was able to reset the reminder with my Durametric Professional. (Shout out to Durametric. . . Their customer service is first rate)

If I had to do it again. . .

I would research what aftermarket head units are available that incorporate the steering wheel buttons.

If you buy the PCCM+ get it from Pelican. They sell it for $500 cheaper than the dealer.

Hope this helps

[RNajarian]

UPDATE

22 months after the PCCM+ upgrade.

I haven’t had the bother to go back to the dealer to deal with the non functioning AM radio. Overall a huge “F” by Porsche Rusnak Pasadena service. See earlier posts for specifics.

The PCCM+ radio is an improvement over the original PCM radio, however it doesn’t function “smoothly.” It lags and is cumbersome. Equally priced (or cheaper) aftermarket unit would preform much better.

Having said that. . . I have found a very reasonable and desirable solution to my reservations of the PCCM+ system.

The PCCM+ has a hardwired Apple CarPlay option, which when connected works well. I discovered a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the PCCM+ data port and converts the head unit to a wireless CarPlay unit like the newer cars have.

Basically you get in car turn on radio and Apple CarPlay gets activated automatically, very convenient. The Bluetooth adapter only sticks out 1 inch so it doesn’t look too bad.

So far it has worked very well, I’ll keep the group updated . . .

[Mr. Merk]

There are several devices like that available. Do you have a link to the one you've been successfully using?

[RNajarian]

Yes there are several styles from different manufacturers. I wanted the smallest one available since my data port is on the headunit itself and not in an armrest like in my Mercedes.

I got mine from Amazon, here is their online store -Disclaimer: I have no relationship, financial or otherwise with the company.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/CarPlayKits/page/AFAB904A-6DBA-400C-99E7-062EC1A4B303?ref_=ast_bln

[brp914]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

UPDATE

22 months after the PCCM+ upgrade.

I haven’t had the bother to go back to the dealer to deal with the non functioning AM radio. Overall a huge “F” by Porsche Rusnak Pasadena service. See earlier posts for specifics.

Well, that's a bummer about no AM radio. All I listen to is AM talk radio. I'm doing the install myself. The local Porsche dealer wants $2800 just to install, although surprisingly they recco'd Phantom Electronics in Thousand Oaks. If I can't get this darn thing to work I'll be calling them. The kit comes with no instructions although there are some helpful youtubes out there.

[RNajarian]

Thanks for the recommendation of Phantom for the install. Maybe I’ll have them diagnose my AM issue.

All I can think about your install is make sure you have the orange fiber optic loops installed wherever they need to go. The dealer left my CD unit connected. I pulled the connection to my CD unit and placed the orange loop thinking I would remove the now useless CD changer.

Haven’t done that yet since it involves removing panels.

. . . But without the loops installed wherever there is an open point the system won’t work.

May I ask for a favor?

If you get a chance would you mind posting a photo of the back up camera connection on the back of the PCCM+.

I am in the market for a backup camera and want to make sure I get the right one.

Documentation is poor as you stated.

[brp914]

Hi, I searched the tech forum for pccm+ not knowing it would take me to Cayenne-land. I have a boxster, but a pccm+ is a pccm+. From the YTs I've watched, Sirius/XM is the blue/foam connector, lower right, and the b/u camera plugs in as pointed to with pen.

[brp914]

Have you tried streaming AM radio thru phone? If you search YT for Portie's garage he installs a wireless phone charger and a dongle for wireless connection between Iphone and pccm+. There is a similar thing for android. But I don't know if all phone apps work with pccm+.

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by brp914

Have you tried streaming AM radio thru phone? If you search YT for Portie's garage he installs a wireless phone charger and a dongle for wireless connection between Iphone and pccm+. There is a similar thing for android. But I don't know if all phone apps work with pccm+.

Yes that would work . . .

My reason for wanting AM is in the event of a disaster, I may pick up news from 100-300 miles away . . .

Thanks for the photo, I appreciate it pal.

EDIT: Here are photos I found on Rennlist. Looks like I’m going to do the reverse camera option . . . Stand by for updates

[brp914]

Well, my pccm+ is installed. The AM reception is similar to the old Becker radio. The problem now is Porsche sells an overpriced gps data chip to go with the overpriced pccm+. The instructions say plug the chip into the pccm+ and you're done. Nope. You need some sort of adapter. I went to BestBuy and the guy said it's a USB C. I'm not so sure. Anyone know?

[RNajarian]

Interesting . . . My map slot is on the left side . . . and the map chip was a micro one that cleanly fit in the slot. See the photos of my install

[honerboys]

looks like a microSD slot

[brp914]

Thanks, I think you're both right. The BestBuy SD/USB C adapter was no-go. but I was able to transfer the map data onto my laptop. I'll try loading a micro SD chip and see what happens.