Many Porsche 981 owners dream of enabling the coveted Sport Plus mode. While adding the physical button is straightforward, activating the feature through PIWIS II remains a challenge. This article explores the intricacies of this process, delving into the communication systems within the vehicle and potential solutions for enabling Sport Plus.
The Elusive BKE Activation Code
Numerous coding services offer solutions for PCM radio activation, but the BKE (A/C unit) Sport Plus activation code remains elusive. The question arises: has anyone successfully activated Sport Plus via PIWIS II? Could the feature be dormant within the system, requiring only the button and proper coding to function?
One theory suggests that leaving the BKE from a donor car with active Sport Plus in its original state, without updating the VIN, might enable the functionality. However, this remains unconfirmed.
Deciphering the Data Flow: LIN and CANbus
Understanding the data flow within the 981 is crucial for cracking the Sport Plus code. The Center Console Button Module communicates with the BKE via a single LIN (Local Interconnect Network) data line. This simple bus transmits data regarding switch positions. An oscilloscope reveals communication between the module and the BKE, but this LIN data doesn’t travel further.
The BKE, in turn, communicates with the vehicle’s Gateway Module using two CANbus (Controller Area Network) lines: HIGH and LOW. This suggests the BKE translates button presses into CANbus commands, but only if the function is authorized. This raises a key question: can we bypass the BKE and send the necessary CANbus command directly?
Exploring CANbus and Potential Solutions
Research on other Porsche models reveals the existence of CANbus PIDs (Performance Information Data) for Sport and Sport Plus, indicating their status: OFF, Sport, or Sport Plus. While some CANbus data is accessible via the OBD port, accessing expanded data requires tapping into the CANbus lines at the Gateway or BKE.
This leads to several potential avenues for enabling Sport Plus:
- Identifying 981 CANbus Commands: Discovering the specific CANbus commands for Sport and Sport Plus in the 981 is paramount.
- Forcing Commands: Once identified, can these commands be forced, potentially bypassing the BKE via the internal CANbus lines?
- Arduino Solution: Could a custom Arduino circuit read the LIN data from the button module and then send the corresponding Sport Plus CANbus command? This would require advanced electronics expertise.
- OBD Tool Manipulation: An OBD tool capable of sending CANbus commands directly to the vehicle might offer a solution.
Unlocking Sport Plus in the 981 requires further investigation into CANbus communication and potentially bypassing the BKE. While the solution remains elusive, continued exploration of these possibilities may pave the way for enthusiasts to activate this desirable feature. Collaboration with individuals possessing advanced electronics knowledge and access to specialized tools will be crucial in moving forward.
