Scan Tool Recommendation

[WhisperBlade]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend some kind of a scanner so that I can check and diagnose codes and clear dumb errors without taking it into the dealer or shop?

Thanks.

.C

[Richard Hamilton]

The best choice is the Durametric for DIY use, but I found this the other day: http://www.icarsofttools.com/Porsche-iCarsoft-i960-Car-Diagnostic-Scanner-Scan-Tool-Reader_p_17.html

I have the BMW version for my kids Beemers, and it is a great bit of kit. A friend of mine bought the Porsche version a few days ago, and he is very pleased with it. Check eBay, as you will find it a lot cheaper there. Unlike most cheap handheld scanners, it will read and reset fault codes on all Porsche control modules, and it will also read live data from them.

[alw911@ashburnva.net]

I have both a PST2 and a Durametric. To fully use the PST2 coding capabilities you need to have the dealer pull the IPAS codes from the car for you. Dealer charged me 1 hour labor for the IPAS codes and a carwash.

[Ahsai]

If you use an Android phone, you can get the bluetooth OBDII dongle and the Torque app for $15 or so. That lets you read and clear OBDII codes and it shows and plots real-time sensor data as well. However, it won't be able to do anything with ABS, SRS, etc. For preliminary diagnostic, it's quite handy and it's hard to beat the price also.

There's also a wifi version for Iphones but a little more expensive.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Ahsai

[Peter Villalon]

I wanted to buy one from amazon but I dont know if it will reset the maintenance light on my cayenne. Does anyone know if the torque app can do that?

http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1402243078&sr=8-6&keywords=bluetooth+OBDII+dongle

[Ahsai]

I wanted to buy one from amazon but I dont know if it will reset the maintenance light on my cayenne. Does anyone know if the torque app can do that?

http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1402243078&sr=8-6&keywords=bluetooth+OBDII+dongle

Unfortunately no, Torque app cannot reset any maintenance light. It can only reset the CEL.

[Terlingua racer]

From what i've gathered the Durametric is the one to Get (and I will be getting one) giving you the Most possibilities to read and work with the codes.

For something a little easier and usable on the go,I've been looking at this

http://www.lemurmonitors.com.

Wireless,can be kept in the car at all times and gives possibilities to monitor important data like fuel pressure,O2 values etc..can help isolate symptoms.

I'm gonna give it a try.as I'm on an iPhone.

Edited June 8, 2014 by Terlingua racer

[WhisperBlade]

Got the i960 Porsche tool. Will report back on efficacy due to CEL!

[Loren]

Got the i960 Porsche tool. Will report back on efficacy due to CEL!

Great -- some actual photos of screens would be great.

[Ahsai]

Got the i960 Porsche tool. Will report back on efficacy due to CEL!

Great -- some actual photos of screens would be great.

I'm also curious about its capability. I wonder if it can read cam deviations and also what tests/output control it can perform.

Much cheaper than durametric and has no car limits.

[WhisperBlade]

Haven't picked it up yet. (I have to drive an hour to pick it up from the shipping office) and should have it back this weekend. Will take photos.

Edited June 11, 2014 by WhisperBlade

[WhisperBlade]

Picked up the iCarsoft i960 This weekend. 

 

There's a video of the interface of this here:

 

 

Needs no batteries and plugs into the port perfectly fine.

 

I cleared a CEL Code with 4 Cylinder Misfires (Which is strange, since I JUST replaced the Cyls and Plugs about 4 months ago. Might be a weird occurence)

 

Very simple. Excellent tool! Highly recommended.

[Ahsai]

What's under "DME" for 996? TIA

[WhisperBlade]

They're all the same for all models. It'll ask for Automatic or Manual scan / diagnosis.

[JFP in PA]

Looks very interesting.  It would be interesting to force a code, say air bags, and see how it does.  Can is also reset service alerts?

[Richard Hamilton]

I don't think it will reset service indicators, which is more of a coding operation, and this is very much a scan tool.  It should read and reset codes in the other modules.  They say it will also show live data (actual values, presumably) so it should be a very handy diagnostic tool.

[JFP in PA]

I don't think it will reset service indicators, which is more of a coding operation, and this is very much a scan tool.  It should read and reset codes in the other modules.  They say it will also show live data (actual values, presumably) so it should be a very handy diagnostic tool.

 

That could be a short coming as we see a fair number of cars who's owners are looking to reset the service indicators after a DIY oil change.

[WhisperBlade]

Does not reset service indicators. Sigh. 

 

However; Still a great purchase. :)

[angusc]

I purchased the Porsche Bluetooth OBD2 scanner interface from eBay and obd2 pro from the pay store, its an so that has all the fault codes references in memory

This pdf has all the codes if you want a reference:

http://www54.zippyshare.com/v/47098905/file.html

Edited June 20, 2014 by angusc

[JFP in PA]

I purchased the Porsche Bluetooth OBD2 scanner interface from eBay and obd2 pro from the pay store, its an so that has all the fault codes references in memory

This pdf has all the codes if you want a reference:

http://www54.zippyshare.com/v/47098905/file.html

 

Unfortunately neither of these are Porsche specific, both are "generic OBD II" items, meaning they cannot access Porsche restricted code areas such as service alert reset, air bags, ABS/PSM, etc.  It will read and clear generic codes like O2 sensors, MAF, etc.

[angusc]

 

I purchased the Porsche Bluetooth OBD2 scanner interface from eBay and obd2 pro from the pay store, its an so that has all the fault codes references in memory

This pdf has all the codes if you want a reference:

http://www54.zippyshare.com/v/47098905/file.html

 

Unfortunately neither of these are Porsche specific, both are "generic OBD II" items, meaning they cannot access Porsche restricted code areas such as service alert reset, air bags, ABS/PSM, etc.  It will read and clear generic codes like O2 sensors, MAF, etc.

 

Porsche codes are also included in the App and document, have not tried but respect your advice about the Porsche restricted areas.

[clarksongli]

You know you can reset the service indicator without any scan tool right?

[JFP in PA]

You know you can reset the service indicator without any scan tool right?

 

Supposedly possible on '03's and some '04's, but apparently does not work on later models due to software changes.  I've never tired it.