Diagnostic with icarsoft i960

[stv]

Hi all.

I have been using the icarsoft i960 diagnostic scanner to check fault codes on my 2003 Cayenne turbo.

It will pull up codes for DME with no problems but when I try some of the other scans on areas like aircon or alarm system for example I always get a message saying unable to communicate with vehicles ECU.

I would have thought that if there was a problem communicating with vehicles ECU then I would not manage to have pulled up the codes related to the DME.

Has anybody else had similar problems with one of these scanners? I would be keen to hear of other opinions.

When I emailed the technical department they told me that I must have some sort of problem with my car.

I was thinking of buying the durametric but concerned that if I shell out the cash on this and it still does not connect with some areas of my car then its been money wasted.

Let me know what others have experienced. Thanks.

[ekstroemtj]

I have the same tool and i can tell you the device is reacting different on my 03 CS and the 05 turbo.

[JFP in PA]

Somewhere along the line, Porsche switched from a Bosch DME to one from Siemens in the Cayenne's, which may be part of your issues.   Even Durametric had some problems when that change occurred, but they have been correcting that.

[clarksongli]

icarsoft is really closer to the generic OBD2 scanners than to a piwis.  It makes an attempt at providing extra features, but falls short.  A good example is the tool cannot reset service or airbag lights.  2 pretty fundamental things you would expect from a "non generic" scanner.

 

Honestly i think durametric also falls short.  They are very similar to where Vagcom was 10 years ago or so.  Functionality is basically there, but the program itself has quirks and sometimes is unstable.

 

But bottom line, i bit the bullet and bought a used durametric.  Probably the best thing i did besides the aluminum coolant pipes haha.  You can find them for $150 or less used.  I think i bought mine for 120 with 2 VINs left on it.

 

Good luck.

Edited January 3, 2016 by clarksongli

[Richard Hamilton]

The i960 can clear airbag lights. iCarsoft now make a model called th POR-II which will also reset the service indicator.

[JFP in PA]

The i960 can clear airbag lights. iCarsoft now make a model called th POR-II which will also reset the service indicator.

 

I have read the same thing.  Only problem I see is that it is selling at a price here that is approaching the entry level Durametric system, which is much more capable.

[stv]

Ekstroemtj

This is interesting, Are there any of the scans you perform unable to communicate with vehicles ECU also?

Edited January 5, 2016 by stv

[stv]

Somewhere along the line, Porsche switched from a Bosch DME to one from Siemens in the Cayenne's, which may be part of your issues.   Even Durametric had some problems when that change occurred, but they have been correcting that.

The actual scans i do on the DME are no problem and will connect and pull the codes from this without any problems, its all the other items that the manufacturer states it reads like kessy, aircon, alarm, electric memory seats etc etc.

[JFP in PA]

 

Somewhere along the line, Porsche switched from a Bosch DME to one from Siemens in the Cayenne's, which may be part of your issues.   Even Durametric had some problems when that change occurred, but they have been correcting that.

The actual scans i do on the DME are no problem and will connect and pull the codes from this without any problems, its all the other items that the manufacturer states it reads like kessy, aircon, alarm, electric memory seats etc etc.

 

 

We use the Durametric system (Pro version) for that and have encountered very few issues over the years, most of which were specific vehicle related.

[stv]

Looks like its going to be a durametric for me then.

[JFP in PA]

We have used it for years, and it is decidedly the best thing other than one of the hyper expensive factory systems (PIWIS).  Not perfect, but pretty damned good.

[ekstroemtj]

Ekstroemtj

This is interesting, Are there any of the scans you perform unable to communicate with vehicles ECU also?

Of course you cant compare icarsoft with durametric. As written here already from JFP the Durametric pro version can perform lot more. I bought it because it was just 80 euro and i couldnt pass this offer. For serious problems - and i have a lot- i anyway go to the shop. I am not a good DiY person when it comes to difficult jobs on this car.