Head Unit | Porsche Boxster (987.1 and 987.2) (2005 - 2012)

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Tips? Recommended steps? Share them below:

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Feedback from Don Eilenberger (The Man himself!!): The T tap connectors. I hate those things for all the reasons you showed - and for their propensity to damage wiring where it cuts into it. I use Positaps.. it's a bit expensive ($1/each sort of pricing) but in the grand scheme of things - worth considering as just a cost of doing the job simply (no redos) and right (doesn't destroy the wiring being tapped into.) It might be worth mentioning these as an alternative. RESPONSE: Adding as comment so people see this too. Adding as a link in the chapters where folks need it. The unit's name. It really doesn't have a name - most of us have been calling it the "AliExpress unit," or the company selling "HereGoes" (that brings up the connotation of "here goes nothing.." which isn't entirely misplaced.) I think a few times you referred to it as an Erasian - that might confuse people. RESPONSE: That's my mistake! I was confusing it with the Xtron. When I say Xtron I mean the Alibaba unit. Insulating the ends of cut wires - on the main harness to the unit, you took off the extra connector (as did I - but it was the other connector) just for more room behind the unit (which has REALLY gotta be tight with the MOST box) - but I seem to recall us discussing shrink-fitting the ends of those wires to keep them from shorting on something. And I saw part of the video where you were doing that, but you never explained it (that I saw.. I might have missed it..) RESPONSE: I did add a note and if you pause, you'll see me timelapse shrink wrapping it. I could have made it more clear though. The fact that the feedback is there means I need to do a better job next time. Future person, if you're reading this, you're probably already detail-oriented enough because you're doing your research, but if you haven't considered it, let me politely suggest doing the shrink wrap : )

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

@qikqbn77 says, "I installed a screen protector same day as installation. A quick tip is to install screen protector before installation so that you can remove the face plate surround. Lay down screen protector, then reinstall faceplate surround on top of that. I used a matte finish screen protector to cut down on glare. I like this unit so much, that I ordered another one for my Cayman. The only thing I modified was adding a little darker color to the plastic surround to better match the color with oem center console controls. It looks like a great match in video, but in sunlight it is just a bit lighter in color than oem parts. thanks for the video." Thank you for the insight!

[@linovaladas2553]

Priceless installation instructions for these Multimedia Players. This is an amazing effort. Thank You Very Much!

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CarlisleCullen-j2b]

Just installed my aftermarket stereo with this guide, had the bose unit - couldn't have done without the guide. Thanks so much I appreciate it and it saved me hours and hours of tinkering!

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

comments like these make it worth it! thanks for tuning into my channel

[@CarlisleCullen-j2b]

@@RuslanVideoFilms I've stumbled upon a few of your videos now for the 987 - the video quality is good, explanations and details are amazing! Such an underrated channel! Hope your growth will be explosive soon. Don't forget us when you are big :) thank you again for the help, I wish I could upload a photo here of the unit installed!

[@williamsykes2049]

Did you turn your volume to the max before installing your new head unit? I'm afraid of blowing the speakers.

[@bertharris9748]

Lovely Cocoa interior!

[@bertharris9748]

The ash tray lid just pops off?

[@dennisamsdill980]

Thank you for all of the hard work you do. This looks like it's going to be a winter project for me.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Thank you for the kind words 🫡 do share how it goes

[@qikqbn77]

Great, thank you for your thorough installation video. I installed the same unit in my 997.1 C4S and have been loving it. I installed a screen protector same day as installation. A quick tip is to install screen protector before installation so that you can remove the face plate surround. Lay down screen protector, then reinstall faceplate surround on top of that. I used a matte finish screen protector to cut down on glare. I like this unit so much, that I ordered another one for my Cayman. The only thing I modified was adding a little darker color to the plastic surround to better match the color with oem center console controls. It looks like a great match in video, but in sunlight it is just a bit lighter in color than oem parts. thanks for the video.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Added to the pinned comment!

[@porschenfreude]

@qikqbn77 how did you darken the surround ? With a wrap ?

[@qikqbn77]

@@porschenfreude ordered some spray paint from express paint. color "Dark Titanium Metallic (Trim) KR2 for Infiniti/Nissan" is a close match, but just a bit darker than original porsche trim. I had a can silver spray too if I went too dark. So with the KR2 I just did 1 or 2 very light passes from about 12 inches away. The key is to not spray too heavy and check the color match after each light spray. If you mess up and go too dark, then use the silver spray to lighten. It took me some trial and error, but now the color match is perfect and looks factory matched. Spend the time to remove plate and the lower command buttons. Not very difficult at all, but be delicate when removing buttons. There is a little light dimmer tucked into a small hole on the back of face plate. Only a little rubber piece is holding it in place. use tiny screw driver to pull little rubber piece out and light sensitivity reader pops right out.

[@ktran991]

Where were you when I was installing mine? Always appreciate your videos, so much details and organized. More comment(s) to follow once I finish the video.

