Planet-9 Porsche Forum banner
  • NOTICE - Before adding photos to posts on Planet-9, please review: Posting Photos on Planet-9

Blinking Side Marker Lights

33K views 93 replies 47 participants last post by  az erik  
#1 ·
Has anyone had the side marker lights programmed to blink with the turn signals? This the way they operate in Europe. While getting an oil change yesterday I asked a tech about this change. He said that he had never done it.
This seems like a good safety feature. Any information appreciated. I'll have to have the dealer do it, as there is not an independent shop in the area. How long did it take for a dealer tech to do it? I don't want to pay for " OJT".
 
#2 ·
They have to be programmed with the PIWIS unit. So unless your independent has one you may be stuck with the dealer doing it. I gave this menu hierarchy to my service tech and he was able to figure it out.

Program side markers to act as blinkers
* Electrical Control unit
o Side marker or Direction Indicator light

I didn't get charged for it as I had them do it before I picked up my car.
 
#12 ·
The sidemarkers are actually controlled by the Front Control Unit and not the Electrical Control Unit.
 
#3 ·
Today I had the following done at a dealer by an independent technician,thanks to a club members help list. Side markers directional blink,a safety plus, Driving lights stay on with high beam. Windows down with remote or key, great on hot days. Windows part down with rear hatch opening, EZ drop close, no slaming or palm prints on deck lid. This was all done with the PIWIS in about 20 min,first time out. There are other EZ features to add that were not for me but others may enjoy. If you are in So Cal check out RAWLINGS AUDIO,ask for Jamey 626 372 0744
 
#5 ·
Hey what do you mean by having it done at dealer by independent tech? I remember jamey from the ppbb.com board. So you went to the dealer & Jamey was there to do all this for you? More info please, sounds like useful options, thanks.
walt2810
 
#56 ·
Vick:

Whether they stop you or not, there is a good reason why it's illegal. Other drivers don't get disoriented thinking your side marker is a head-light. If you think about this a little while, there are a lot of night time traffic situations where this could happen. Some standards are good.

White light for front of car only. Yellow for front side marker, red for rear side marker. Red for rear except turn signal. White for backing up (because it's the "front" when you are moving backwards).

This is the same as the guys asking about yellow headlights. They used them in France and got rid of them because they just don't illuminate as well as white. Theory was that it was less tiring for oncoming drivers. Didn't hold up. I rented a French car in those days and it was torture at night on a dark road.

Also, you guys who equip your cars with illegal stuff, like no front plate, wrong color lights, really loud pipes etc. are asking to be stopped. Keep your noses clean or one thing will lead to another!

Ever see a drunk who drives around with one headlight for months? They feel so picked on when they finally get the DUI. I am constantly amazed by this.

Just sayin...You know how I worry!
 
#17 · (Edited)
OK, before you go running down to the dealer, the coding for the options isn't as obvious to the dealer as perhaps we would hope, also remember that some dealers may still refuse to play ball:

OK I assume he knows how to code some basic functions so I will skip how to use the PIWIS and just let you know which control units need changing.

The easy ones first:

Sports Chronometer Remains lit in standby:

CU = Chronometer
Coding => Illumination => There are two options and it should be obvious to which needs setting (my memory isn't perfect).

Daylight Running Lights (If you have PCM Sports Chrono Plus you can change this yourself):

CU = Front
Coding => Daytime driving light is mandatory => As before should be obvious

Fog light remains lit which switching to high beam:

CU = Front
Coding => Switch off fog light for high beam => As above should be obvious

Side markers flash as indicators:

CU = Front
Coding => Side Marker or direction indicator light => As above should be obvious

OK now it gets harder (I will group some options together as the settings overlap and I will have to repeat myself, but you can tailor the options when you get to the doors themselves):

Windows open/close with the key in the door lock
Windows open/close using the remote control
Windows drop by 2-3 inches when you open the rear hatch (allows you to drop the hatch shut rather than having to press on it).


