Bulletin #: 2117

Advanced Technical Information

Part ID: 9940

9

Porsche Connect Cannot Function if SOS LED is Not Lit Green
Vehicles Affected
Models

Model Year

Model Type

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

Taycan

As of 2020

Y1A, Y1B

N/A

N/A

911

As of 2022

992

N/A

N/A

Cayenne

As of 2022

9YA, 9YB

N/A

N/A

Panamera

As of 2022

971

N/A

N/A

Revision History
Revision

Release Date

Changes

0

July16, 2021

Original document

Condition
One or all of the following conditions exist:
•
Porsche Connect services do not function
•
SOS LED in the overhead console is off or flashes red
•
The Breakdown Call button does not function
•
The News and Weather tiles are missing in the PCM Central Display
•
The navigation satellite map view cannot be activated
•
Log in button grayed out on the Taycan when attempting to
log in with Porsche ID and Password with red SOS.
•
Add account button displayed greyed out with red SOS

Figure 1

Technical Background
The MIB3 infotainment system with Porsche Connect services was first introduced in Model Year 2020 Taycan, and
expanded to 2022 911 (992), Cayenne (E3), and Panamera (G2-II) models. The Connect control unit in this system
(Part ID 9196) utilizes an embedded SIM (eSIM) that is not preregistered to a specific US mobile network in
production. Therefore, the network must be registered and paired during the Vehicle Handover/PDI process. For
comparison, Connect services in 2021 and older 992, E3, and G2-II utilize an eSIM that is preregistered to a US
mobile network in production.

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Bulletin #: 2117

Advanced Technical Information

Part ID: 9940

9

Service Information
Since the MIB3 system utilizes an eSIM that is not preregistered at the factory, the eSIM must go through a
“Registration and Pairing” (R&P) process once Flight Mode is deactivated in the Connect Control Unit (Part ID 9196,
also known the ConBoxHigh or Emergency Call Control Unit). The R&P process typically takes 5 to 20 minutes under
ideal conditions, but often requires a subsequent sleep cycle. In some cases, this process can take a few hours
depending upon the signal strength and the backend system availability. Once the eSIM has completed the R&P
process, the SOS light in the overhead console will turn green.
With the prior system (MIB2+ in 2021 and older 992/E3/G2-II, for example), the SOS light turns green almost
immediately after flight mode is deactivated because the R&P process had already occurred when the vehicle exited
production. With the new MIB3 system, the R&P process will always take longer compared to prior systems.
In most cases, the SOS indicator will turn green after the initial test drive following the PDI, or after the vehicle has
had time to go through a sleep cycle of at least 30 minutes.
The steps immediately below explain at a very high level how the R&P process works for MIB3 vehicles.
This complex process is why the R&P can take longer than in previous vehicles with the MIB2+ system.
Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:
Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 6:

Step 7:

Flight Mode is deactivated during the Vehicle Handover process at PDI, and the Connect control unit with
eSIM wakes up
The eSIM attempts to connect to a 3rd Party service provider in Europe called Cubic using a roaming data
connection that utilizes AT&T or T-Mobile networks. If there is poor AT&T or T-Mobile service in the immedi-
ate area (inside the service bay, for example), then this step could fail until the car is moved to an area with a
stronger AT&T or T-Mobile signal.
After the vehicle registers with Cubic, the device receives an eSIM profile for the local Verizon network
Once the Verizon profile is downloaded, the device will disconnect from AT&T or T-Mobile and attempt
registration to Verizon’s LTE network. If there is poor Verizon service in the immediate area (inside the ser
vice bay, for example), this step could fail until the car is moved to an area with a stronger Verizon signal.
A long sleep cycle of 30 minutes or more may be needed at this point.
Next, the Verizon profile is successfully downloaded. The device will inform Cubic that it is setting Verizon as
the default network connection.
Cubic will then activate the Wi-Fi profile for the device along with a dealer demo mode in the Porsche Con
nect backend. This provides Real-Time Traffic Information and the media source Online Radio, for example.
Lastly, the MIB3 system should download the relevant Porsche Connect licenses. At this point, barring any
issues in the backend systems, the SOS light should turn green.

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Bulletin #: 2117

Advanced Technical Information

Part ID: 9940

9

If you experience issues with the activation process, it is recommended to perform the following steps:
1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

7.

If the SOS light does not turn green after a test drive or after the car has been through a long sleep cycle fol
lowing the test drive, then allow the car to sit outside with the ignition on and the engine running – or with
driving readiness established in Taycan – for 20 to 30 minutes. If this has already been done, then proceed
to the next step.
Perform a vehicle sleep cycle of 30 minutes or more. To do this, disconnect the PIWIS Tester VCI, roll up all
windows, close all doors and lids, and lock the vehicle using the key remote. Doing this will allow the car to
go to sleep faster. Store the key at least 10 meters (30 feet) away from the vehicle to ensure it does not
prompt the vehicle to stay awake.
After 30 minutes, unlock the car, turn on the ignition, and check the status of the SOS light.
If the SOS light does not turn green, then perform the function “Deactivate Flight Mode” using the PIWIS
Tester again and repeat steps 1-3 a second time.
If the SOS does not go green after the second time through steps 1-3, please perform a capacitive dis
charge by disconnecting the vehicle 12V battery from the vehicle electronics. It should not be required to
remove the backup battery from the ConBoxHigh as long as the capacitive discharge is performed for
60 seconds or more while there is no active emergency or roadside service call in the vehicle.
Let the car sit for 60 seconds with the 12V battery disconnected, then reconnect the battery and turn on
the ignition/re-establish driving readiness.
Check the status of the SOS light. If the SOS light still does not turn green, contact Porsche Connect Sup
port by emailing connect.help@porsche.us.

Warranty
This ATI is informational only and not applicable to any Porsche Warranty. This procedure is a necessary part of the
vehicle handover / pre-delivery inspection process.
Search Items
Taycan, 911, Cayenne 992, E3, MIB3, Connect

Important Notice: Technical Bulletins issued by Porsche Cars North America, Inc. are intended only for use by professional automotive technicians who have attended Porsche service training courses. They are
written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some Porsche vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of a vehicle. Porsche special tools may be necessary in
order to perform certain operations identified in these bulletins. Use of tools and procedures other than those Porsche recommends in these bulletins may be detrimental to the safe operation of your vehicle, and
may endanger the people working on it. Properly trained Porsche technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do the job properly and safely. Part numbers listed in these bulletins
are for reference only. The work procedures updated electronically in the Porsche PIWIS diagnostic and testing device take precedence and, in the event of a discrepancy, the work procedures in the PIWIS Tester
are the ones that must be followed.

G13864
©2021 Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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