earossi

Looking at the 993 maintenance checklists, the first item is to do is usually a readout of all the error codes from the car's computer. Since I plan on doing most of the maintenace on my car, I would like to pursue buying an OBD 2 tester. When I went out on the internet to research testers, I was amazed by the tons of testers available. Since I am confused by the number and a little lazy, I want to ask for recommendations from this board. So, for those of you that have purchased your own tester, what do you like and dislike about them, and what would you buy if you had it to do over? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

rusty993

I am interested in this topic as well. Especially if anyone has the Durametric set-up.

Is a Durametric the only OBD II tester that can read and re-set some of the proprietary Porsche codes?

Kika

I have the Actron 9180, while it does not tell you what the codes are, it is common knowledge that
P0410 SAI cylinders 1-3
P1411 SAI cylinders 4-6
P0300 Random misfire
P030X where X is the number of the cylinder

there are many others, and they are easily found.

Actron reads codes, allows you to reset the CEL, also tells you when the state monitors are set or not (inc)

I like it, it is easy to use and does everything I need it to.

BobbyT

I got a very inexpensive one at Costco a while back, $30 or so. It reads the codes and resets the CEL on my Lexus. The 1995 993 reads the codes itself! (What a smart car.)

ToreB

Scantool software (free and made by Rennlisters) and a simple serial or USB interface to your PC will do the trick.
Cheers,
Tore

earossi

Great! How do I access the scantool software? And, what are the features built into the software? i.e. does the software just read out codes or does it also provide a narriative description plus a way to reset the CEL? Beyond all that, are there any other neat features to the software?

ToreB

Search for scantool here on the forum, here's a couple of links:
https://rennlist.com/forums/search.php?searchid=7763486
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...-scantool.html

I also got a copy of the software on my web page.
Cheers,
Tore

IXLR8

Oh sure, now you tell me you have an OBD diagnostic interface for sale...after I built one.

Good price!

And nicely made...

Lorenfb

"the first item is to do is usually a readout of all the error codes from the car's computer. Since I am confused by the number and a little lazy, I want to ask for recommendations from this board."

And why would anyone ever consider making their own OBDII scanner
when they are readily available for $50 - $60 that provide the readiness
states and live data, in addition to reading & resetting codes for the DME ECM?

Beyond OBDII, scanner software is available from AutoEnginuity and Durametric
for other 993 ECUs, i.e. ABS, Air Bag, & the CCU.

IXLR8

Because according to everything I've read, you cannot plug an OBD II scanner, the store bought ones you are referring to, into a 1995 993 that is OBD I Certified but comes with an OBD II port factory installed.

Unless you tell me otherwise.

Lorenfb

"Because according to everything I've read, you cannot plug an OBD II scanner,"

That's correct, but the thread starter said, "I would like to pursue buying an OBD 2 tester".
Implicit in that statement and from the listing of his cars ('98 993), he needs OBDII
diagnostics. A '95 993 with a 16 pin 'D' connector for data access is NOT an OBDII car
nor should the connector really be called an OBDII connector just because it has the
form of the J1962 connector.

IXLR8

My reply was to Tore's post where on the link to his site, it appears he has a OBD reader made to fit the OBD II connector found on late '95 models.

Although I know it is a J1962 connector, because I ordered one, nowhere in forums do you see anyone refer to it by anything but an OBD II connector, unless its in a parts list.

BTW, I have an OBD II code reader for my OBD II cars.

ToreB

Thanks for the feedback Alex, I use the Scantool software and read and write all the computer components on board my 993: CCU, airbag, alarm and Motronic.
The problem with off-the-shelf cheapo OBD readers is that they only can connect to the Motronic engine control unit. That's not the case with Durametric and others, but they are in a different league with respect to pricing.
By the way, did you make your own USB-interface or the more common serial?
Cheers,
Tore

IXLR8

Serial and I bought the Serial-USB adapter.

I went over your site in detail earlier today; quite impressive.

Do you tour with your motorcycles? They looked too clean, sort of like my 1990 BMW R100 GS which has taken me to Oshkosh twice, yet still looks like a so-called garage queen.

ToreB

Thank you Alex.
I rarely have the chance to take my bikes out for longer rides I'm afraid. The SR500 is now tucked away in the basement, preserved well and the V-Max is ready in the garage, I'll take it out by April or May.
They are both in excellent condition by the way, with only about 20 000 km on the clock. The R100 is a nice one mate, a couple of my colleagues have one. They tour all summer season.
Cheers from winter Norway,
Tore