First CU (Required for all window options):

CU = PAS

Coding => Comfort via radio remote control => (Currently set to lock or inactive) => Change to Release (Note: The wording maybe "Active" depending on PIWIS version but for all Release = Active and Inactive = Lock).
Coding => Comfort function Window => As above set to release
Coding => Door and Window Comfort Function => As above set to release

** While the dealer is in this unit he can also change to delays for the keys and the way the doors lock after starting the engine or driving off I will not detail these as most of the dealers know how to do these, but what I will say is that these have to be programmed for each key individually. The other coding for the PAS does not need separate coding for each key. If the dealer does not know how to change the locks.....ok I will bite my tongue.

OK back to the window functions, the next steps have to be coded for each door separately so I will only list it once:

CU = Drivers Door / Passenger Door:

(Window Open)
Coding => Open Comfort => Set to release as before
(Window Close)
Coding => Close Comfort => Set to release as before
(Windows Drop when opening hatch)
Coding => Window short stroke by Lugg Comp Op => Set to release as before

OK that should get you all by for now, there are other things you can play with but the others get really really complicated.

BTW to use the remote to make the windows close/open press and hold the unlock/lock button (Releasing the button stops the windows moving ie it is not one touch).

For the key to work in the door open/lock the car but hold the key in the open or close position until the windows open or close.
The window drop with the hatch I believe may only work with the doors closed and with the remote ie not the switch in the car.

Good luck and remember that the above coding may still not work as it is dependent on the year of the car and the version of the PIWIS software that the dealer is using. Dr Porsche does not like us 'Customers' fiddling with the 'Free' stuff.

** Notes:

Perhaps Gator Bite will add this to the FAQ section.

This coding has been successfully carried out on USA Cayman MY 07 and USA Boxster MY 08 (Minus the rear hatch coding for obvious reasons :) )

The usual caveats apply; I do not accept any responsibility for mis-coding, errors or indeed law violations whatsoever. Any coding is done entirely at your own risk.
 
#27 ·
First CU (Required for all window options):

CU = PAS

Coding => Comfort via radio remote control => (Currently set to lock or inactive) => Change to Release (Note: The wording maybe "Active" depending on PIWIS version but for all Release = Active and Inactive = Lock).
Coding => Comfort function Window => As above set to release
Coding => Door and Window Comfort Function => As above set to release

** While the dealer is in this unit he can also change to delays for the keys and the way the doors lock after starting the engine or driving off I will not detail these as most of the dealers know how to do these, but what I will say is that these have to be programmed for each key individually. The other coding for the PAS does not need separate coding for each key. If the dealer does not know how to change the locks.....ok I will bite my tongue.

OK back to the window functions, the next steps have to be coded for each door separately so I will only list it once:

CU = Drivers Door / Passenger Door:

(Window Open)
Coding => Open Comfort => Set to release as before
(Window Close)
Coding => Close Comfort => Set to release as before
(Windows Drop when opening hatch)
Coding => Window short stroke by Lugg Comp Op => Set to release as before

OK that should get you all by for now, there are other things you can play with but the others get really really complicated.

BTW to use the remote to make the windows close/open press and hold the unlock/lock button (Releasing the button stops the windows moving ie it is not one touch).

For the key to work in the door open/lock the car but hold the key in the open or close position until the windows open or close.
The window drop with the hatch I believe may only work with the doors closed and with the remote ie not the switch in the car.

Good luck and remember that the above coding may still not work as it is dependent on the year of the car and the version of the PIWIS software that the dealer is using. Dr Porsche does not like us 'Customers' fiddling with the 'Free' stuff.

Hmmm, very nice, so the next time I go to the dealer I can ask them to code this for me??

But I dont quite understand what "coding" mean, is it just a few clicks on the PIWIS touch screen, or does it involve actual coding (as in programming) ??

Secondly, what do you guys mean by having the side markers as blinkers, I think they already are blinkers!!

________________________

Image

"Sir! We're surrounded!" - "Excellent! We can shoot in any direction!"

A good car will get you from point A to point B. A great car... will just get you into trouble!
 
#28 · (Edited)
I took my 07 Cayman S to the dealer yesterday to get my PA state inspection done. I had read this thread before I took it in and I asked the dealer if he could program the door locks and the remote to raise and lower the windows. The service writer said that the door locks should already provide this functionality from the factory and he would research how to program the remote.

