I saw a 996, it's a little drive away from me but look like it might be a decent deal.
Now for my question.
The ad says it has a cel light but it's an o2 sensor, they all say that. So I have an obd2 reader, will that work to read the cel error(s) or will I need some fancy software to do so?
I understand there may be other issues as I don't believe the IMS has been done or there could be bore scoring.

Thanks
mace

 

A standard OBD2 reader will be able to read the CEL code.

One has to wonder, if it was already diagnosed, and it's just an O2 sensor, which is easy to replace, why didn't the seller do it? I can't imagine listing a car for sale with a CEL if it could be fixed; seems like shooting yourself in the foot as a seller. Maybe the owner takes everything to a mechanic, and I guess some sellers just really wand rid of the cars, but that's the question I would ask anyway. Could be bad Cats which are expensive, could be engine running rich/lean, which could be expensive, etc.
Good luck.

EDIT: Wait, I assumed private sale. If this is a dealer I would be doubly concerned! There is nothing special about replacing O2 sensors on these cars.

 

Thanks..it's a private sale. I'm always concered when there's a cel and it seems like they ALWAYS say it's an o2 sensor.

 

I had an O2 sensor CEL which after careful research here on RL was found to be the MAF sensor, which an inexpensive Bosch replacement from Autozone corrected. The CEL codes are not always indicative of the root cause but a good start.

Ask the seller to send you a photo of the code and post it here.

 

Don't buy a car with a CEL.

 

An obdii read works for code reading on a 996. As others pointed out O2 sensors are easy but a code related to O2 sensors could point to a whole series of other things related to air/fuel or other maintenance depending on the exact code.

 

O2 sensors are not always easy to change out (ask me how I know)... if it’s not a DIY, they could get very expensive. While I certainly understand the concern, over the CEL it’s entirely possible that the current owner just doesn’t want to be bothered with changing out the sensor...

 

You could have a prepurchase inspection done. have someone who knows take a look at the car and diagnose the problem. it would give you some leverage in negotiating price.

 

First of all, it's good to know you're using good due diligence in this case and didn't fall for the banana in the tail pipe. Many people will claim the O2 sensor needs to be replaced when actually the sensor is doing it's job to alert about an emissions related fault. I've been down this road myself. I tried to convenience myself it wasn't the cats, but after throwing money at non-related things (i.e. new gas cap, new oil filler cap, new O2 sensors, etc), in the end, I had a bank#2 cat going bad. Replaced it and the CEL went away. Yes, it was expensive to replace, but it more expensive than it needed to be because of my denial.

I would recommend a Porsche specific scanner instead of a generic. Durametric is the best aftermarket scanner, but Altel and Foxwell will give you need for around $150 - $200.

 

Thank you to all of you that gave a great answer

 

So i Asked several questions being a previous 996 owner..it took him a few days to get back then told me the car was pending sale.
He never did answer the questions
Thanks to all of you

 

He found a sucker, and it was not you. Move on.