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How to enable InnoDrive using PIWIS III

Forum evidence supports a Cayenne E3 PIWIS research workflow and one ALK success, but not a proven InnoDrive enablement procedure; hardware, variants, and tool limits remain unresolved.

General June 10, 2026
4 sources 47 pages 685 source posts 17 used posts

Source discussion

Best target-specific ALK/InnoDrive result

Most important owner outcome: ALK coded on a 2019 TSE, but InnoDrive failed with DTC/unavailable state

S1Best target-specific ALK/InnoDrive resulti386_64Sep 2, 2024, 5:58 PM UTCView post #20161598

...really easy to make the coding with PIWIS 3 / INNODRIVE_NOT_AVAILABLE DTC....

My 2019 TSE got ACC and LKA from the factory. Clever Porsche engineers omitted ALK for some reason.

Anyhow, it was really easy to make the coding with PIWIS 3. But we weren�t successful on the InnoDrive side of the things. We enabled the relevant adaptations but it gave us INNODRIVE_NOT_AVAILABLE DTC and although there was an option of PID, it was grayed out.

I enabled RCTA, automatic parking and garage assistant as well.

I didn�t put the details here, but I can definitely add more if it�s needed.

Clarified automatic coding steps

Repeats the option-coding route with F12, Ctrl-A, automatic coding, and read/erase codes

S2Clarified automatic coding stepsJohn MclaneDec 28, 2020, 4:09 AM UTCView post #17127263

...pass two screens (F12), select al the modules (ctrl A)....

[Quoted post] Originally Posted by runbuh I have a dual-boot 39.7/39.8 system. From what I've been reading, only 39.7 and prior supports Mode E (for coding). 39.7 presents me with pretty much nothing in the coding section on my 2019 Cayenne. On my 2021 GTS, which I only tested for a few minutes, I do recall seeing the Auto Start/Stop setting, but not much else, under DME.
Additional menu, at the bottom to the right changes the car optionals. Choose maintenance car data. You could (for research purposes only) change the option code to 8G4 - matrix headlights and change the auto start stop to not installed (gets rid of all of it). This menu is only accessible (as far as I could) with the car connected. Innodrive is 3L1 if I'm not mistaken. From there, pass two screens (F12), select al the modules (ctrl A) and hit automatic coding. Sit back and freak out for a bit. Once it's done, read and erase all codes. I take pictures of whatever I try to code so I can bounce back. Also, one or two options at a time, it's time consuming but I'm paranoid. This method takes 30-40 min, more on the 992 than the Cayenne.

zFAS/PACCh variant clue

Only selected post naming two PIWIS InnoDrive configuration values, while warning the explanation is low confidence

S3zFAS/PACCh variant cluei386_64Sep 2, 2024, 5:58 PM UTCView post #20163827

...PIWIS has two configuration values for enabling InnoDrive....

[Quoted post: 20162151] Originally Posted by fifthBro @i386_64 I enabled ALK as well as described here https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...l#post19727228 but interested in the details on RCTA, automatic parking and garage assistant.
I�ll post the steps when I get the car back, it�s being serviced at the moment. 2021-2023 vehicles have a different interface for achieving InnoDrive functionality. They use a subsystem called PACCh. PIWIS has two configuration values for enabling InnoDrive. One is InnoDrive with zFAS, and the other is InnoDrive with PACCh. 2019-2021 vehicles have no GRA module, so no PACCh. Instead, that behaviour is implemented by zFAS module. 9Y0907183C is an example for PACCh ECU. 2019 doesn�t have that. Note that this module ECU has write protection, overwrite requires significant knowledge of embedded electronics. 2021-2023 users have less luck. InnoDrive with zFAS fails with the error I mentioned before. I�ll continue searching for it. I didn�t try autocoding all the ECU modules with market spec change since I don�t have a trickle charger. I�m not an expert, just trying to understand what�s going on, take it as a grain of salt.

Can InnoDrive be enabled by coding on a 2019 Cayenne?

The strongest direct attempt failed, while other posts describe possible retrofits or software feasibility without reproducible public steps

S6Can InnoDrive be enabled by coding on a 2019 Cayenne?ThomasWSheaSep 2, 2024, 5:58 PM UTCView post #19628514

...no list of parts and no list of steps to follow...

i believe you will need a new steering wheel. i am not sure what other parts. the other issue is dealers cannot make coding changes yet, last i knew. plus, there doesn�t seem to be anyone who knows how to add the feature. no list of parts and no list of steps to follow.

