PCCM+ Getting Installed today . . .
 

After 18 years the PCM 2.1 in my 2005 has begun to act up and become very unreliable.

My rolling map display has been stuck at this location 60 miles away for three weeks.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678723891.jpg

When I custom ordered the vehicle in 2004 I got the “Telephone Preparation” option, designed to be a hardwired option for hands free telephone operation. Unfortunately due to FCC restrictions Porsche couldn’t/wouldn’t sell me the remaining hardware for the hands free operation.

In addition, the date on my PCM 2.1 is 20 years off with no way to reset it. An issue relating to Y2K and the 1024 week GPS cycle.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cayenne-macan-forum/1033870-settings-day.html



Over the years I have done a few things to upgrade refresh the old PCM technology.


In 2015 I updated the maps and the PCM from version 2.0 to 2.1 for $550. (I predicted back then I would update the maps in 2025)
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cayenne-macan-forum/846041-2005-cayenne-v6-pcm-2-1-upgrade.html


In 2010 I discovered the telephone preparation wiring under the passenger seat and was able to wire an aftermarket Bluetooth system without cutting any wires.
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cayenne-macan-forum/560387-porsche-telephone-preparation-5-year-mystery-nearly-resolved.html


However, the bottom line is that the original PCM was never cutting edge as you would expect from Porsche.


Fast forward to 2023. . .

I saw Panorama the new Porsche designed PCCM+ head unit which adds Apple CarPlay, touch screen operation, streaming media, Bluetooth etc. . .


From the website:

“Thanks to its design, which is perfectly tailored to the Porsche Cayenne, the PCCM Plus fits seamlessly into the interior. In addition to touchscreen operation via an optimised 7-inch display, the PCCM Plus is also Sirius-XM-ready. Apple CarPlay and GOOGLE® Android Auto can also be used for navigation, telephony and media playback via the integrated USB interface. Other playback options are possible via a USB stick or Bluetooth®. Depending on the vehicle equipment of your Cayenne, the functions of the multifunction steering wheel or the reversing camera are also supported. Other functions include the trip computer with lots of useful driving data and onboard navigation with Porsche-specific points of interest (POI) with route guidance in 2D or 3D. Viewing the navigation in the multifunction display of your vehicle is also made possible. The map material required for the onboard navigation is provided via a separate SD card, which can be ordered from your Porsche Classic Partner or your Porsche Centre.“


https://content.eu.porsche.com/prod/pag/classic/ClassicExplorer.nsf/ClassicPartsExplorerProductDetail?ReadForm&country =international&la=enGB&se=&ge=&mo=&pr=00438C1E876B 86FEC125882F0026E1A1


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678723635.jpg

I ordered the new PCCM+unit from the dealer and made arrangements to have them install it. As I was sitting in my car waiting for the service representative I got an email from Pelican.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/95564259100.htm?pn=955-642-591-00-OEM&utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_camp aign=POR955_PCCM_Ergochair_3-13-23%20%282023-03-13%29&_kx=ajVg21YuSraYiinHxnmMgzfqoGATA_NIUNR95IL1 DoCJ-9rGHfzJ7k24zGtl2TaB.LGYh9Y

Same PCCM+ unit except $150 less from Pelican. Timing is everything isn’t it? Oh well, win some/lose some.

The dealer will charge me 2 hours book time to install it, though they want the vehicle the whole day.

I’m looking forward to this major technology upgrade. I’ll let you all know how it all turns out.

I received a call from my service writer he said “Your car is done but we did not hook up Sirius XM.”

I said “Why?”

He said “There was no antenna in the PCCM+ box, only adapter.”

I said use “Use the old Sirius XM antenna.”

He said “We cannot. There were ten dongles in the old radio, we connect all of them to the new radio.”

I said “OK, but I paid for Sirius XM, why can’t you connect it.”

He said “There is no antenna, only adapter.”

I said “Use the old Sirius antenna, how do you upgrade the 996s with this PCCM+? Don’t you connect the satellite radio?”

He said, “Let me check.”

If I cannot get Sirius XM connected I will be furious.

Well it never pays to be the first when doing something like this.

Porsche Rusnak Pasadena where I took the vehicle said “Your car will be the first Cayenne we put the PCCM+ in, we have done 996s but no Cayennes.”

My reply, “Will all the features work?”

Their reply “Yes!”

Horse Hockey

Apparently they figured out later additional equipment is needed to connect the PCCM+ to satellite radio. The dealer said I have to buy that equipment from a third party.

I was sent this screen shot from the TSB for the PCCM+ install from the service writer.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678819601.jpg

I can stream satellite from my phone to the PCCM+.

I’m just pretty pissed the dealer didn’t know this before.

Let’s hope everything else works

This appears to be the part I need. At least it isn’t too expensive.

Best Buy . . .

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678834623.jpg

I picked up the vehicle.

