Independants - Can they service a 996??

[tim court]

I have read and heard various things about the fact that independants do not have the correct software to effectively diagnose all faults or reset engine fault signals once corrected.

I hear that Camtune have a legal action in place against PGB to try and put this software in the ' public' domain.

I have used Camtune consistently in the past but before I call them and ask about their views I wondered if anyone here has any knowledge or experience of this issue.....

I suppose it applies to Boxsters as well as the 996 series

 

[Guest]

I would be very surprised if independents could not service 996 or Boxster cars. I suppose it depends whether or not you feel a full main agent history will help to maintain the value of your car? My own view is that after 5 years or so you might as well use a specialist if it is going to save you money.

 

[tim court]

Thanks for that MCL..... I know they can replace bits like a clutch etc no problem and considerably cheaper as these sort of jobs take a lot of hours (hours=loadsamunny).

It was the electronic engine diagnostics and corrections I am concerned about. As I' ve only got one reply looks like other 996 owners would not consider anyone except a main agent. Mine is a 98 by the way.

In my experience there is little if any difference to the care and attention given by independants and main dealers..... Camtune have had a couple of problems but went out of their way to sort them out with me - a more personal experience. AFN at Reading were good too - just a lot more expensive.

 

[Guest]

The best specialists do have the correct diagnostic equipment.
My friends Boxster had a warning light come on while driving. We ran it into a specialist down the road from where we work & they had all the correct diagnostic equipment. Looked at the car straight away, plugged it in - found the fault code & re-set it in 5 mins.
Plus they didn' t charge for doing it - chances of all that happening at an OPC.....slim !

Julian.

 

[tim court]

Took my 996 to Camtune today for servicing after asking Tim, the service manager about the diagnostics issue.

As I understand ' like wot he told me' PGB have always agreed to issue the diagnostic software to the independants but charge a large sum of money for the upgrades and updates. It is this point that some of the independants are questioning and why a lot of them don' t have the fault diagnostic interrogation software. Currently Camtune can do all servicing works without issue.

If a warning light appears on the dash, Camtune take the car to Guildford PGB to diagnose what the fault is.

They now have the principle of an agreement in place; contracts have yet to be agreed in detail.

This still doesn' t answer whether a 5 year old 996 is any less desirable with full OPSH as opposed to IPSH. It wouldn' t bother me but I can appreciate some would prefer Official PSH stamps.