S8Can InnoDrive be enabled by coding on a 2019 Cayenne?i386_64Sep 2, 2024, 5:58 PM UTCView post #19632220

...Software side... a competent mechanic with PIWIS software can do it...

I used to have an S-Class and it had Distronic Plus. I bought my 2020 Cayenne without Innodrive, but ACC and LKA. I bought it used, didn�t have many options with InnoDrive (PID). Shortly after that, I started doing some research about how to fit it. It�s doable. Cost-wise � sigh, it�s not that feasible. If you have the ACC, LKA and LDA, but not the PID, you�ll need to replace/install the following.
  • Front camera, though they look very similar, PID camera has better sensor quality
  • capacitive steering wheel,
  • stalk for PID.
The list might not be exhaustive. I�m gonna do it sometime, but not now. Software side of the things � a competent mechanic with PIWIS software can do it. I don�t know anyone who can do that in the UK, there should be some in the US for sure, but I know it�s doable because I�ve seen examples on Cayennes and Panameras in Turkey. In fact, last week I spoke to someone about this, he quoted me the parts and the labour, and asked only for the subscription cost to use PIWIS. TLDR; doable and not hard. PS: Middle east is pretty nice for retrofit. I�ve seen a 2007 S-Class with 2022-2024 interior/exterior. It�s just mad.

How owners identify whether InnoDrive/ALK is present

For shopping or pre-checks, owners suggest PCM/cruise-control software menus and stalk behavior as stronger evidence than exterior photos. Front radar may...

S11How owners identify whether InnoDrive/ALK is presentWoofmanNov 23, 2023, 10:05 AM UTCView post #19127620

...press one of the buttons on the cruise control stalk...

I don't think you can tell by just looking at the exterior or interior whether a Porsche has InnoDrive. I think you have to look either at settings in the central PCM screen or press one of the buttons on the cruise control stalk (the lower stalk on the left of the steering wheel) to see if its shown in a pop-up menu in the instrument cluster which is how its enabled. The presence of the big "eye" radar unit in the front bumper will at least tell you if it has adaptive cruise control which also comes with InnoDrive.

It's possible to tell by looking externally if a Cayenne has Night View Assist by looking for its camera on the lower left of the front bumper but the camera is difficult to see. And it's possible to determine whether there's a head-up display by looking for the large indentation in the top of the cowl over the instrument cluster.

When I was looking for a new Cayenne with InnoDrive in summer 2022, I found that it wasn't always mentioned in vehicle listings on the local dealer's website. I had to visit the dealership to find out. They had something like ten in-stock new Cayennes at the time but only two had InnoDrive. Both were base Platinums and equipped identically except for exterior color and that one had air suspension and the other didn't.

S12How owners identify whether InnoDrive/ALK is presentdaveo4porscheNov 23, 2023, 10:05 AM UTCView post #19128242

...if they are present as options your vehicle has ALK/ACC/Inodrive...

[Quoted post: 19127436] Originally Posted by mxp0 Hi, When shopping/looking for a used model 2019 and up Cayenne (incl. e-Hybrid model), is there a visual way to know if the vehicle comes with Innodrive/ALK/driver assistance package? Generally, when a used car dealer posts the pictures up, what physical clues can I look for to know if the Cayenne has the Innodrive/ALK/driver assistance package present? Does the steering wheel have specific alphabets like "ALK enable" on the switches? Is there an icon on some of the mechanical switch? I noticed, on the steering wheel, on the bottom right quadrant, there is a circular switch which I assume is the cruise control but it doesn't show anything or signs of ALK for example.... I suppose, the worst case scenario is that I have to call the dealer up and ask them to email me the options list from the vehicle? Thank you for any advice!
you can see if there are sensors on the front bumper and if you're good enough there might be visible differences in the camera packagse top-dead center on the windshield but there are two ways for sure:
  • build sticker for your vehicles vin
  • you can sit in the driver's seat and fuss with the cruise control stalk and press the "mode" button - but also the stalks are different for ACC/Innodrive - in that they have a toggle switch to control the follow distance integrated into the stalk - basic cruise control stalks lack the integrated toggle switch for follow distance adjustment
but that doesn't help for ALK - so the best way is to get into the settings for cruise control and see if ALK/ACC/Innodrove are software configuration options in the settings - if they are present as options your vehicle has ALK/ACC/Inodrive, if there are no options then your vehicle lacks those features.

