1pcarnut

I hate being in the dark with regards to what the codes mean so, I need to start looking in to getting one of these gadgets. Are some more user friendly, better value for the money, do more than others (like reset codes) etc?

MarkD

I bought the Harbor Freight cheapie for $40.
It reads, resets, etc. but not the most intuitive menu system. I think something was lost in the translation from Chinese to English. Anyhow, it does the job but I am sure there are better out there.

jimbo3

Get one that gives the code #'s AND the read-out text. Some only give the code #'s. A good sale price is $100 to $120. If you do a search on this forum, you might find a source for under $100.

Garth S

I have the Innova Equus 3130: it is capable of more than I will ever likely use, but is dead simple in operation, priced ~$125
Whatever you get ... if the word gets out, more pals will be dropping by: I've read and cleared codes on over a dozen different vehicles recently .
As far as reading 993 codes, works great! .... codes plus text descriptive.

MarkD

Agreed! I recently saw a friend's that has the detail readout... very cool.
If I did it again I'd spend a few more $ for the better one.

1pcarnut

Thanks guys! Garth, where did you find the Equus and what lead to you to pick that model?

Don Plumley

I've had two: The Autoenginuity PC based scanner and now an Actron 9180. The PC based device was cool, but taking the laptop out to the track, waiting for it to boot, then connecting with the car was slow. The Actron gives me all the information (freeze frame sensor data) but is easier/faster to use. Less than $100 too. The basic Actron 9125 is only $40 at Amazon - that's a deal.

Garth S

I followed a tip from a fellow Rennlister in a similar thread last spring, and already had an Innova digital timing light: there was another manufacturer that was more Porsche specific that was well recommended in previous threads here, but I can't recall their name.... likely turn up on 'Search' or I'll shoot a PM if my memory has a revival ...

Anyway, this one works ... and here is a reasonable deal, and product data on this fleabay auction.

EDIT: had I known what I was doing at the time, I would have followed the good advice in posts 6 & 13 ( Geoff & Jason) in this thread ... for it takes one beyond the DME; however, for simple code reading and resetting CEL's, there are many reasonable choices.
Duramatic was the name I was searching for - but it is $$$ and the only user report via 'search' was negative.

EckFe1

I'm looking at the Durametric enthusiasts package. I have a similar system for my VW Diesel so I'm quite familiar with how it operates. I like the laptop connection better then a simple scan tool. You have more options and it's generally better explained on what's going on.
I might not have spend enough time looking around but it seems like they know what they're talking about.

eclou

Another +1 for the Actron 9180. It is fast, does live data as well, and is CAN bus compatible with the newer Porsches as well. I got mine off eBay

Harvey Yancey

Just got the Durametric kit in the mail yesterday but have not tried it out yet.

1pcarnut

I"ve thought about getting a laptop but it's not in the budget so the Actron for under $100 sounds like what I'm looking for.

Marc Shaw

I got an Equus Innova 3130 off eBay for CDN$170 - the thing is amazing.

Marc

EckFe1

Harvey, did you buy it off their website or did you source it somewhere else? Let me know how it works for you.
Thank you,
Eckhard

North Coast Cab

I bought the Actron 9125 from Amazon for $39.99 as referenced above. Got it yesterday, plugged it in and 2 minutes later I had mode code read and cleared. Can't go wronmg if that is all your after.
Now I need to find a new gas cap for my Tahoe.