Buzzfox

I noticed a few months ago that the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) is no longer picking anything up. Having done a bit of research (before I got very bored!) I think it's something to do there being two TMC suppliers (Traffic Master and someone else) and Traffic Master have stopped the service or it's something about VAG not renewing their license to use the service of a combination of both of these things - who knows?!

Anyway my question is has anyone managed to get TMC working on their PCM? I did start reading an Audi forum where they've managed to get it working by switching the system to use the other supplier but that seemed to involve getting into the firmware and altering certain files which went way over my head.

It's a real pain not having TMC on the few Occasions I use it so I'd like to get it back if I can. I know I could be using other things for Sat Navs and I could change the head unit but I want to keep the car original and I can't stand phones and things stuck to windows and trailing cables and whatnot.

Any ideas??

I thought when PSM is 'off' all stability and traction control was deactivated unless ABS is triggered in which case the system is activated again as it thinks 'this numpty has now run out of talent and is in a panic so I'd better sort things out for him/her'. Once brake pressure is released the system deactivates again (assuming the vehicle is not stationary in a ditch).

9 hours ago, bally4563 said:

Well @Buzzfox has recently being hanging on my coat tails in his 981 GTS ask him how well mine goes !!

Well if you ask me I would say yes, it's not too shabby!  When I was following you down that road it seemed pretty much like for like and let's be honest we were pushing a touch over 59mph! I think the only difference was that my GTS didn't me a little wake up call around that tightening left hander!

On 5/30/2022 at 8:57 PM, Jon61 said:

And the successful update message  on your history screen is identical to mine, @Buzzfox, so it definitely seems to have worked properly, even if with a few hiccups. I guess the DVD drive jamming could be because the drives often don't get a lot of use on modern cars - I tried a CD in mine just before I did the update, and I'm fairly sure it would have been the first time it had ever had a disc in it, as I always use a USB stick and the Jukebox. And I assume your update discs were (or at least appear to be) the genuine Porsche discs, like mine, so it shouldn't be a problem with those (I think the EBay seller of upgrades a few years ago was sending out copies the updates on DVD-Rs rather than original discs). Anyway, glad you were able to get it sorted, but it must have been a bit of a worry!

Yes, it does seem to have updated ok. I was just a bit sceptical because I didn't seem to experience the long loading time of the maps after the update or the initial incorrect GPS position of the car that others have mentioned and that I had when I updated from the eBay guy a few years ago. Then of course when I went back to the car later after the disc jam it asked if I wanted to update to 6.7.1 again! I guess it just started reading the disc again which prompted the question, maybe if I'd said 'yes' it would have come back with something like '6.7.1 already installed' - who knows?!

As for the jamming I'm really not sure. I always have had a CD in there although like you I rarely play it, I use the radio or bluetooth mostly. When disc 5 eventually came out it did have a bit of a scuff on the edge so it had had a hard time in there! I've loaded and ejected the CD several times since and it seems fine now so who knows?

'A bit of a worry' is a bit of an understatement really, I know these units aren't cheap. The car is under warranty but I thought once they find out what's jammed in there I don't think they'll be overly keen to honour the warranty!

On 5/30/2022 at 7:20 PM, BrianJ said:

Yes, that’s the road!

That's good news, thanks for confirming that.

Ok here's another go at the pics!

Hopefully this is the road that @BrianJwas talking about which would confirm the update has definitely worked for me.

Many thanks to @iborgukfor the help with the pics 

Well my experience hasn't been quite so straight forward as @Jon61but I think it has worked.

I didn't use the software update disc as I was already at 4.76 so I just started by connecting my CTek, turning on the ignition and putting in the usb stick for about 3 mins. 

I then pulled it out and rebooted the PCM by holding 'Info' for 10 seconds. When it rebooted I put in map disc 1. It asked if I wanted to update to 6.7.1 to which I said yes and off it went by telling me not to interrupt it then rebooted and came back with an error about write protect and ejected the DVD. Oh............

So I put it straight back in and then it asked again, I said yes, it rebooted but this time off it went asking for each DVD as it went with all the usual messages everyone else has seen.

At the end of disc 5 it rebooted again and told me it had successfully updated to 6.7.1. Happy days - until the CD drive made some odd noises then told me there was a mechanical problem with the CD drive and yes disc 5 was now stuck in the drive! I was not a happy bunny at this point.

I locked the car and came inside for a drink to calm down. About 20mins later I went back out unlocked the car and started it up. The CD drive began to spin up then asked if I wanted to update to 6.7.1. As I thought it had already done that I said 'no' and then tried to eject the disc - this time it came out, phew!!

I pressed the map button and my position came straight up, no delay in loading the maps and not in any strange countries as others have reported so I was unsure whether it had actually updated. 

