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Multi Function Steering wheel upgrade from non

Richard_Hamilton

PCGB Member
Member
I did it the other way round - fitted a 981 MFSW to my 987.2 Cayman, so yes, it will work. You will need to code the car afterwards for the system to recognise the buttons. I did it myself (I have a Porsche Tester) but a decent indy or Porsche Centre should be able to do it. If you are anywhere near me (Maidenhead, Berks) I would be happy to do it for you. Send me a PM if I can help.

 
Hi I'm looking to upgrade my 981 boxster steering wheel (the standard one for a 2015, pdk car) from 'non' multi function to multi function and I'm interested in anyone's experience. I'm ok with the mechanicals as that's pretty simple, but how do you get the car to recognise the now, multi function?

1. Using 'pre-owned' wheel, do I just need opc to program?
2. I have a 987.2 mult function wheel (997.347.803.60) , will this fit a 981?

Any help experience would be much appreciated.

Regards

David
 
on a 981 once you have changed the hardware, you have to change the vehicle order via PIWIS and then input the enabling code for mf steering wheel for it to work properly - sadly Porsche have made it a bit more difficult (but not impossible) to change specs on the newer models

thanks

 
Hmmm. Are you sure? I have enabled the rain sensors (which are fitted to all 981s, but not always activated) and I know for sure that you can enable PSE without activation codes. As you say, it is done by changing the Vehicle Data and then running the automatic coding routine. I have had to get codes when doing map updates, and I know they are required when retrofitting other add-ons for the PCM (Bluetooth, USB Media, etc), but I would have thought it unnecessary for MFSW. If you are sure, can you point me in the direction of the procedure, before David goes swapping the wheel.

 
hi

yep pretty sure - i would show you the screenshots of PIWIS2 but i cant upload them on here.

Basically after the vehicle order has been updated and auto programmed you go into 'Steering wheel electronics' module, in the maintenance tab click on function enable and you get a list of functions that require a activation code (which includes multi function steering wheel). Once this is input the steering wheel should come to life after the car has been turned off and on again (may need to be locked/unlocked - but cant remember off the top of my head)

The codes are available either from Porsche - if you can convince them to provide them or from online sources who sell them (they do seem to work though - thankfully)

I can send the screenshots of the relevant menus on PIWIS2 if needed but they are easy to find.

Thanks

 
Many thanks. I found it on PIWIS2. I'll contact David again and see if he wants to pay for a code. (If my contact can get one).

 
hopefully the steering wheel module is also the correct one - otherwise it may be a bit tricky to get it all working in the first place !!

thanks

 
Thank you Ian, you have been very helpful. I have looked in to it deeper, and you are right about the steering wheel contact unit. There are several versions, of which there are two specifically for MFSW (one with heated wheel, and one without). So it looks like you would have to change that too.

 
Hi Richard and Ian

Many thanks indeed for the information, it will be interesting to give it a try. My new (old) wheel is from a 997.2 (apparently) and has the multi-function, but not the heater. So while that may make it more straight forward, without the heater, I wonder if because it comes from an earlier model (2011) that may prove difficult?

 
I just had a quick look at the different parts for the steering control unit between the models 9*1 and 9*7 - I have a feeling they wont be backwards compatible as the part numbers vary so much. As well as the physical fit, they internal flashing/coding of the unit is likely to vary quite a bit as the two cars work on a different diagnostic protocol.

So you would have to get a 981 based module which has the right functionality/options for your car, they are listed on-

https://www.porsche.com/u...alparts/originalparts/

(sec 903-10 page 778 on my computer)

Then it depends on whether the physical fit of the MFSW you have is OK - which Richard suggests they are.

So that would then leave the actual connectors/wiring in the steering wheel- i would be inclined to check the wiring diags AND do a physical examination of the wheels connectors to make sure they look OK to go on the 981. I had a quick look on ebay at some secondhand parts but its hard to tell without actually having the unit in your hand.

Anyway its a good project, its always nice to see if you can do what Porsche says you cant !!

