PCM 4.0 Software Update

49558 Views 49 Replies 19 Participants Last post by 88junior00, Aug 5, 2021

mlehrian

Discussion Starter · Oct 27, 2016

Just received word from the Porsche dealer that there is a PCM update available for my Boxster

Apparently it takes a couple hours to install. They'll be installing it next week for me. I'll report back when it's done.

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Justin

· #2 · Oct 28, 2016

Thanks for letting us know. Found this, not too sure if it'll be of any use to you

Porsche iManual | 2017 -

mlehrian

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 1, 2016

Just picked up my Boxster after having the PCM 4.0 software update installed at the dealer. I've only had a few minutes to test it out, but so far at least these things are fixed:

1. iPod interface now works as advertised. I'm using a 160GB iPod classic connected via USB in the glove box.
2. Phone number preset blocks on My Screen now seem to remember the phone numbers.
3. It looks like they added some more blocks for configuring My Screen.
4. It looks like they added first class support for a 2nd cell phone connection.

Things that don't appear to have been addressed:

1. The scrollbar is still ridiculously thin and very difficult to grab. The scrollbar really needs to be at least 1/2" wide so you can easily grab it and scrub through big lists.
2. Long press on the voice control button on the turn signal stalk still doesn't activate Siri via bluetooth.

Will update more after I've had more time to experiment.

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Justin

· #4 · Nov 2, 2016

Question as you go through and experiment. How long does it take for your music to register and how smooth is scrolling through the songs? Any lagging?

charlotte

· #5 · Nov 6, 2016

Odd that Siri still doesn't work. Has it been enabled in the settings of the iPhone you are using?

mlehrian

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 7, 2016

Justin, I'm using a 160GB iPod classic with approximately 19k songs on it. It doesn't take too long to build the library and I would say scrolling is very smooth without much noticeable lag. It really starts playing very quickly. I'll unplug it and plug it back in to see exactly how long it takes, but it didn't It's not COMPLETELY smooth, but very smooth and usable. I actually find trying to scroll large distances using the touch screen somewhat frustrating and have been using the right knob to scroll and select more recently. I don't have a multi-function steering wheel and find using the MFI with the steering wheel stalk to navigate large lists also a bit frustrating. These are pretty minor complaints, however. I'm actually really happy with how my iPod is working.

Charlotte, Siri is working fine when I have my phone plugged in for CarPlay. But, when I hop in the car for a quick trip many times I just want to leave my iPhone in my pocket. It would be nice if I could still activate Siri to make phone calls or control bluetooth streaming music in this case.

Generally speaking, this software update is a big win.

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mlehrian

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 8, 2016

This morning I paid attention to how long it took to create the database for my 160GB iPod. It was approximately 2 minutes.

I also did experience a glitch this morning. I was listening to a playlist it the display kept jumping around and reloading the current playlist. The MFD in the dash, which has been working better since the update with less jumping around, would get stuck so you couldn't change songs when this was happening. Then it moved to the next song and seemed to clear up.

fxmed

· #8 · Jan 2, 2018

6

UPDATING PCM (by myself is it POSSIBLE?)

guys, im from brazil, does anyone know how to UPDATE my PCM system, its says its LATEST version is from 2012
(i bought a 2017 718 boxter) and besides when i connect iphone apple car play wont turn on
can we update ourselves? or does it need TO BE UPDATED BY THE DEALER?

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nineball

· #9 · Jan 2, 2018

are you connecting your phone using the armrest usb port? that is the only way a phone will connect. the glove box will work for removable drives but won't function all the features of your phone.

fxmed

· #10 · Jan 2, 2018

yes i am, first thing i did, so i learned from someone i should have it pre ordered, so im looking for ways to " unlock" this feature

NavGulp

· #11 · Jan 4, 2018

I am also suffering this! USB port is only in the glovebox. Armrest has only the power socket.

Porsche2018

· #12 · Jan 4, 2018

mlehrian said:
Just received word from the Porsche dealer that there is a PCM update available for my Boxster Apparently it takes a couple hours to install. They'll be installing it next week for me. I'll report back when it's done.

What about the Cayman?

Viffermike

· #13 · Jan 4, 2018

GUYS! Stand down!:

The OP was in late October 2016. Any car built after that will have the latest PCM 4.0 software.