The problem was that it was not clearly spelled out on the website that “Sirius XM ready” means you have to buy a tuner. Installation of that tuner is very simple, but Porsche will not install aftermarket/non Porsche equipment.

So to get Sirius/XM hardwired in my car I will need to buy the equipment and have a third party like Best Buy install it. I got a copy of the TSB that shows how to do that. It as simple as run the antennae, plug the Sirius/XM receiver into a dongle on the back of the PCCM+.

Having said all that. . . here is my initial impression of the radio.

It looks factory. Power it on and you get the Porsche logo. (Image taken from web)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678836572.jpg

When You select CAR you get this screen. If you swipe to the right you get additional screens with other travel info.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678836944.jpg

Here is a shot of the navigation screen. . .
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678837457.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1678837457.jpg

The PCCM+ works very much like the head units found in late model cars. The sound is pretty good. Bluetooth streaming works well and shows the song and artist on the screen.

All the steering wheel controls work as they did with the original PCM.

The new head unit has a USB port to connect to AppleCar play and a slot for a memory stick.

The service writer charged me for 2 hours but said they worked on the car for 4 hours, and any future install they will charge 4 hours.

. . . and much to my delight, the vehicle now knows the correct date.

I’ll post more as I play with the radio more, but overall I’m glad I pulled the trigger. Likely I won’t install Sirius because the streaming works pretty well.

Really good thread, I’m glad you posted!

I would give Porsche a call and let them know they should had advised you in the first place (I’m sure it’s in the fine print somewhere), and that you were out extra money (it’s not cheap) and see what happens.

For anyone following this thread. . .

1) Installation of the Sirius/XM receiver looks very easy. Once it dries out in CA I may tackle this project myself. I’m hoping I can use (and find) the old XM antenna in the new receiver.

2) For some reason the AM band is not working, I receive only one station clearly with a few manually tuned stations also coming in. It sure looks like an antenna problem. Have a call out to the dealer’s service writer. We’ll see if he calls me back.

The new Porsche unit is nice but once again it is from Porsche and who knows how long they'll support it and it is twice the price of a quality Pioneer or Kenwood unit. I put a Pioneer 8200NEX in my '06 Turbo S a few years ago, includes operable Steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, Sat, HD Radio, etc.. Software upgrades are free, you do have to pay for Map upgrades after the first year but they are half the price of what Porsche charges.

^ Interesting... Do the after-market brands auto-dim the display backlight? (like the OE)

Also are those a low glare display?

Yes!

UPDATE: For those of you following this thread . . .

I went back to the Pasadena Porsche Dealership that sold the hardware and did the install to address the inability for the new head unit to receive AM radio frequencies.

It seems there is no antenna connection. The original radio received AM frequencies without issue.

Currently when I go to the AM band only one station populates the list.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1679938623.jpg

The FM station list has 20 or so stations that have a strong signal.

The service writer went so far to say, “Maybe it no work before.”

I assured him the AM radio did work prior to the upgrade.

He then said “AM not have good signal.”

I assured him KNX 1070 AM in Los Angeles transmits at 50,000 watts of power and can be heard as far away as Mexico and Canada.

His solution “We have another Cayenne coming in two weeks we see if they no have AM.”

I told him “I paid a premium for the hardware, Pelican Parts sells the same unit for $300 less yet I bought it from you and had you install it. I will not wait two weeks to see if you can figure this out.”

He then suggested “we put old radio back in to see if it (AM) work.”

So that’s where I currently am in this saga. I’m waiting at the dealership. . . but do not have a lot of confidence

Result: The dealer replaced the PCCM with the original PCM. There were more AM stations being received.

They pulled another PCCM from somewhere plugged it in and it had the same lousy AM reception.

So the verdict is bad design. Apparently the FM and AM antennae are the same plug.

One positive note while the radio was out I quickly installed the XM receiver (took 30 seconds)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1679947713.jpg

. . . more later

in all the cars i've ever worked on the AM and FM were always on the same antenna

So I thought it over. I spent $2,300 for the head unit and install from a Porsche dealership.

The AM band does not work. So I called and opened up a case/ticket with Porsche of North America.

My case is set for “internal review.”


Overall impressions of this unit. . .

The navigation on my Mercedes 2020 E class is about the same vintage of this PCCM+ unit. Though acceptable, I would say the Porsche unit is inferior to the Mercedes unit. Entering addresses is less intuitive than the old PCM. In fact, I would call it tiresome.

The Bluetooth streaming is acceptable.

Wireless hands free is acceptable though it disconnects occasionally. Reconnection is pretty quick.

FM reception OK
AM reception non existent
Apple CarPlay seems to work normally.
Sirius XM connection to the head unit takes 20 seconds. . . Routing the antenna is a different story. Reception is poor inside the vehicle it needs to be external on the roof.

The Home Screen is generic. Only when you go to the car/vehicle settings do you get the nice Porsche graphics and “Porsche look.”

So was it worth the money. . .

Let’s see if Porsche of North America gets back to me in a timely manner.