When I went to pick up the car he then told me that he was wrong; that the door locks and remote CANNOT be programmed to raise and lower the windows. When I showed him the instructions from this thread he said that they called Porsche and they said it cannot be done, and he referred me to a website, Wilhelmy-IT Inc. smartTOP - remoteTOP - remoteKEY Porsche Carrera Boxster Mercedes Benz SLK SL CLK Comfort One-Touch Soft-Top roof control units and Comfort remote controllers, and said that this product would be able to do what I wanted.

I said that these instructions were from someone who had already done this, and why should I buy an aftermarket device when I have the capability right here. I also was worried about the device voiding my warranty. He said since Porsche recommended it the warranty would not be voided. I think he is just blowing smoke up my "you know what", and they never called Porsche. I think that is what they say when they don't want to argue anymore.

Anyway, they did not have any more time that day, so he said that when I bring the car in again they would try the codes. But he also said that you cannot believe everything your hear on the Internet. I told him the the Cayman Club site has more correct information than what I get from him, since he was wrong about the door locks, and that he should use http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-electronics/www.planet-9.com when he needs to find information on the Cayman.

Stay tuned to see if I get anywhere. Why do these dealers not understand the equipment and vehicles they sell? It is very frustrating!!!!!!!!
 
#34 ·
Stay tuned to see if I get anywhere. Why do these dealers not understand the equipment and vehicles they sell? It is very frustrating!!!!!!!!
I took my CS to the dealer today to have an unrelated issue resolved and I gave them the instructions that Nick_USA provided to have the windows go up and down with the key and the remote.

When I got the car back it did exactly as advertised. When I insert and turn the key to unlock the doors, if I keep it turned for a few seconds both windows go down. Likewise, when you lock the doors with the key.

When I use the remote to unlock or lock, if I hold it in for a few seconds the windows also go up and down. This is great. I thanked the Service Rep for experimenting with the instructions since there was no Porsche documentation that they could find to accomplish this.

I did not have them program the windows to go down when the hatch is opened because I didn't want that option.

I am very glad I was able to do this without buying the Mods4Cars RemoteKey. I am not against the product, in fact I almost bought one. I think it offers many options that you can't get with the Porsche remote, but if all you want to do is have the windows go up and down with the key or remote, it is alot of work and expense rather than having the dealer do it via the PIWIS system.

Thanks Nick_USA.
 
#30 ·
I recently went to my dealer to have my windows lower slightly when the rear lid is opened. At first, right after I bought the car, they said that it couldn't be done. But I gave them the programming information that Nick provided and they were able to do it! Thanks Nick. I think you tought them something.

While there, I also asked them to program the side markers to blink as turn signals. Unfortunately they weren't able to do this. While they could get them to blink, they said it in this mode they would no longer function as side marker lights. In other words, with the lights on they wouldn't illuminate unless they were blinking. They said this wasn't acceptable is it was "illegal". So did they do it right or did they program it incorrectly?
 
#31 ·
You can have either Side markers or 'blinkers' aka 'indicators' not both. Whether it's illegal, it varies I am sure, but then I don't carry a front plate and that is supposed to be illegal in my state and has been for the last 4-5 years yet I have never received a ticket for that.

I would argue that side indicators add to safety anyhow and that my lights below my headlights can be seen from the side as I drive a Boxster. This may not be so true on a Cayman, but it's your choice.

Howver, I did say earlier that some dealers maybe unwilling to do some if not all of the coding.

I am glad you have the windows working anyhow.
 
#32 · (Edited)
EVERY time I close my hatch I can't believe how much easier it is to do now that my windows drop and I can't believe that this is not standard programming on all Caymans. I highly recommend this one.

As for the fogs staying on with the high beams, I like this too. I agree with Chows that in fog, the last thing you want to do is use your high beams. So in fog, when I'm using my fogs as true fog lights, I am very unlikely to use my high beams anyway. But if I do, what benefit would there be to turn off the fog lights? And in clear weather, there are times (in the rain) when I use my fogs to simply provide me with more light down low and wide. I can't stand when the fogs turn off because I went for high beam. I use my fogs sparingly and only when I want or need light down low and wide. But when I do, I want them to stay on.

