996 Error Code readers

[Mike IRL]

Quite a few out there including some on ebay.

What are people using and recommending?

 

[johnk]

they all do pretty much the same thing, when you have a fault they give you a p code , you then cross refer this to a generic p code list and take it from there, they also clear the engine fault if required...

so it really up to yourself dependng on what you want it to do...

 

[Mike IRL]

Thanks for reply and info.

Is there any particular one people have bought, used and recommend?

 

[stevepen]

I've used the RAC one from Argos. Was £40 and worked perfectly.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Welcome Steve!

What model/year was the car you tried it on?

Mike -

I think I have said this before, but the early RoW 996's with mechanical throttle were equipped with Bosch Motronic DME version 5.2.2. Whereas the US cars were fully OBD2 compliant, the RoW cars weren't. Most OBD2 code readers should be able to read a present fault code, but might not read a pending code. For example, with my 1998 C2 I used to get fault codes P1123 and P1125 when I connectd the car to a PST2. At that time (before I had a PST2 of my own) I had a hand-held code reader/scanner, and when I connected that, it did not show any faults. (The problem was the MAF sensor, by the way). P1123/25 will trigger the CEL on a US car with DME5.2.2, but not a UK car. I think there must be two fault registers for the different types of code.

If you can stretch to it, consider the Durametric tester. It is much more versatile than a simple code reader, and will allow you to interrogate the other systems on the car - not just the DME. If you think this may be your first of many Porsches it's a worthwhile investment - and they also have a good resale value on eBay if not!!

 

[Mike IRL]

Ah yes, the Durametric is my 1st choice but really all I'm looking for is 'some' capability to plug in and check so that at least when speaking to my Independent or OPC I can at least verbally describe what the problem is aswell as presenting an error code.

I was hoping to find a mid range device that could do this.

My birthday is coming though so I may leave subtle hints for wife and kids []

 

[stevepen]

Hi Richard

Thanks for the welcome!

I'm currently looking for a 996 Turbo at the moment and had a Boxster in the past. The reader worked on the wifes 2002 Rav4, as had to change one of the oxygen sensors. I seem to remember UK cars were not ODB2 complient till 1999.