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2017 911 Carrera S PCM Freezing and Randomly Rebooting

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:51 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Hello everyone,

I'm experiencing a frustrating problem with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system in my 2017 911 Carrera S. Lately, it's been freezing up randomly, becoming completely unresponsive to touch, and then sometimes it just reboots itself. This can happen while I'm driving or even shortly after starting the car.

It's making navigation and media playback a real pain. I've tried turning the car off and on, but the issue keeps coming back. Has anyone else with a 991.2 generation 911 had similar PCM issues? What was the fix? Is this a known software bug or potentially a hardware problem?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:51 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent freezing and random reboots of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system in your 2017 911 Carrera S (991.2 generation) can be quite disruptive. This is a known issue across various Porsche models and can stem from several causes, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures.

Here's a diagnostic approach:

  1. Software Update:

    • The most common culprit for these symptoms is outdated PCM software. Porsche regularly releases updates that address bugs, improve stability, and enhance performance. Check with your Porsche dealership to see if there's a newer software version available for your specific PCM unit. This is often the first and simplest fix.

  2. Hard Reset:

    • You can attempt a hard reset of the PCM system. This is usually done by pressing and holding the volume knob for 10-20 seconds until the system reboots. This can sometimes clear temporary glitches.

  3. Check Fuses:

    • While less likely for intermittent issues, a loose or corroded fuse in the PCM circuit could cause power interruptions. Consult your owner's manual for the fuse box location and the specific fuse for the PCM and check it.

  4. SD Card/USB Media:

    • If you frequently use an SD card or USB drive for media, a corrupted file or a faulty card/drive can sometimes interfere with the PCM's operation. Try removing all external media and see if the problem persists.

  5. Hardware Failure:

    • If software updates and resets don't resolve the issue, it could indicate a more serious hardware problem within the PCM unit itself. Components like the internal storage, processor, or even the touchscreen digitizer can fail. In such cases, the PCM module may need repair or replacement.

  6. When to See a Shop:

    • For persistent issues, especially after trying basic resets, it is highly recommended to visit a Porsche dealership. They have specialized diagnostic tools (PIWIS) that can read specific fault codes related to the PCM, perform comprehensive system checks, and apply necessary software updates. They can accurately diagnose whether the problem is software-related or requires a hardware repair or replacement of the PCM unit.
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