Please forgive me if the answers to my questions are already out there (I did do a search)

I have recently purchased my first Porsche (a 2026 C4S) and I like to do my own basic maintenance (oil, brakes pads/discs, brake fluid, plugs, filters). I would like the ability to do basic diagnostic of codes and ability to clear codes (ie. service reminder, airbag error from disconnecting battery, etc).

From what I've read here, Porsche has locked down the ability to use your basic OBDII scanners to do anything simple like I mentioned above and to do any of it, I would need a PIWIS 4 tool along with a PPN account and pay a hourly or daily fee. I already signed up for a PPN account so that I could in the future, download the workshop manual info for the stuff that I would do along with torque tightening specs. I have only signed up but have not paid to use it yet. I'm hoping I can pay the one day or one hour fee and download everything that I think I would need.

After saying all that, is there a PIWIS 4 kit out there that I can purchase (tool/software- using my own laptop) and using my existing PPN account to go in and clear codes, diagnose errors, etc? I'm not looking to activate anything (ie. matrix headlights), just simple basic diagnostics and clearing codes. I have read that people have had HD matrix lights activated on a 992.2 so I assume there is a kit available.

I found this link. Does anyone have any experience with it? Piwis4 Diagnostic Tool Kit Compatible with Porsche – Professional-Grad – KKS Supercar\

Thanks
Roger

 

For a PIWIS setup contact @rnlst_log , the OG of 992 PIWIS coding. Accept no imitations.

For .2 cars you will also need a PPN account and pay $17/hour to Porsche for the pleasure of resetting your oil reminder and clearing codes. Yep, it stinks.

 

still won't work, cause then you need to get a Vtester approve anyway. Can't just get a PPN account and do it. The 17/hour only give u access to the documents and etc

 

For all the reasons above l’ll never buy a locked Porsche. The 992.1 and 718 are the end of the line for me.

 

Porsche has their own app that is basically PIWIS that you download from PCSS and run on your computer. It's called VT4G (Virtual Tester), you will have to request access to it if you didn't when you signed up for PPN. The subscription time you buy for PPN works for either PCSS and / or VT4G.

All you need to make it work on your end is a PC that meets the requirements and a compatible VCI (Vehicle Communications Interface). Porsche has a list of VCI's that they recommend, the one that I was recommended and has worked well for me so far is the Tabscan T6PT3G. Also an active internet connection.

P.S. The tabscan also worked fine with BMW's service app, and I used it to service the transfer case on my Wife's PHEV X5.

 

I too am looking for something very similar. DIY person for using on my own car (which will arrive in June).

@rogeryung
can you share details of how you signed up to PPN? Web links, reference, etc..

Thanks.

 

you need to have a shop and everything and etc. It isn't easy to get . It is better if you find someone that have it jfyi

 

I think it depends on where you live. I'm in the U.S. and was able to get an account as just an owner working on my own car. For what ever reason their website isn't really set up for individual owners, and I had to have a back and forth with them when I didn't add a company name at first to my registration. I was explicit that I was just an owner trying to work on my car, and it was not a problem in obtaining an account. They told me to just put in what ever I wanted for the company name.

 

@Mike818
Can you send the website link to register, please? I searched, but was unb ale to find the registration site, I only found the login site.

 

Sure, this should work

https://pcss-tsi.porsche.com/landing...ion?country=US

When I registered for Virtual tester they asked me to also request FAZIT, so I would suggest trying that first to hopefully preempt some friction. IIRC there was some other membership* they wanted you to have for FAZIT.


*It's NASTF, and I only needed a valid email to register an account with them.

 

Wow! Just one more reason NOT to buy a 992.2.

 

When I applied, I think I just requested Virtual tester without FAZIT because I saw they wanted a TAX id number to be populated. I'm not sure I even have the virtual tester access. I logged on just now and I can't tell if I have that access or not. When you log on, does it clearly tell you what access you have?

Regarding FAZIT, did you put in a tax id number?

Thanks

 

In case ppl missed the memo, it now costs $17/h to ‘rent tools’ from Porsche. Wanna reset your oil change maintenance reminder? Wanna clear codes? Wanna code the behavior of your rear lights? Please be prepared to present a credit card.

NFW. The new cars are dead to me. I know Porsche won’t care for the few that still like to bruise their knuckles, but for me the charm of owning a Porsche includes maintaining, fixing and upgrading a product that I’ve bought and paid for. No chance I’m going to pay an endless annuity for something that was free until last year.

 

Any lawyers here - is it "legal" for Porsche to make it a requirement that you must service with them in order to fully "update" your vehicle??

 

Exactly! Being locked from service functions and/or service information is simply inexcusable and an excellent reason to NOT purchase a vehicle from any manufacturer that goes down this road.