[@WayneRose-h5t]

Finally finished the install -fit is great using the printed slider brackets that planet 9 user so generously provided print file for and I also bent the 4 retainer clips as per another user and now it is installed securely with no rattles when driving .To get my rear camera working properly I had to connect the trigger wire at the front harness as you did but also had to connect the trigger wire at the trunk connector to the rear back-up 12v wire . Now the struggle is getting the android set up for my everyday use which is not my strong suit. Thanks again

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Glad to hear - yeah those slider brackets work wonders

[@WayneRose-h5t]

Great details in your video-makes it an easy process for even a lesser skilled Diyer to complete the installation . I have my car apart now and am trying to get the rear camera working by hooking it up to battery power before splicing into back-up light wiring but have not been successful. Did you leave trigger wire unconnected? I've attached the front trigger wire to the harness wire as you did ? Any suggestion , I also removed a plug terminal from the discarded plug and installed in the harness slot that connects to the green wire and soldered wire to the plug to connect to can-bus accessory wire so as not have to splice into factory harness . I am also installing a front camera but same result . I have bench tested the cameras as you did and both work. I seems to me that the issue is in the head unit not recognizing the camera(s), Any suggestions? I have a 2008 Boxster S with 6 speed transmission Thanks again for your great videos -

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

It took a bit of playing around to find the right wire on the head unit to connect the trigger wire to. I *did* connect it - you have to if it's a manual and you do not if it's an automatic. If you put a voltmeter on the trigger wire, does it have 12V when the car is in reverse? My issue was a bad crimp connection to the reverse taillight. My rear camera worked on the bench but then did not when installed. It turned out it was a bad crimp connection to the reverse light. I soldered my reverse camera's power wires to the T splice to fix the issue. Thanks for the kind words and hope this helps. Let us know.

[@WayneRose-h5t]

Thanks for your response I did bench test the camera as you did and it worked .I have now completed the front camera installation and using the front camera connection to the head unit the rear camera worked so after I tidy up the front camera installation I'll have to get back to the rear back-up camera and see what I come up with- I think the issue with the front camera was mainly settings in the head unit . I am going to run the power wire for the front camera to the head unit harness that is powered when key is on -happens to be a pink wire Will let you know how it goes Thanks again

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

anytime

[@bertharris9748]

Lovely Cocoa interior.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Thank you friend

[@josephlim8941]

Good throughout video. The PCCM unit is a plug and play install.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

I bet the power on whenever you want, without having to have the key in ignition is nice (I miss that from the OEM head unit) 💪

[@AutoradioMultimedia]

Super Good 👍👍👍

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MyBoyzToyz]

Great video, helped a lot, however can you advise. I've followed all steps but my new head unit doesn't seem to go anywhere near as loud as the old PCM? I've tried the max volume tip before new unit installation but still the same. I can turn the volume up to max 35/36 clicks and it's only what I would call moderately loud but no where near the punch of the PCM2.1. Do you have any idea, how loud is yours on max volume? Thanks

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

I recall something about double amp’ing but don’t want to provide the wrong information. There was something about amp settings here: www.planet-9.com/threads/diy-on-installing-an-inexpensive-android-radio-headunit-to-replace-the-standard-cd30-radio-and-probably-the-pcm3.253949/#replies

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

Great video, I have the same head unit and I was looking to change it as I have a fault where it doesn’t have sound I think it would be the amplifier!? Would this upgrade not working until I sort the amplifier I’m assuming?? Thanks

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Yes, amp needs to be working unless you bring / swap in your own with its own audio connections. Video for another time 😎- mine is starting to conk out

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

@@RuslanVideoFilms I ended up finding I had a battery drain I did a few tests and found it was the phone control module that was faulty under the seat must have got wet in the past! Disconnected and put an optic link in and it’s working now! Great video might well do this upgrade in the future!

[@jasondoe5741]

Awesome thank you… I have BOSE and am not getting audio, any thoughts?

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

did you connect to the right wire, the ignition wire? I made a mistake with which wire I connected to first time around. is light coming out of the optical decoder box?

[@ForeverAloneModeler]

@@RuslanVideoFilms I have no light coming out of the MOST adapter. I have a 997.2 and it is a CDR-30 instead. I tried your method of finding the ignition wire on my harness on the car's side and coincidentally, it is green as well. I put my multimeter to the fibre optical connector and verified it has 12V as well so I know my crimps are good.

[@ГенаДрозд-ю3б]

Best video . Thanks

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

You’re very welcome. 👍

[@JC7119]

Does this reuse the factory microphones or does it use a built in one? Also can you wire in your own mic if you desire? Can't seem to find any info on that online.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Built in. Yes you can wire your own, it’s even encouraged, but I didn’t want to run wires into the dash. 💪

[@VidarDahl]

Installation vent grate, Thanks. I have a bit struggle with boot logo in factory set up. I have downloaded some alternatives but it don't work. I think it might be the resolution. Do any have a link to download Porsche logo with the correct resolution to put in mycar folder?