 
So in summary, we think;

[ul][*]a 987 MFSW would fit and work on a 981 Boxster[*]to add multi function to a previously non multi-function car requires an upgrade to the controller module located in the steering column. Presumably you could also upgrade to the heated MFSW (mindfull of winter)![*]PIWIS programming/configuration is required and also an activation code[/ul] I think as this is getting a bit more complicated, I might move the project to my 987 Boxster, so as to not upset the Porsche warranty on the 981 and I'll try and source the controller and we'll give it a go. It must be a common question, I'd have thought.

 
The most common swap is to remove the multifunction wheel and replace it with paddle shift. I got the OPC to do that as part of buying my current 981. They also had to remove the 3-lever switch assembly (lights/cruise/wipers) that went with the multi-function wheel and replace it with the equivalent for the paddle shift. I sold the MF wheel on ebay but still have the 3-lever switch assembly for MF available if it turns out that you (or anyone else) could make use of it.

 
Because the 981 MFSW worked perfectly on my 987.2, I think you can assume that the internal wiring of the steering wheel is the same. The connectors plugged straight in, and no changes were required. The physical fit was the same - I used the airbag from my 987.2 on the 981 wheel. I think Ian is right, and the wiring diagrams need to be studied carefully to see the differences between MFSW and standard steering wheel cars. There should be no need to change the stalk unit - it is most likely that it is the "clock spring" control unit that will need changing for a different 981 variant of the unit.

David, I'm not quite sure what you mean by "I might move the project to my 987". If it is a 987.2 the 997.2 MFSW will be a straight swap, and just need coding. No other parts required.

 
Hi Brian

That's an interesting addition! My 981 uses the 4th stick to control the multi-function and so I presume this is redundant when you have the MFSW, hence OPC's removal. Presumably that also includes the 'clockspring' which I assume was also replaced to disable the MFSW and swap for the (very nice) paddle shifter, non MFSW. In that case it would be useful if I could get that from you and then I could turn the 981 project back on!

 
Richard, I assume the 987 would have the same issue as it's currently not a MFSW with 4 control sticks and presumably inadequate 'clockspring'

 
david2455 said:
Richard, I assume the 987 would have the same issue as it's currently not a MFSW with 4 control sticks and presumably inadequate 'clockspring'
No it won't. My 987.2 had the standard PDK wheel, and all I did was fit the 981 MF wheel, and coded the system to recognise it. No changes to the stalks or control units. BTW, the stalk unit is separate from the "clockspring" unit. See the attached, which shows the vast number of variants.

 
Blimey! Mine is 970.613.013.01 1E0. It's black. I swapped it after the car had done 3000 miles so it looks new. David, if you are interested and would like to PM me your email address, I can send you pics and we can discuss. I understand they are listed at a bonkers price but make me a sensible offer.

If like many forum users (incl me) you can never remember how to find the Forum PM facility, it is under Forum/My Forum Settings then look for the Private Messages tab.

 
So the MFSW has found its way onto the 987.2 manual this weekend. It only took 10 mins, but of course the MF doesn't work yet (and it has the PDK switches, which aren't an issue). Talking with a mechanic friend who says he never disconnects the battery to change an airbag, on the basis that if the ignition is off, a stationary vehicle airbag would not fire, I followed his advice (tentatively) and cheated, hence the quick change.

The next stage will be to get the coding done and as I understand from Richard that would be complete!

Meanwhile, it appears the 981, requires;

[ul][*]MFSW[*]new Control unit (including clockspring) - dependent on MFSW- heating or not[*]removal of 4th control stick - possibly this can just be left![*]coding to enable[/ul]I'll check on the price of the Control Unit, but this is starting to look expensive and I'm interested to see the perceived benefits of the MF on the 987 first, particularly since many seem to have changed theirs in favour of the Sport Design with paddles!

 
Interesting article, thanks. I will take you up on your kind PIWIS coding offer (for the 987) and use the experience of the MFSF to decide if there's value in investing further in the 981. I'll PM you to see when's a good time to drop in.

 

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