Successful Matrix headlight activation for US Taycan

[Calbears89]

There were several threads on another site about activating full Matrix headlight functionality for US cars. I reached out to Raymond at innovativesoft.co.nz, who offers this mod, and had the programming completed this week for my 2023 Taycan GTS ST with “standard” Matrix lights (non-HD).

Communication with Raymond was handled via email and WhatsApp. He was very responsive to questions and scheduling.

He offers remote programming and can provide a PIWIS dongle, which was a major plus for me. Since I already had a spare Windows laptop, he only needed to ship the dongle. He kept me updated on the timeline and we agreed a time slot once the PIWIS was scheduled to arrive.

The setup was straightforward:

• Install TeamViewer QuickSupport.
• Connect PIWIS to the PC and OBD port when instructed.
• Reconnect after any connection drops.
• Disconnect and test.

The entire process took about 2.5 hours, though it would have been faster without the unexpected connection issues.

A quick test drive confirmed that the high beams now adjust to oncoming traffic, and I haven't had any error messages. Afterwards, I was able to drop the PIWIS off to the next customer, who happened to live nearby.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the service and the added functionality. I have no prior affiliation with Raymond or InnovativeSoft—just a happy customer.

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[Flying ace]

Interesting process. Is it worth it?

 

[ebarron]

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the service and the added functionality. I have no prior affiliation with Raymond or InnovativeSoft—just a happy customer.

If the dealer overwrites the changes in an update, is there a re-apply process?

 

[Calbears89]

@Flying ace - I like it and It should be very useful on rural roads. It’s a nice feature and annoying that Porsche (really US DOT) limits our cars, so I’m pleased to have it work as it was designed to be.

@ebarron - I asked about this. I don't know how PIWIS programming works (e.g. how modular updates are) so taking Raymond's word on it. He said that they could prevent the dealer from auto-coding that control unit, but in the event the dealer does a full configuration restore, then it would have to be reprogrammed. The main expense/hassle would be getting ahold of the PIWIS again, in my case.

 

[DerekS]

What's the difference between US matrix lights and EU?

 

[SergeyIndy]

What's the difference between US matrix lights and EU?

Derek, the hardware is the same US vs. EU. The matrix functionality is software based. This is directly from Porsche's J1.2 press release kit regarding this topic. As you know, the US configurator states that we do not get the matrix functionality with J1.1 lights having matrix able lights as an option, but with J1.2 both standard and HD version are matrix able, but disabled for US.

I have never been in a car to see matrix functionality in operation, so this is an example of how it works from Porsche press materials. The point of this photo is to help driver center in the construction narrow zone by projecting a light carpet equivalent to the car footprint - cool.

 

[DerekS]

Interesting. I have noticed that when my high-beams kick in, they animate like opening curtains.

 

[someTimesJoe]

For me on my J1.2 with HD Matrix spec, it’s pretty active on the freeway and on some street roads.
On the freeway, it does the magic carpet like that photo and if you’re near the far right lane, it’ll light up the side of the road, making signs bright and markers lit. While driving and if there are cars around, it’ll switch from the magic carpet to wide lights and you can see where it blocks out cars as they come and go into your view.
You can turn off this feature in the PCM under the assistance menu or flip the high beam stalk so the “A” function isn’t lit.

 

[ebarron]

@ebarron - I asked about this. I don't know how PIWIS programming works (e.g. how modular updates are) so taking Raymond's word on it. He said that they could prevent the dealer from auto-coding that control unit, but in the event the dealer does a full configuration restore, then it would have to be reprogrammed. The main expense/hassle would be getting ahold of the PIWIS again, in my case.

The download of PIWIS to your laptop was temporary? PIWIS is something I need to learn more about. It seems like a bunch of folks have access to it, but not sure where the hobbyist/professional line is.

 

[obiwan]

For me on my J1.2 with HD Matrix spec, it’s pretty active on the freeway and on some street roads.
On the freeway, it does the magic carpet like that photo and if you’re near the far right lane, it’ll light up the side of the road, making signs bright and markers lit. While driving and if there are cars around, it’ll switch from the magic carpet to wide lights and you can see where it blocks out cars as they come and go into your view.
You can turn off this feature in the PCM under the assistance menu or flip the high beam stalk so the “A” function isn’t lit.

For some reason I thought even on J1.2 the fancy parts of the matrix headlights were disabled. Do you remember what the setting is called? Under settings, vehicle, exterior lights I have “welcome and goodbye animation” and “automatic high beam adjustment”.

 

[someTimesJoe]

For some reason I thought even on J1.2 the fancy parts of the matrix headlights were disabled. Do you remember what the setting is called? Under settings, vehicle, exterior lights I have “welcome and goodbye animation” and “automatic high beam adjustment”.

After coding, mine has two settings.
In the Exterior lights menu, it’s “Illuminate lane on highway”.
In the Assistance menu, it’s the same but it’s listed as “Highway Light Assist” with Illuminate lane on highway right under it.

 

[obiwan]

Ah. I missed that you are J1.2 with HD Matrix spec AND the unlock/coding.

 

[Vzx]

I had it enabled on my j1 taycan (2022) about a year ago. Similar experience, took about 2 hrs (mostly due to to tech issues - finding a USB c to usb A port/dongle that works)

Matrix lights worked very well. I recently had the front windshield replaced and cameras had to be calibrated again. Coding was erased as part of the process (not sure if due to calibration or a module was changed). My coding contact will recode the car for free - just need to find time .

 

[MaxPlastix]

There were several threads on another site about activating full Matrix headlight functionality for US cars. I reached out to Raymond at innovativesoft.co.nz, who offers this mod, and had the programming completed this week for my 2023 Taycan GTS ST with “standard” Matrix lights (non-HD).

What was the total cost for doing this, all up?

 

[questionmillennium]

I was quoted $800 which I thought was a bit much. I think I can do it on my own since I have a VM PIWIS

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