There is a functional benefit to turning them off when you go for high beam. Your eye will naturally follow the hot spot. So if you drive with fogs on, your vision will be pulled closer to the front of the car. By turning the fogs off with high beam, you're focal point will be pulled further out and away from the car. Like I said, I use my fog lights sparingly, so I like the manual nature of mine staying on with high beam. If I want them off, I know where the switch is.
 
#33 ·
EVERY time I close my hatch I can't believe how much easier it is to do now that my windows drop and I can't believe that this is not standard programming on all Caymans. I highly recommend this one.
I recently had this (and a few other things) turned on by my dealer.

I agree that it's a wonderful thing to have on living here in California. That said, if I was still living in Chicago I would hesitate to turn this on -- I wouldn't want my interior getting rained/snowed on just because I needed something from the boot.

So, *I* like it, but I can see why it's not a default-enabled option.
 
#36 ·
Glad you like it.

BTW, an FYI for all the menus on the PIWIS have changed slightly on the latest version of the software. However, the coding is essentially the same. The difference is on selecting the PAS then Modify Coding there is a new sub menu "Comfort Functions", having selected this the previous remote/key settings remain the same as before.

When the MY09 cars arrive I will confirm these settings again.
 
#38 ·
Nick_USA -

I wanted to thank you for posting the code to change options!

I brought my 2007 Cayman over to Autobahn in Fort Worth last week, and they changed the following options at no additional charge:

Front Markers to turn signals - A must in Dallas (although no one but me uses their blinkers)

Windows roll up when holding remote when locking car
Windows roll down when holding remote when unlocking car
Windows Roll partially down when rear trunk opened (remote or inside switch).

I now actually use the rear trunk for smaller items now due to the ease of closing! Before I'd just place them in the passenger seat.

Thanks again!
 
#44 ·
Small warning on this modification. I had my car in the shop for an annual check up earlier this week. Before I left, the service manager told me, "You have a few light bulbs out. We'll take care of it". Checking the lights is part of the minor service.

I said, "Really, which bulbs, and why didn't the LCM warn me...?"

He said, "The front side marker lights, the ones you replace with clear housings, and one of the license plate lights".

I scratched my head and just went with it. Then I thought about it, and I was certain that the side marker lights would trip an error in the LCM, because I've had them out during detailing and the car warned me about them. Then it dawned on me. He turned the parking lights on, looked at them, assumed they were out because they didn't light up. I walked back into the shop and explained. Sure enough, we moved the turn signal stalk and they lit up.

No big deal, but you don't want to waist their diagnostic time. So if you do this, make sure you tell your dealer when you bring it in for service.
 
#49 ·
Nick,

I am extremely thankful for the tip below:
Windows drop by 2-3 inches when you open the rear hatch (allows you to drop the hatch shut rather than having to press on it).
I had my local pro shop set it up for me. He was surprised Porsche has this feature. Now I dont have to slam my hatch. Thanks again.
One question: my driver side window drops about 3 inches, but no action on the passenger side. I am a bit paranoid and think would it be better to drop the passenger side window instead? My theory is the passenger window needs to operate more often.
BTW, have you found the coding how to horn beep after locking the car?
 
#66 ·
My passenger's window drops 3" when hatch is open. I think that's the stock setup. It's necessary to let air out when you slam the hatch. If someone is sitting in the car while you do that with the doors closed, it'll about bust their eardrums.

I need this to even get my hatch closed because I've got it very tight so I don't get trunk clunk.
 
#55 ·
Hello Nick,

Interesting post... Question, I purchased the Durametric Professional to complete all that you have listed; however, I still have not been able to get the windows to drop when opening the rear hatch. Can this be accomplished with the Durametric Professional cable using the 6.0 software? According to some of the posts it can be accomplished. Not sure where to find Coding => Window short stroke by Lugg Comp Op => Set to release as before. Any guidance is appreciated.

Thanks,
Rocketman
 
#58 ·
Guys, I have a 2010 Boxster S that has side lights that are on when the headlights are on + blink as turn signals. I just figured this out last week, when I was waiting to turn at a corner and had a reflective window to my side. The light was solid and it started blinking when I engaged the turning signal...

I believe I would prefer these to work ONLY as turning signals because I hate their orange color when they are solid...