ALK success versus InnoDrive failure

ALK has one stronger owner report of PIWIS 3 coding success on a 2019 Turbo S E-Hybrid with factory ACC and LKA. That report should not be generalized to...

S14ALK success versus InnoDrive failuredomino_zSep 2, 2024, 5:58 PM UTCView post #20161969

...you have to select it in assistance menu when you have cruise active...

LKA just bounces you off lane edge

ALKA is guided steering to keep you in center of lane when you have cruise control active

I optioned ALKA on my 2025 Cayenne and thought Porsche forgot to include it as you have to select it in assistance menu when you have cruise active

it puts a steering wheel icon in the centre rev counter and hud, and turns green when active

compared to my 2025 m3 wagon, it feels like Gen 1 tech, it�s pretty crap actually and I wouldn�t option it or Inno on any future p car build

VAL comparison and verification workflow

Several posts point toward comparing PIWIS-generated VAL files from known-equipped and target cars as a research/verification method. One user warns clone...

S16VAL comparison and verification workflowputekJan 30, 2022, 7:42 PM UTCView post #18498317

...If someone has VAL file from car with innodrive...

Rear cross traffic alert activation (RCTA) (only if you have LCA)Rear Radar S1 (Lane Assist Right) Kodierwert: Bitfield Rear_Cross_Traffic_Alert : with_RCTA Rear Radar S2 (Lane Assist Left) Kodierwert: Bitfield Rear_Cross_Traffic_Alert : with_RCTA ZFAS (Assist) Kodierwert: Bitfield (3) FW_RCTA : installed PSM (ESP) Kodierwert: Byte 12 Rear Cross Traffic Alert : ja / an If someone has VAL file from car with innodrive (created by piwis III) I would try to compare all codings and prepare some instructions for you. Please send PM

Related context

  • PIWIS III coding fundamentals gives general background for this subject. This page still relies on the target-specific source discussion below for feature-specific settings and outcomes. Forum reports treat PIWIS III coding as high risk owner work: use strong external power, capture before/after evidence, avoid broad auto coding unless target evidence supports it, and expect version/restore uncertainty. Sources: [11] [12] [13] [14]

Evidence-backed takeaway

Common report: the threads support a general Cayenne E3 PIWIS III option-coding workflow, but they do not prove a complete InnoDrive enablement procedure. The strongest target-specific report says a 2019 Turbo S E-Hybrid with factory ACC and LKA could code ALK, while InnoDrive stayed unavailable with INNODRIVE_NOT_AVAILABLE and a grayed-out PID option S1.

Conflicting reports: one poster says retrofit work is doable with the right parts and PIWIS support S8, while another says there was no public parts list or step list S6. Treat the current evidence as a field guide for research, not a confirmed “turn it on” recipe.

Procedure

This is the owner-reported research flow from the source threads. It is not a verified InnoDrive activation procedure.

  1. Confirm the car already shows the right assistance-system baseline in the PCM or cruise-control menus; owners preferred software-menu checks and cruise-stalk popups over exterior photos alone S11, S12. Sources: [7] [8]
  2. If using PIWIS III for option-coding research, use the reported Cayenne E3 route: Additional menumaintenance car data, then move through the next screens with F12 S2. Source: [2]
  3. If changing option coding, preserve before/after evidence first; the reported workflow used photos of attempted settings so the owner could “bounce back” S2. Source: [2]
  4. After changing optionals, the reported workflow was to select all modules with Ctrl-A, run automatic coding, then read and erase all codes S2. Source: [2]
  5. Verify the result in the vehicle menus and fault memory. For the key 2019 TSE report, ALK was coded but InnoDrive failed with INNODRIVE_NOT_AVAILABLE, so a successful coding run alone did not prove working PID/InnoDrive S1. Source: [1]
  6. If researching missing coding differences, compare a PIWIS-created VAL from a known InnoDrive car against the target car when available; one owner specifically proposed comparing all codings from an InnoDrive VAL S16. Source: [10]

