Reading car info

I'm debating upgrading the CDR-220 in the Boxster to a double din unit with XM and wireless Carplay. If I get something that is 'maestro-ready', will I actually get any engine info from a 2000 car?

Additionally, where is the best location to mount the microphones that come with these units?


Andrew

If you upgrade to any system running Android it can interface with your car. Maestro ready is nice to have but not required.

I did a series of experiments with microphone placement in every conceivable location and (surprise surprise) the stock location had the best sound, even at speed with the top down.

The stock location is the little grill on the left side of the cluster. The cover pulls off and you can put a microphone in there.

Boxsterra,

You seem to have dug deeper into this than I have.

What do I need from an Android unit (harness, etc.) to read car info, and what info is actually available? It's a 25 year old car.

As far as the microphone, is there a reference you can point me to to running the cable for the microphone? What's the difficulty rating on this aspect?

I have the 2000 with the Sports Package, so I have door speakers, but no CD changer up front. Any suggestions on a reasonable package? wireless car play, XM Radio, 7" screen.

I know I'll have to trim out the front for clearance and move the AC down to the bottom - this seems all plug and play (rather than plug and pray).

Andrew

All you need to read car info is an OBD-2 reader. I use Bluetooth but you can just as easily use a USB OBD-2 cable that plugs into almost any Android head unit.

Running the microphone requires you to:
- unbolt the cluster (easy 1/10)
- pull the microphone grill off, insert microphone (usually wrapped in foam or similar to prevent movement), put grill back on (easy 1/10)
- route the microphone wire down behind the dash and over to plug into the head unit (not complicated 3/10)

The microphone placement is very satisfying because it is completely invisible and works very well considering it's a convertible.

I am happy with a 7" Android head unit I bought on Aliexpress. It supports both wired and wireless Carplay and Android Auto. To add XM radio you would plug in a separate USB device and install an app on the head unit.

I cannot recommend the seller of my unit because I was unhappy with their after-sales support (they were slow and didn't give great answers to some of my questions). You can find plenty of vendors by searching for "Android radio 986 Boxster".

Here is a pic of my setup

With the ODB2 plugged into the head unit, what info is available? There’s no TPMS, etc.

I’m interested in doing this, but not if my only info is “engine is on”

Andrew

Anyone know what info is available on a 2000 non-S?

The standard values are available on every car made since 1996 MY

So that means that any OBD-2 reader (including the $5 bluetooth ones) can read and clear engine codes and a bunch of real-time values (O2 sensor readings, fuel trims, intake air temp, etc.)

Here is an idea of what's available: [en.wikipedia.org]

None of the Porsche-specific codes or values are available with a generic reader. You need one of several Porsche-specific ones for that.

Just for fun I made a Boxster skin for Torque app and made a bunch of gauges with values read from OBD-2 and my phone. This screen isn't the best illustration but on here there are MPG (average and "instant"), RPM, MPH, bearing. I have another screen that has fuel trims and other such stuff.

Apologies for the blurry picture but I think you get the idea.





Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2026 07:46PM by Boxsterra.
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Years ago, Crutchfield in Charlottsville VA was the authority, sold units, wiring kits and did installs so they could answer questions.

Car audio

I'll give them a call - I bought everything else from them .

Andrew