tks12

seeing how I really do not care to ever take our car back to the dealership,

what limits would there be on the publicly available scanners for the 996, 997 turbo (or non turbo) - now I have not spent a whole bunch of time researching yet, so im going to ask the collective minds of this group, We will probably end up with a 996 turbo, but the 997 is not out of question, still, could buy a non turbo later model 997 cab too

anyhow

I see people talk about buying the durametric on this list.
There is also this....
http://www.porschecable.com/ , which I have seen a few people says works fine.

other options? like a used piwis up to version 31? (expensive and few and far between)

higher end obdII scanners, which only go so far anyhow..

is there anyone else making a tester that will read monitor, let you reset functions, (like oil service interval monitors) abs ect ect

it seems Porsche is not letting the tool out of the dealers hands any longer (and then only some select shops) and at what some 18k a year who could buy one anyhow....
(that is based from what few messages I have read)

got to run, hope this does not start another you need to buy a chevy thread....... We already own one chevy, and the last vette that interested me was made in 70..... I'd buy a Viper first for the wife to drive everyday (grin)

6ta1

hi,

not many options out there, as you mentioned getting a used piwis is both difficult (only a few ones left around with SW v31) and very expensive.

so you have 2 choices: real durametric cable directly from them (http://www.durametric.com/), with the issue that the enthusiast version for $300 is limited to 3 VINs, which was a deal breaker for me.

Otherwise you can buy a knock-off from several chinese sources for ~$30. Don't buy the one from porschecable as it is just a knock-off cable heavily marked up. All the knock-offs will be limited to a very old version of Durametric and will only allow to read/clear codes and turn off a few warnings (like airbag light)

onewhippedpuppy

You can upgrade the Durametric enthusiast model to the professional model for just the cost difference between the two models, that's an option if you surpass the three VIN limit. From my research that's the only "real" choice, the only thing of concern to me that it won't do is recode key chips and remote fobs. I need to bite the bullet and order one soon, as my airbag light is on.

tks12

thanks, thought this might get a bit more interest (that or it has been beat to death and I just did find the thread yet)

jims911

I've only gotten a couple of codes in a few years, but each time I've gone to NAPA and they have read the codes for free and cleared them if I wanted.

alpine003

One of my favorite generic scanners are on sale now. You can't beat it for $15.99 shipped. I've used this on many cars including the 996 to read generic codes and clear them.

This one has made the rounds to all my coworkers too.

I do have 4 other scanners but this one works just as well for most common codes. Doesn't need batteries or smartphone/computer. Small so I just keep it in the side pocket.

Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA3ZW1A25705

jeffm

Standard OBDII is invaluable to give you a basic idea of what's going in with the car. I just had some week done at my Indy and the CEL lit up 10 miles after getting the car back. Interesting that I spent $$$ for the work and the same 2 codes pop up again. At least gives me some confidence when I return to the shop to inquire about their work and troubleshooting.

tjs12, Not to change the topic, are you considering selling your 996? Did you ever get the issues sorted out?

Cheers

dmw996

Just bought the newegg sacnner for $15.99. Thanks for the heads-up!

onewhippedpuppy

I bought a Durametric a few weeks ago, the amount of capability that it has is amazing. Worth every penny if you DIY.

alpine003

I agree and I have one too but I found 80-90% of the time that I got codes, my little Autel was all that I needed. It is great to have that extra info at times but not always necessary. The one I listed definitely has more value 85% of the time I would say.

onewhippedpuppy

I have a handheld OBD scanner as well. It wins on convenience, but also only gives you the generic codes. Ok for some stuff, but for some problems the extra detail on the Durametric is really nice.

keytohwy

Thank you...ordered! NewEgg owes you a beer.

I also have a Durametric Pro (anyone in NorCal that has a need, let me know), but as you point out, keeping this one in the car will be nice.

george996

I have Durametric and a PST2. Durametric is a great value and does so much more than a scanner. There is a lot of data stored in the DME besides fault codes that is useful for diagnosing problems. Besides engine codes, Durametric can read and reset fault codes in all the other modules, you can't do that with a generic scanner. There is other data such as over-revs and operating hours which is helpful when looking to buy a used Porsche. Duramtric does almost as much as the PST2 except for some tests and programming keys and control modules, etc.

alpine003

Most avg diy'ers aren't gonna be rebuilding or doing any heavy work IMO to actually "need" the additional info that Durametric provides. Is it nice to see all that data, yes. But what is that data actually gonna help you achieve for the avg DIY doing light repairs?

Too often these days, I see a new wave of mechanics that are relying more and more for a computer to tell them what's wrong instead of actually doing real good ole trouble shooting or common sense diagnosis. People have to remember that OBD scanners gives a good star,t or point you in the right direction but not necessarily there to give you all the answers. When my coils went, it gave a generic ignition fault code but for me that was enough to know where to start looking.

It's good to have both obviously and if you can afford and warrant the "need" for the more expensive Porsche specific scanner then by all means, they should get one.

But all too far often, I see the casual enthusiast or avg diy guy wondering why a check engine light came on and how to turn it off which usually ends up being some common issue majority of the time. For less than $20, this is a no brainer to have around the place or in your garage. It will save you time from wondering, taking it somewhere, reading it and getting it cleared for dinner money.

I've diagnosed many friends and family member cars too, you can't exactly do that with a Durametric. I've lent out this b!tch so many times to various coworkers and friends, it makes "Houston" look like a virgin.

Yes we all know how great the Durametric, PIWIS, PST2 is but if you just need basic diagnosis tool(and one that can be used on many cars), something like this is handy to have in your toolchest.

5CHN3LL

^^ The cost of the OBD-II scanner in inconsequential compared to (a) having your car towed because you freaked out over what turned out to be an incredibly stupid code (say, your gas cap was loose) and/or (b) burning lots of money in repairs you wouldn't have incurred if you hadn't just assumed the blinking malfunction indicator light was probably something like a loose gas cap.

At the risk of beating this dead horse further, it's inexcusable to not own an OBD-II scanner for any car that's OBD-II equipped. It's just daft - imagine a doctor trying to diagnose a patient without bothering to ask the patient his/her symptoms...