I've driven out to a relatively new roundabout that wasn't on my maps before and indeed it now shows a roundabout, also I checked out a new bypass that only opened a few months ago and there it was on the maps (only a white road that it won't use but it is there). I've also checked the A555 mentioned earlier in the thread and that seems to be a red road that goes from Manchester airport all the way to the A6. So I think it has updated ok even with a scary occurrence of a jammed CD drive! The History tab does show two new entries, one with an error and one without both referring to 6.7.1

I'll now try to add the pictures of the history tab and the map showing the A555 road but I can't remember how to do that from flickr so it might not work!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2noCoJs][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108248086_1f33759841.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2noCoJs]Untitled[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/155293911@N02/]Chris Boulton[/url], on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2nox9Q6][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107225757_900cce6ee8.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2nox9Q6]Untitled[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/155293911@N02/][/url], on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2noCzjN][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108283718_7121ab338e.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2noCzjN]Untitled[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/155293911@N02/][/url], on Flickr

Well I emailed these guys and asked if I'd need to use the software disc as my version is already at 4.76.

I got a very quick response saying no, only the USB activation and map discs would be needed so I've now placed the order with them. I'll let know how it all goes when I get them.

4 hours ago, Greenman said:

I did indeed say that, however I was mistaken, I was actually on 4.75, so was worthwhile doing the 4.76 update.  I remembered that when I did this back in 2019 that my version was ahead of the version shipped at that time by the eBay seller, he shipped 4.73. So back then I didn’t do the sw update.

I’ve got to say I’m unsure what step actually allows the map update disks to be used, I assume it’s the insertion of the usb drive which must do something, however given there is no visual acknowledgement or feedback when you do this it’s difficult to say.  But it was certainly possible to do the map updates without the sw update previously so I assume the same would apply now.

I think they encode the cars VIN and and some software key into the USB that allows the maps to load. They have to buy the sw key from Porsche, that’s why they can’t just ship these out at £20 or £30.  This would imply that the PCM software version can be updated just with the DVD and no sw key? Certainly looks like that to me.  

Ok, that makes sense, thanks for clearing that up.

 So nobody on here has done this map update without using the software disc yet?

 Am I brave enough to try?????

20 hours ago, Greenman said:

So I’ve updated my system to 4.76 software and 6.7.1 maps using the above shop….however I had a few issues…..

- package included disks and USB stick but no instructions. I emailed the shop and got a response back within 1/2 hr with basic instructions that pretty much mirrored the procedure as described by BrianJ above.

- The software disc ejected after about 10 mins (I assumed it has finished). I inserted USB stick but just got following screen.

It seemed to me as though it was still trying to do the software update, so I reinserted software disk and it did in fact continue with the software update (module and version number on above screen kept changing and progress bar increased.  When completed it said software successfully updated on the above screen but did not eject disk, I waited a few mins, no change, I ejected disk manually, PCM said “aborted software update”  but seemed to work ok.

I then inserted usb drive in the usb slot and waited, got message something like “can’t play file” but no other feedback (thinking it’s all gone belly up at this point),  waited a couple of mins, took out usb drive and rebooted PCM ( press info for 10 secs). pCM rebooted no messages.  Inserted map disk 1, initially said can’t play disk, but after a few seconds seemed to start reading it and came up with disk 1 of 5.   After that it proceeded as expected with each disk and seemed to complete successfully. I had the same issues as BrianJ in taking a while for maps to load and then being in the middle of some foreign country initially.

Ultimately it looks like everything has worked. I’m now on 4.76 and 6.7.1, though I haven’t managed to check any new roads as yet.  So be aware you don’t necessary get any nice prompts on progress and the software disk might in fact eject before it’s finished.

Glad it turned ok @Greenman. 
I think you said earlier that you were on software version 4.76 to start with so I was curious as to why you you used the software update disc and didn’t just go straight to the usb plug in and map disc installation?

41 minutes ago, Richard Hamilton said:

V3.x is the 1st Gen PCM3.1, and you are very likely to have the zoom issue.

Wouldn’t the software disc that ships with the map discs upgrade it to 4.76 and therefore eliminate that problem or have I misunderstood what that disc does?

29 minutes ago, Jon61 said:

I've just done a bit of investigating on mine - a MY2016 which has never had the maps updated, or any work on the PCM.

It's PCM3.1, system V4.75, but although I can look at the 'Current System' IDs, the 'History' tab just shows "No version history available", so I can't see what maps are installed (although they'll clearly be the ones it left the factory with).

With a CTEK connected under the bonnet, the PCM switches off after 10 minutes in mine with the ignition off. I thought perhaps putting the key in the ignition (but not turning the ignition on) might make a difference, but it still switches off after 10 minutes. I don't think opening and closing the doors reset the timer either, so it looks like I'm going to have to keep the engine running to do the update - unless I try leaving the ignition on, switch off the aircon and as many lights as I can, and monitor the battery voltage to see if the CTEK can balance the ignition-on current drain.