Reported settings and paths

Module/menu path Reported value Notes Source
PIWIS Additional menumaintenance car data Option-coding route General Cayenne E3 option-coding path, not InnoDrive-specific proof. S2 [2]
PIWIS automatic coding after maintenance-car-data changes Select all modules with Ctrl-A; automatic coding Reported follow-up after option changes, then read/erase codes. S2 [2]
InnoDrive option code 3L1 Single report, phrased as “if I’m not mistaken”; needs verification. S2 [2]
PIWIS InnoDrive configuration InnoDrive with zFAS Single low-confidence owner report; the 2019 attempt using zFAS still failed with the earlier error. S3 [3]
PIWIS InnoDrive configuration InnoDrive with PACCh Single low-confidence owner report, described as a possible 2021-2023 interface difference. S3 [3]

Hardware and applicability checks

Check Confidence What the sources support Source
Existing ACC and LKA Common report The strongest ALK success/InnoDrive failure car had factory ACC and LKA; other posts also treat assistance hardware as prerequisite context. S1 [1]
PCM or cruise-control menu presence Common report Better shopping/pre-check evidence than exterior photos alone; still not proof that retrofit coding will work. S11, S12 [7] [8]
Front camera, capacitive steering wheel, PID stalk Needs verification Listed as likely retrofit hardware by one owner, with an explicit warning that the list may be incomplete. S8 [6]
zFAS versus PACCh Needs verification One owner reports different PIWIS values and possible model-year/module differences, but labels the explanation low confidence. S3 [3]
ALK versus InnoDrive Single report ALK activation and full PID/InnoDrive activation are separate outcomes; ALK success did not carry InnoDrive success in the main report. S1, S14 [1] [9]

PIWIS version, hardware, and access

Item Confidence Reader-facing implication Source
PIWIS III option coding Common report Owners report a broad Cayenne E3 option-coding flow, but not a confirmed InnoDrive activation result. S2 [2]
PIWIS 39.7 / Mode E Conflicting reports One user reported reading that only 39.7 and earlier supported Mode E, but also found little coding data on a 2019 Cayenne. [15]
PIWIS 41.5 E mode Adjacent evidence only The detailed selected 41.5 E-mode path is for ZFAS/Surround View coding, not InnoDrive. [16]
Clone PIWIS / VAS 6154 VAL files Single report VAL comparison may be limited because clone PIWIS units with VAS 6154 were reported not to create VAL files. [17]

Forum disagreements

Can coding alone enable InnoDrive? Conflicting reports. The most direct target attempt ended with INNODRIVE_NOT_AVAILABLE S1. Another owner says a retrofit is doable with parts and PIWIS support S8, while a skeptical post says there was no known parts list or step list S6.

Which hardware is required? Needs verification. ACC/LKA appear repeatedly in the discussion, but the complete list is unresolved. The candidate list of front camera, capacitive wheel, and PID stalk comes from one owner who said it might not be exhaustive S8.

Which PIWIS version or module path matters? Needs verification. The packet has version and E-mode reports, but no selected source establishes a required PIWIS version for InnoDrive. The zFAS/PACCh split is useful variant evidence, but it comes from one cautious owner explanation S3.

Official reference context

The NHTSA-hosted Porsche material in this packet does not document InnoDrive or ALK activation. It only supports broad context that Porsche retrofit/service instructions can involve PIWIS Online vehicle-order writing, control-unit coding/programming, and fault-memory clearing in other Cayenne retrofit contexts. For example, the sports-exhaust bulletin says vehicle data is written to the vehicle and then new equipment is coded/programmed, but that bulletin is for sports exhaust, not driver assistance coding: [18]

Cited source posts

18 sources
  1. [1] Rennlist post 20161598
  2. [2] Rennlist post 17127263
  3. [3] Rennlist post 20163827
  4. [4] Rennlist post 19727228
  5. [5] Rennlist post 19628514
  6. [6] Rennlist post 19632220
  7. [7] Rennlist post 19127620
  8. [8] Rennlist post 19128242
  9. [9] Rennlist post 20161969
  10. [10] Rennlist post 18498317
  11. [11] Rennlist post 17051085
  12. [12] Rennlist post 17454557
  13. [13] Rennlist post 18510008
  14. [14] Rennlist post 18515170
  15. [15] Rennlist post 17127163
  16. [16] Rennlist post 20552659
  17. [17] Rennlist post 18519342
  18. [18] static.nhtsa.gov source 18