Plenum

Plenum

(originally posted on 6speedonline.com 8/30/2014)

Objective of this DIY is to remove the PCM "head unit" and touch-screen from the dash of my 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

Consider this a prep project for a Rear Video Camera install DIY (see other posts), as these are the steps you will need to follow to install an interface like the NAV-TV PCM3.1XG-CAM video source. Actually, you would need to follow these steps for just about ANY installation requiring interface with the PCM dash unit!

(If you want to simply skip to the end where there are pics of the rear of the PCM unit / wiring, Go To Part 2.)

The entire process of removing 2 trim pieces and screws holding the PCM unit in place took approx 30 minutes -- a lot less if you aren't stopping to take pictures! First time you remove the trim pieces go slow, take your time...

First, make sure you have the following tools ready:

T-25 Torx

Nylon / Plastic Interior Trim Tools

Soft towel or other cloth (you will want to cover the console / shifter area when you pull the PCM head unit out of the dash)

NOTE: Although you'll notice my unit has power during the DIY, I would recommend that you disconnect battery / power so that you don't run into any electrical "issues" while pulling the unit out. Also make sure you are grounding occasionally to something metal, not just the PCM housing....

First, put your seats as far back as they'll go, put on some good tunes, and start to remove the trim panels on each side of the center tunnel. These pieces in my case are covered in leather, so I was very careful not to do anything to scratch them.

Also note that these pieces can also be tricky to remove. DON'T be too forceful and simply yank it off, as there are a couple of tabs/pins that can break-off. Once that happens I don't think there is much you can do to fix, and you may end-up with a squeaky center console or something!

Let's get started!

Here's a pic of the console area in my car. On my '14 C4S I've got leather surfaces and PDK. You may find it easier to pull the PCM unit out if you move the gear selector back, but you don't have to.... if you are very careful and have small hands!

Another pic of the area

Start at the smaller, pointed end near the center console storage bin, and carefully work the tension tabs out of each connection point moving towards the dash. Using the trim tools is a huge help. I found that wedging behind the trim and gently pushing out away from the console worked well, and for the last tab close to the dash putting the tool in from the bottom and pushing out while pulling towards me helped a lot!

I started on the left, or driver's side...

You need to be very careful not to just yank the panel straight-out away from console, as there is a hook-tab that is very easy to snap-off if you don't work it backwards out of it's retaining hole first....