Scan Tool Recommendations?

[Toby C]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so I hope this is the appropriate place to ask such a question...

I'm after a decent scan tool to use with my 987.2 Boxster, and hopefully will also be used on other vehicles, such as my wife's 2013 Chrysler 300C.

I do not intend to re-code/program/modify anything. I simply want to be able to read error messages/dash warning lights etc. and to reset these things. I don't want to pay too much but want a quality scan tool that I won't have to upgrade anytime soon, but don't want to pay for features that I will not be using.

I was considering the Schwaben Pro scan tool. Service wise, I tinker a little myself, but I have specialised Porsche mechanics do services once a year. So if the Oil service reminder is the only problem with this particular scanner, then I may be able to live with that. I don't really want to pay more than the price of one of these (US$230) unless it's extremely recommended.

Can anyone give me any advice?

Thanks,
Toby.

[boxster newbie]

just got an Icarsoft PORV2.0, check out the add in excellence magazine , for EBS racing, out of reno good unit good value. even did the air bag light on my 97 boxster.

[mikefocke]

Suggest you check out the Durametric web site and look at the specific functions their product for a PC covers. I suggest starting with them because they do offer detailed charts of what they cover with what version and for what model year. None of the others do in such detail.

Then compare with other brands as you may not need some of those functions, I did basic engine diagnosis with a simple Actron and the cost was lots less than either of the other two suggested so far but so were the functions it could handle.

This is a case for good enough for some things, better for a few others and best features but $$ so do your research and make the choice that seems right for you.

Enjoy doing some of the work on the car yourself.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by Toby C

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so I hope this is the appropriate place to ask such a question...

I'm after a decent scan tool to use with my 987.2 Boxster, and hopefully will also be used on other vehicles, such as my wife's 2013 Chrysler 300C.

I do not intend to re-code/program/modify anything. I simply want to be able to read error messages/dash warning lights etc. and to reset these things. I don't want to pay too much but want a quality scan tool that I won't have to upgrade anytime soon, but don't want to pay for features that I will not be using.

I was considering the Schwaben Pro scan tool. Service wise, I tinker a little myself, but I have specialised Porsche mechanics do services once a year. So if the Oil service reminder is the only problem with this particular scanner, then I may be able to live with that. I don't really want to pay more than the price of one of these (US$230) unless it's extremely recommended.

Can anyone give me any advice?

Thanks,
Toby.

Hey Toby - welcome to the forum! We're currently offering 25% OFF the Schwaben Scan Tool - link below. Let us know if you have any questions.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_STGEN1-detail.htm

[Reiver]

I've found the Icarsoft 2 for 145 on certain sellers sites....but don't know what it will/will not do on a 718.
I'd like to know if anyone has one....can you do things like system match after a battery change etc...brake fluid change...

[Mike80911]

You can buy a cheap scan tool on line that will read codes and reset C/E light but will not reset service lights or some other issues. Or spend a lot more on one that will do it all. I have a $40 one that works great on all my cars and when I need to reset service lights like oil change I go to a friends shop that has a very expensive snap on tool and he rests it for me. So it all depends how much you want to spend and what you want it to do.

[husker boxster]

+1 on the iCarsoft Por II. It will scan codes and reset dash lights on your 987.2 (which isn't a 718). I got mine on ebay. Has practically paid for itself in saving me $30 to have the dealer reset the service now light. They used to do it for free. Once they started charging to just reset the light is when I found other alternatives. I've reset that light 3 times already with the Por II.

Not sure what it will do with a Chrysler 300. Maybe check their website and contact them directly to see if it will work.

[Toby C]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll look into it.

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by fatimatavery94

I stumbled upon this post and I thought I'd chime in. I'm not a car expert, but I do use a cool app called smartengines.com for work that might interest you. It automatically scans documents and extracts the necessary information for you, making your job a lot easier. Anyway, regarding your question, have you considered the Autel MaxiDiag MD806? It's a bit pricier than the Schwaben Pro, but it's a great all-around scanner that can be used on multiple vehicles, including your Boxster and your wife's Chrysler 300C. It can read and clear error messages and warning lights, and it has additional features like freeze frame analysis and live data streaming.

Is that a chatGPT reply??

[WagonWillie]

+ 1 on the iSoftcar POR 2.0. It resets the airbag light, service light, reads fault codes, etc. Pretty cheap @ ~ $150.

[jbar1]

I just purchased one from Pelican and installed the software and user's guide. Hooked up to my '99 Boxster and went effortless through the first couple of menus with no problem. When I opened the "Actual Values" menu under Engine, I selected "RPM" and the boxes for the two cams. The black boxes appeared on the right side of the screen but they did not display any values nor did the screen show a real time display of the values.

Thinking I did something wrong, I did the procedure once again from start to finish with the same results. I finally call Durametric and spoke with a very nice gent who informed me that there is a problem with the tester and the 1999 Boxsters that will require a software fix. I then asked how long they have known about the problem and what they are doing about it. Two months was his response and when the software fix is working the software package will be updated and posted on the internet.

I am happy with the unit but I am totally amazed at how anyone, manufacturer or vendor, can sell a product that does not support what they advertise. Do the right thing and inform potential buyers of the products limitations at least until a fix has been developed and tested.