@fxmed and @NavGulp : Please don't hijack a thread like this -- especially with something that is:
1) Pseudo-illegal, and
2) May not be possible because of country (You two are in Brazil and India, respectively. Most of the rest of us are in the U.S. or U.K.)

To my knowledge, PCM 4.0 has not had a major update since this one, so:

KEEP CALM
AND
718 ON

;P

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Reactions: 1

ejdd

· #14 · Feb 14, 2018

I've just got my 718 Cayman (in Canada) and noticed there is only a 12 volt connection in the armrest compartment. No USB. The only USB i have is in the glovebox - my ipod classic connects, a porsche logo occasionally comes up, then the PCM just displays 'incompatible device' or something to that effect. I've tried multiple original and aftermarket ipod cables.

I plugged a USB key in and that worked fine, except no playlists etc.

I put it down to the ipod being maybe a little too old now. Bit of a bummer. :-(

RussellHodgson

· #15 · Feb 14, 2018

A little bit off topic - but is the underlying operating system of the PCM Windows? I believe it is from some YouTube videos I've seen. If so I suppose it could be possible to run your own custom software on the PCM - if it was windows based. And if it is Windows underneath I wonder if it is a full version or some limited version that just runs the PCM.

Viffermike

· #16 · Feb 14, 2018

ejdd said:
I've just got my 718 Cayman (in Canada) and noticed there is only a 12 volt connection in the armrest compartment. No USB. The only USB i have is in the glovebox - my ipod classic connects, a porsche logo occasionally comes up, then the PCM just displays 'incompatible device' or something to that effect. I've tried multiple original and aftermarket ipod cables.

I plugged a USB key in and that worked fine, except no playlists etc.

I put it down to the ipod being maybe a little too old now. Bit of a bummer. :-(

What Porsche Connect/audio package do you have on your car? I'm thinking if you don't at least have Porsche Car Connect/Apple CarPlay, you may not get the USB in the center armrest since that's primarily meant for CarPlay/smartphone integration.

From Page 194 of the Owner's Manual (referring to PCM): "There is a USB and a universal audio (AUX) port in the glove box. An additional USB port is in the centre console. Apple CarPlay can only be used via the USB port in the centre console." The previous page indicates that both USB ports are compatible with iPods, but the one in the glove box is clearly meant for music devices -- and yes: if your iPod is an older one -- especially if it's more than seven years old -- it may not work well, if at all.

ejdd

· #17 · Feb 14, 2018

I got the base package, or no package really, with Bose stereo so no carplay/connect etc.. I was expecting USB in the armrest but i guess not. Was more concerned that i was possibly using the 'wrong' USB port and finding the 'right' one might have suddenly made my ipod work. Alas I dont think that's going to happen. I just realized its not even an ipod classic! It's an ipod video or 5th generation 60gb ipod. 14 years old! I think i've got my money's worth - time to update. Im going to get a 12v-USB adaptor to at least charge and i'll have a tinker with the ipod a little more.
Cheers!

Viffermike

· #18 · Feb 14, 2018

ejdd said:
I just realized its not even an ipod classic! It's an ipod video or 5th generation 60gb ipod. 14 years old! I think i've got my money's worth - time to update. Im going to get a 12v-USB adaptor to at least charge and i'll have a tinker with the ipod a little more.
Cheers!

Yowza! I'd say that you definitely got your money's worth!

For reference: Apple deprecates support for iProducts seven years after that iProduct's launch date. That doesn't just mean Apple won't update software anymore, etc.; it also means Apple won't include software or hardware, in either its own products or a third party's, to support that iProduct ...

... which is why my still-functioning circa-2008 iPod Classic has a permanent home on a dock as part of my bedroom audio system. :-/

Fliz

· #19 · Feb 14, 2018

ejdd said:
I got the base package, or no package really, with Bose stereo so no carplay/connect etc.. I was expecting USB in the armrest but i guess not.

My car also has Bose only (no carplay etc) and also does not have a USB in the center armrest. I was wondering about that as well when my car arrived and it makes sense that you only get USB in the center if you get carplay/connect... Woulda been nice to have it be a USB connector though. Seems like it would have been not too much work/additional cost to standardize on that.

TheWaitingGame

· #20 · Feb 15, 2018

Apologies if I am being slow here but I did not get Connect (plus), only PCM, does that mean I don't get a USB port so I can't play music directly off a USB? And what about bluetooth, do you get that without having Connect (plus)?

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