I’m pretty sure that’s how I did it a few years ago when I bought the discs off the eBay guy. I think I had a battery charger on the battery +ive and chassis -ive (wasn’t even a CTEK) and left the ignition on. I definitely didn’t have the engine running and all went ok.

On 5/13/2022 at 1:38 PM, iborguk said:

The PCM update history screen will show this, the files listed there will have the version number tagged in them. 6.71 is the  2022 map version. Press the source & info buttons on the PCM and check out the history tab.

The History screen on mine shows 6.5.1 PCM31_ECE_N217_1806_PS

Does that mean I'm on 6.51 and therefore 2 versions behind the latest?

Very tempted by this.

Probably a stupid question but how exactly does it attach to the car and is it removable so you could just fit when you need it for track days and such?

25 minutes ago, A-Plan Insurance said:

completely missed this thread at the time and only just stumbled across it so I presume you are all sorted now...

For future ref though, we do track day insurance as standalone purchase for the single event etc but we also have the ability to offer 5-track day bundles on our policies which more often than not work out cheaper than buying 2 or more single track day covers

Ok, thanks for that. I am sorted now but I’ll definitely be in touch come renewal time.

22 minutes ago, Withy said:

From here https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/pro-spike-matt-cloth-tape-12mm-x-55m-red. got a load left, PM me your address and I'll send you some if you like

That's really good of you, thanks mate.

On 1/28/2022 at 3:08 PM, Withy said:

After researching (rennlist) which type of cloth tape to use when adding a faux centre stripe on alcantara wheel, it arrived today and I applied it.  Super simple to do (it's just sticky backed and can be taken off at any point with no residue.  Think it's quite good, and it's precisely the correct width.  Seem to have a bit spare too

Will leave it for a while to see if I like it, so far I do, but I also recognise that it might be a bit w@nky as it isn't the real deal

Before

After

Spare!:

 

That looks pretty smart to me and I'm guessing slightly cheaper than an official new wheel!

Where did you get the tape?

Just for an update I've had a quote from Locktons which is way off the money and that's without asking them about track day cover.

Classic Line though may be a goer. Price is higher than Manning were last year but they will cover up to 6 track days per year. If I do 2 track days it will work out cheaper than have a road policy and separate track day policies. Just need to check out European cover with them.

Thanks for the help here everyone.

23 hours ago, Toddie said:

No experience of them, but a couple of my mates with expensive Pork that they track use Classicline insurance which they both praise very highly.

Thanks mate, I'll check those suggestions out as well.

3 minutes ago, rowbos said:

Interesting.   I've been with Manning for a few years now, renewal due soon as I recall.  I wonder if this is an across the board change for them? 

I might have to look for a quote from Locktons too 🤔 

In the letter they sent with the quote it says the underwriters had a total loss on a Porsche at a track day at Anglesey which is why they now won't cover track days. Real shame as they were nice people to deal with and gave a pretty good price.

23 minutes ago, Southy said:

I use Locktons, quite a few good benefits

Benefits for Porsche owners can include:

• Exclusive rating for PCGB
• EU/UK Breakdown cover
• £150k Legal Expenses
• Courtesy car following a covered loss, regardless of fault whilst yours is in for repair
• Any authorised driver over 35 years as standard – named and approved for 34 and below
• Comprehensive cover for policyholder/spouse to drive any other vehicle not owned by them
• Personal business use included as standard
• Non-competitive road rallies (regularity) and club organised track day cover
• Reduction in value cover following an insured loss
• Agreed Value/Reinstatement Value included at no cost
• New car replacement for 24 months following a total loss
• Worldwide physical damage cover
• Options to include spares, tools and auto memorabilia
• Automatic physical loss/damage cover for new acquisitions

That sounds promising, thanks for the info.

I've been with Manning for a couple of years now for their policy that includes UK track day cover but they are now not offering the track day cover with a road policy.

Can anyone recommend any insurance companies that do offer track day cover included in a main road policy please?

Thanks for the replies. I thought as much but the thought of ripping door cards off and fiddling with electrics fills me with dread and fear so I think I'll be leaving well alone!

Been watching a few Youtube clips of the light on the bottom of the door being swapped out for a 'Porsche' projected puddle light, mostly on 991 cars. It looked quite smart but I couldn't recall seeing any lights on the bottom of my doors. I've had a look and there does seem to be a lens in a similar position but it doesn't come on when I open the door.

Would I be correct in suspecting that the Boxster was only fitted with a reflector on the door bottom while the 911 got a proper powered light? That would explain quite adequately why it doesn't light up and I never noticed it!

I thought I was the only geek to run a spreadsheet on car costs!!

Just looked at mine. Had the car since November 2015, fully OPC maintained, tracked 2-3 times a year and the cost/mile works out at 65p per mile (includes fuel but not insurance, MOT or tax). Quite happy with that, thought it would be a lot more.