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

images.app.goo.gl/S45UohuoUbuWkomx7

[@bbnn22]

Quick question, what drill bit size did you use to create the hole for the rear view mirror at 54:04? Great video by the way. Very well documented 👍

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

I forget. I sized up the drill bit so its solid part was the same diameter as the solid part on the camera’s bolt. Big enough for the “core” of the bolt, small enough so the threads grab

[@kingmeonce241]

First I have to say thank you for this video as it has saved me a lot of money. For the life of me, I can't figure out why the radio is draining my battery. It's stays on when the key is out in sleep mode.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Which head unit model is it? Sounds like the wrong wire might have been used to tap into ignition, or the head unit is reading it wrong.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Confirming with voltmeter might help. I tapped into the wrong wire the first time around and didn't get working audio until I fixed it with my BOSE fiber optic decoder.

[@kingmeonce241]

@RuslanVideoFilms thank you, going to try over the weekend, hopefully it's an easy fix. Thought it might of been something on the factory settings that needed changing

[@qasra1]

I just installed the same unit in my 987.1 The worst thing is sound quality, i had to go with fiber optics, but compared ro OEM unit sound, its trash. It starts distortion even in low volumes, when top is off i can bearly hear the music, and if i go on high volume it starts distortion. Is it my units fault or your's is also same ?

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

I never max'd out the volume on the old system but there are some times when I wish it was louder with the top down. Doesn't sound like trash though - could be things like the wiring, the signal wires they use for the MOST Fiber Box are super thin (and crap) and could replace those, I didn't have issues but could have gotten good crap and could easily be bad wires in that unit, could be a bad Fiber Box, could be a bad unit (not past Aliexpress quality control standards tbh) Aside from volume, leaves nothing to be desired here, but I'm not an audiophile.

[@bertharris9748]

I was told this unit will not fit in a 987.2. They said the plugs were different from the 987. I sort of doubt it. Your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

I would trust the sellers opinion more because they might have more experience with this one, but I really doubt or see any reason why it should not be compatible with the 987.2. Should work

[@Liamhannam]

Can this be done on models that didn’t come with a screen head unit from factory? Thank you for the video!

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Yes, absolutely. My Cayenne had a radio. It was an even bigger difference!

[@masonleak4607]

Should this be a relatively similar process with a 987.1 Cayman? I have a 2006 S with Bose.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Virtually if not exactly identical. The Fakra radio connectors at the back might differ depending on your radio / satellite options from factory.

[@mpa1931]

I'm interested in this head unit installing this to my 987.1 Cayman but it looks really confusing, I thought this unit was plug and play from reading the reviews.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

It basically is if you don't bother with antennas or a rear camera or have Bose. Something that surprised me was the insufficient support from the clips on the sides (it wobbles without 3D printed rails..).

[@DaveWalton-cn4tp]

Really nice video well done

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Thank you !

[@WayneRose-h5t]

Sorry to bother you again but should the camera trigger wire have 12V on it when the camera power wires ( Red + and red/black -) are connected to a 12v source ? I have my back-up camera hooked up to battery to verify operation before installing and I don't have 12V at trigger wire with the ignition on so I'm thinking it may have to get power from back-up circuit or its a bad canbus box but the display in the instrument pod works. Any ideas? Thanks wayne

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

I'm 90% sure the trigger wire should have a signal on it when the rear camera activates or is activated rather than a pulse. Do you have a TV with a yellow signal wire? Can you test the camera like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIiraaeYiad6bsk

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

*Reasoning:* The head unit should detect it fine but the first step would be to make sure the camera works... cheaper to replace...

[@georgew5209]

I installed a new CarPlay Head Unit in my 05 Boxster S. It has the SPP (non-Bose) package with the amp in the frunk. I am getting sound from the door mids and dash highs. There are woffer speakers in the doors. I am not getting any sound from the woffers. Any ideas that will help me resolve this issue.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

If it was working before, sounds like a wiring issue or issue with head unit not supporting those. Would double check wiring and contact manufacturer for help.

[@frolo6054]

omg finally, a video that doesnt have a dudes face in the first second.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

a missed opportunity! Jk, thanks for commenting

[@ronbertignacio]

I downloaded the zip file for the 3d printing. There were 2 files with slightly different dimensions. Which one did you print?

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

AliExpress_987_Stereo_Mounting_Spacer_V2.stl

[@ronbertignacio]

@@RuslanVideoFilms thanks! That's what I ended up printing!

[@kingmeonce241]

Thanks!

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Thank you! *adds to coffee and car parts fund*

[@alexanderrincon1977]

Hello, I have a question when I install the radio in my Cayman, I get a white halo that disappears after a while of being on. how do I solve it.??

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Sounds like a faulty unit. Sounds like a bad LCD screen or it is installed incorrectly - it might be flexing or something is pressing on the LCD I would RMA the head unit or return it for another one

[@alexanderrincon1977]

Thank you very much, I already returned it and ordered a new one, I want to ask you another question. On the car panel, “audio off” appears, how do you fix that?

[@pafcanalysis8437]

Has anyone got a link to the headunit, had a look through and couldnt see it, thanks

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Check the thread in the description? There might be updates there (I haven’t checked recently)

[@amlucstereo]

amluc head unit

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

aliexpress head unit

[@jasondoe5741]

Thanks!

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

Thank you! I’m going to invest Super Thanks into car parts and caffeine🙏