CD changer install

[jzbythesea]

I just got the factory CD changer and went to install it, I guess I have to take the side panel off the cargo area (not just the opening cover). It's not apparent how to get this off without damaging it, does anyone have any experience with this?

[turbohead7]

This job is best left to the dealer because it is extremely involved, even if you do suuccessfully install the changer, the system is fiber-optic and internal changes must be made to the PCM unit in order for the system to recognize the changer. This is done with a special computer known as the Porsche system tester-II and is a dealer staple. So if you still want to do the mechanics yourself, keep in mind you still need to go back to your dealer so they can set up the changer electronically in the MOST required control unit list. You are probably in way over your head on this one, but here goes. You need a plastic body tool known as a spatula to remove modern Porsche interior components. Anything stiff and flat, about the dimensions of a butter knife will do, plastic is always better then metal. If you are careful you can use a large flat bladed screwdriver to pop the panels out. Start by lifting the spare tire cover up, and pull firmly towards you---this will disengage it. Next, remove the two visible 10mm bolts from the floor trim on the passenger side floor. You will also have to flip up the cargo tie downs and remove the four torx screws, this will allow you to remove this piece along with the foam insulation. Now remove the black torx screw visible at the bottom of the panel you want to remove. Fold the seats down and pop the cover that says "Airbag" out of the top of the C-pillar trim right above the rear seatbelt, also remove the hidden srew behind it. This panel is now ready to be removed, pry firmly after inserting your tool behind it. There will be another large torx screw like the others behind this panel, same as the one on th floor. Now move to the trunk and remove the roof panel with the light in it. Be careful here as the clips can be easily broken. You will need to pull the panel down slightly and insert a long METAL screwdriver in between the clip and the body, once home simply twist the tool ninety degrees and the clips will disengage. This is something that takes practice and patience as the clips are very fragile, and the panels themselves are even more delicate and expensive. Do not yank on the panels as the clips will stay in place and the plastic will break. After this, move on to the D-pillar trim with the speaker in it. This is the hardest panel to remove because there are a lot of clips and it wraps around the D-pillar making it difficult to see behind it. Start at one edge using the method described on the roof panel work slowly until all clips are removed. There will be another black torx screw for the cargo panel you want to remove behind this panel. Before pulling the carog panel back, you must remove the trim panel at the edge of the tailgate first, pop it off with a plastic tool. The cargo liner will be ready to come out now, it will not come off all the way without removing the rear seats so only pull it out far enough to access the cd changer bracket. The fiber optic connection is delicate and must not be bent at an extreme angle or it is ruined. Access to this area is difficult, and putting it all back together is even harder. And after all this, it still won't work. I would highly reccomend paying a qualified Porsche technician to do this, as you risk breaking panels, loosing clips, and worse---ending up with an interior that just doesn't look right or is more noisy than when you started. But if you still want to try, it is do-able, but takes the patience of a God. Good Luck!