earossi

I have decided to investigate upgrading from a simple code reader for the OBD2 system to technology that allows you to better trouble shoot systems. I have done a little research on both the Durametric and Autoenginuity software packages that are available to run on a PC and wonder what other Rennlisters have been using.

In particular, I am interested in the most cost effective way to troubleshoot systems such as the HVAC system, the motor management system, and other accessories on the car that are instrumented. Which system is best documented and is user friendly?

Opinions? I asked my local indy. He was not familiar with the Durametric but actually purchased the Autoenginuity system and says that it is to generic to really be of use. That may be because he has not purchased all the many modules that are car specific (I did not ask).

clvig

I have the Durametric and been using it for years in my opinion its the best
obd2 and odb1 tool for porsche, and it does let you check each of the modules.

911Dave

+1 for Durametric.

hoggel

I have the Durametric and have been disappointed with it for the 993. Maybe it's because I'm used to the vagcom for vag cars. It is a FAR better product. When I need to just read codes on a 993 I use the vagcom in generic mode over the Durametric. I had some airbag module issues with my car and the Durametric would not do more than read the codes. It wouldn't reset the faults and when I bought the new AB module I had to have the dealer program it for the 993 with the Porsche tester. Durametric wouldn't do it. I haven't been able to get the Durametric to do any initiated tests, like SAI and tank venting, that the PS2 will do.

The Durametric did pay for itself when my wife's Boxster stereo quit. The dealer said she needed a new headunit and they wanted $200 for install labor. The caode, as read by Durametric, said amplifier. I bought the amplifier from Sunset for about $300 less than retail, installed it myself, and the stereo works.

EDIT!! My comments are only applicable to Durametric version 5. As clvig pointed out below version 6 (completely new software) now has 993 functions. I haven't tried it yet.

clvig

have you tried the 6.0 ver.? i find it works much better than the 5

ToreB

The Scantool freeware made by Rennlisters is a great OBD tool for the 993. Easy and fairly intuitive SW interface. Works with all the 993 electric control units.
Either make your own serial port adapter or purchase a ready-made with USB connection. The software can be found here on Rennlist, or download from my web site.
Cheers,
Tore

Stealth 993

I totally agree with you coming from Vagcom. But you also got too remember Audi's ECU's are WAY smarter then ours. I don't have to use it as much either Porsches hardly ever throw a CEL, my Audi almost did it weekly.

hoggel

I have not. Thank you for the tip. The last time I had looked at the Durametric site version 6 did not support the 993. I see that it does now. I just downloaded ver 6 today but haven't used it yet.

Chris M.

Link is dead. Anyone have a good one?

ToreB

My former web host packed in, here's my new product page.
Cheers,
Tore

IXLR8

Ernie, I recently bought a Durametric Enthusiast Kit. In the end I decided upon it over the Professional Kit simply because features of the Professional Kit do not apply to the 993 and I can always sell the Enthusiast kit for 2/3 or 1/3 of the kit price (its good for three VIN numbers).

In a reply from Durametric...
I only had one fault code in the HVAC, something I'll address over the winter.