You get the virus for free too? You can get some really cheap basic scanners on Amazon delivered but then again, they come from China so.....

 

You may want to invest in a Durametric. It paid off in itself for me when I owned my 996, and now I'm using it on my 986. It's good for up to three VIN numbers, although it doesn't seem to register my 986 VIN for somre reason. (Score?)

 

I’d recommend buying a modest code reader. They aren’t that expensive, and it will give you some precision about what’s awry. They are very simple to operate.
When I get a blown code I read it and clear it. If it comes back I know what the shop should be looking at. Most shops charge money to clear the code.

 

There's that too.

I have a $20 Bluetooth OBDII reader that I use with my phone and read codes off my 996 at the beginning, and it worked, until it couldn't read Porsche specific codes i.e. airbag / ABS codes

 

i might have had 2 CEL's on my boxster...

1 was MAF out of range... it was dead,
can't remember if I had a 2nd...

 

You will need it and its very handy to have as then you know what you are dealing with (although there can be many different reasons why a particular code is thrown)

I bought mine years ago at CT I think; easy to find, just google them and read the reviews. The Duramatic is the Rolls Royce and can provide more options but probably more suited to the serious wrenchers

 

Everything depends on the code thrown. I think I've had all of them at one point. Gas cap, O2's, bad MAF, air box seal leaking, bad gas, coil pack shot. And it always occurred just before a clean air check. #$%@#!

 

i think the cheap bluetooth dongle and a free ap might be the best solution for just monitoring and basic codes.

I run one in my Audi and torque and OBD eleven give basic codes

 

I borrowed one from a friend and could not get it to take in my BMW.

 

Bluetooth dongles on BMWs are hit and miss, unfortunately.

 

Your car sounds like a giant pile of crap judging by how many posts you make about weekly issues.

 

That's a bit harsh.

 

I agree!

 

I'm looking forward to his next thread!

 

Well well, someone with a Porsche that DOESN’T blow codes at regular intervals. This I have to hear about. Do tell.