Moving on . . .

The PCCM hook up for the SiriusXM radio literally took less than 20 seconds to do.

I placed the included magnetic satellite antenna mount on the center vent on the dash. Despite it looking quite natural and easy to place the reception was poor and inconsistent. Sirius recommends mounting it outside on the roof.

Doing some research in my Porsche TSBs I came across an Aftermarket Sales document (TSB) QV4/QV8 which gave the factory instructions how to install XM Satellite radio (document dated 2005.) The antenna for the previously installed XM radio routed to the rear cargo compartment in the access panel on the right.


The factory placed the original XM receiver in the rear cargo compartment near the CD player. It received power from a pigtail in the compartment and was also connected to the optical cable system of the PCM. Going into the receiver were two additional antenna connections.

Photo courtesy eBay
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680105792.jpg

Optical cable orange
Power cable center
XM satellite antennas: brown terrestrial repeaters -discontinued transmitting circa 2008 and green connection which was for the 2 orbital satellites.

Hoping to use the existing pre installed antenna I purchased the following cables from Amazon hoping to be able to use the original XM antenna. All I will need to do is route an antenna cable from the rear cargo compartment to the dash.

If this project works and get me a strong SiriusXM signal I’ll be happy.

Fingers crossed

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680106167.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680106167.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680106167.jpg

On my '06 CTTS the Sirius/XM antenna is mounted under the rear spoiler/visor. along with the PCM GPS Antenna. When I installed my Pioneer 8200NEX I used the original Sirius plug with an adapter but for the GPS antenna I ran through the bottom of the dash and it sits under the center vent/speaker looking grill. You can't see it but it gets great reception. I was originally planning on trying to tap into the OEM rear GPS antenna but it gets such good reception I decided to save myself the work.

We installed one of these in a 997.1 a couple months ago and the owner is loving it. Not sure if he's an AM listener or not. I don't recall trying that band

In my case I custom ordered the vehicle with the GPS and had the dealer install the XM receiver a couple of years later.

All my research shows the satellite antenna(s) are routing to the rear cargo compartment.

The satellite reception is not very good with the antenna sitting on the center vent on the dash. Too bad because it was very easy to install it there. Perhaps the GPS antenna gets better reception there.

Once those cables arrive and it stops raining I’ll give an update.

PCCM+ SiriusXM Install
 

DISCLAIMER : I’ve got no financial interest in SiriusXM, I just enjoy their programming.

I thought I would wind up this thread with a brief description of my SiriusXM install.

Yes the new PCCM+ will stream from my iPhone but it’s more convenient to just use the damn radio.

After using satellite radio for 15 years in all my cars it was hard to switch back to regular terrestrial radio. All modern radios have some form of the RDS. The radio data system (RDS) is nothing more than commercials on steroids. It’s bad enough to hear about how Larry H. Parker got some guy 2.1 million but the RDS scrolls a photo of Mr. Parker.

Yes I’m annoyed the AM band reception is terrible but honestly I haven’t listened to the band in 20 years.

On to SiriusXM.

With the head unit out there is an RCA type plug in the back that the small SiriusXM unit plugs into. The next step is to connect the antenna. Unfortunately the reception is poor with the enclosed SiriusXM placed on the center dash vent.

So using 20 feet of the Farka cable and an adapter to connect to the SiriusXM unit (photos above), I ran the cable to the rear right compartment where the CD player is. There are two Farka connections for the 2005 XM antenna. One (brown) was for a terrestrial signal, and the green one is for the XM satellites. I plugged it in and voila! I got a solid signal from the hidden antenna in the spoiler.

Now I don’t have to try and route an antenna to the rear roof.

Rather than using one 20 foot cable for this job I used 2 ten foot pieces. The thinking if somehow the cable gets damaged, I only need to replace 1/2 the 20 foot cable rather than the whole 20 feet.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680298809.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680298809.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680298809.jpg

Thanks for this thread. - Very useful.

The lack of functioning AM is a clear deal-breaker for me. - a wrong display date is my only annoyance with the OE PCM 2.1.

Island,

I agree non functioning AM radio is infuriating. There is a possibility either the AM/FM antenna or the antenna booster has gone/is going bad. Over the summer I will trouble shoot these components.

For the first generation Cayenne the antennas (AM/FM, GPS, satellite, phone) are located under the rear roof spoiler. Easy access and removal. I picked up a second generation satellite antenna ($35 eBay) painted the same color of my vehicle which I will install on top of the spoiler if I still have trouble receiving a strong satellite signal.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1680538490.jpg

I’ll keep everyone updated. . .

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.

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.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1681932931.jpg

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 . . .

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”.

XM and AM issues on PCCM+
 

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 . . .http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1736898170.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1736898170.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1736898170.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1736898170.jpg

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

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

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.

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.

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.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1742145238.jpg

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

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1742164977.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1742165965.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1742168984.jpg

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?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1742850865.jpg

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

looks like a microSD slot

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.