Introduction
This section is to explain to folks exactly what the On Board Computer (OBC)
Hack is and the options you have. It is not to show you how to do
it...many sites have great instructions. One very good one is
Yoseif's OBC Hack Page.
You can also purchase a DVD showing how to do a full stalk OBC install.
Click here for information on DVD
But I just want the Outside Temp displayed on my dash?
On all models you will need to get the
dealer to turn the OBC on using the PST computer. If you have a 2000 or
earlier model you are done! The temp will now display...see pic below of
2000 display
(picture courtesy of Tom Morris)
For 2001 and later models, you will have to do the OBC hack to get the
Outside Temp display (and of course get the functionality of the OBC (trip
computer) as well). If you have a 1997 thru 2000 model you can also do the
OBC hack and get these capabilities, but it is not necessary if you only
want the outside temp display.
Why the difference between years?
The display cluster changed. For 2001 and later models the OBC shares the
same area as the trip odometer. So you need a switch to toggle off
the trip odometer display to get to Outside Temp (and the the rest of the
OBC info) . For 2000 and earlier models the
trip odometer is under speedometer. (see pic above)
What's the OBC Hack anyway?
The OBC Hack is instructions to give you the On Board Computer (or Trip
Computer) capabilities. These capabilities include:
Outside Temp Display
Speed Gong (Warning) - can only be set if you do Full Stalk OBC Hack
Average Speed
Range Till Empty
Average MPG (economy)
But my car didn't come with the OBC?
Yes its did...at least the computer/software is in the car. You just need
it turned on by the dealer and a way to toggle thru the various displays.
I have a 2002 (or 2003) model and my dealer says its not possible to get the OBC.
Technically they are correct. You cannot get the same On Board Computer
that now comes factory fitted. In 2002 the OBC changed and became more
sophisticated. See below pics of a 2002 Boxster OBC display. I also
confirmed that OBC hacks have successfully be done on 2003's. However
there have been reports that later 2003's having Firmware K30 require a
code to unlock the OBC. (I have not been able to confirm this).
2002 OEM OBC
2002 OEM OBC
However if you have a 2002 or later model WITHOUT the OBC you can still do the OBC
Hack and get the 2001 Style OBC.
So what's the difference between the single switch and full stalk OBC
hack?
The below table summarizes the main differences
In addition there is a big difference in cost of parts and
labor effort:
Single switch - approx $30 in parts and approx 1 hr
effort
Full Stalk - approx $150-$180 in parts and approx 2-4 hrs
effort
What exactly is the full 4 stalk?
You car comes fitted with either a 2 or 3 stalk assembly
around the steering wheel. You have a stalk for Indicators, Wipers and a
3rd one for Cruise Control if installed. Diagram below.
The full 4 stalk hack install is a rather lengthy process
to remove the 3 stalk assembly and replace it with a 4 stalk assembly. The
4th stalk being the one that controls the OBC. Diagram below. In the full
stalk install you will be making a wiring loom to plug into the OBC wiring
loom shown in the diagram on the right.
The Part number 996 613 219 00 EAK is for a 2001 model with cruise. Models
without cruise and 2002+ models have a different part number
Pic of 4th Stalk
What's it going to cost to get the OBC turned on by the dealer?
It depends on your dealer. Some will do it free of charge...some will
charge as much as $100...some just don't like doing it. Best advice is to
negotiate it when buying your car.
My dealer is adamant that its cannot be done...period!
You can purchase a
DVD showing how to do a full stalk OBC install. The DVD shows the
actual Porsche PST2 computer connected to the car, turning on the OBC.
This maybe useful if your dealer tells you it cannot be done
Thanks to Yoseif, Tom Morris and Jeff (aka Tool Pants) for their feedback.
