I have just bought my first Porsche, a 2001 'C2' Coupe and am wanting to buy a code reader.

I am thinking of buying a OBD II?/CAN code Scanner with Text display from HarbourFreight (current price $65).
Being a 'newbee' could anyone please advise on the following basics :
--- Is this Code reader compatable with my car ?
--- Does anyone have one of these readers, and if so, it it worth having, and does it work well ?
--- Are the DME 7.2 Engine and Text Codes the correct ones to reference for my car ?

I realise that these will be basic questions to most of you, but I would rather ask and play safe.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

I was throwing a CEL today and just drove by an AutoZone and borrowed theirs. They loan it out to you to go plug into your car and print out the error codes. I'm not sure how often you'd really need a code reader is they're available at Autozone for nothing......they do have to charge your crdit card $150 so that if you run off with it they can charge you...but when you walk back inside, theer's a credit to the debit waiting for you. Mine threw a P1123.....I think it's the MAF....will be cleaning the MAF and Throttle Body out tomorrow.

 

I bought from these guys http://www.durametric.com and have been very happy with their product. It's $250 but they do software updates and it's way easier than taking your car to the dealer to reset the stupid airbag light everytime it goes off.

I've changed my seats out (airbag light), changed out the steering wheel (airbag light) and just driven around (airbag light!) so I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of it.

The software also included datalogging functions which is a nice bonus.

 

I just bought the Harbor Freight OBD II reader for $65. It reads and erases the codes no problems. Over the years I have found that Porsches and Audis all seem to have a propensity for showing the Check Engine light a bit too much for nothing. I realize I won't be using the reader very often, but it is nice to not have to run out and pay someone to read the code for me.

 

I bought a $40 reader after reading a similar thread. I had never had the need to use one, but I figured it wouldn't be a bad thing for the toolbox. Within 2 days of it arriving, my Jeep Cherokee showed a CEL - it was the 2 forward 02 sensors, and I replaced them myself. That $40 saved me a lot of running around, and best of all, I knew what the problem was from the start, instead of having to rely on the mechanic. You can spend a lot more for one of these puppies, but might not need to. No matter the cost, they are peace of mind. I got my from amazon.com, with a$30 back deal, so it ended up costing me $10. Sweeet.

 

Thanks for the reverts - it sounds as if it will not be a bad idea to get one - especially as I am currently living in France, and the free access to readers at garages is not the same as it obviously is elsewhere.
(With my very limited French, the Language probem does not help either)

From the replies to this thread is is obvious that the reader I am looking at will work on my car, but can anyone confirm that the DME 7.2 Engine and Text codes are the correct ones for me to use as the reference for my car.

Thanks

 

According to Renntech.org you need the DME 7.2 for a 996 Model year 00-01.
If you join renntech.org you can copy and down load the codes and keep them in your trunk with the obdII code reader.
It will give you peace of mind on a trip not near a service station.