Porsche diagnostic and service software tools

[rusnak]

So with the Cayman, I'm starting to dip my toe into the world of computerized diagnostic tools.

I'm thinking that I'll probably always have a Porsche with a bunch of computerized hardware onboard from now on.

With that in mind, I'd like to re-set service reminders, read codes (I already have a Bosch Enhanced OBDII code reader), re-set airbag light, etc.

I am thinking that the PCM radio/ sat nav might be a good thing to retrofit, depending on how good the navigation is. I know that using the phone is a pain once underway.

What sorts of computer tools do you guys use?

I think I might buy the Durametric, but also looking at Porsche tools such as System Tester 2, Bosch KTS 500 and PIWIS 650 & 670. The PIWIS is not something that I think anyone can buy, but maybe a no longer used KTS might fall onto the market?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Durametric is awesome and will take care of basically everything a DIY mechanic will need to do.

[rusnak]

I'm thinking more and more about that. Will it work like a scope, and graph the four (4) O2 sensors? I guess I should go to their website, and read haha.

I'm wondering if I can DIY a PCM retrofit, and if so, if I what is the most recent version that I can add without re-flashing the DME.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by rusnak

I'm thinking more and more about that. Will it work like a scope, and graph the four (4) O2 sensors? I guess I should go to their website, and read haha.

I'm wondering if I can DIY a PCM retrofit, and if so, if I what is the most recent version that I can add without re-flashing the DME.

You need Durametric Pro to do any coding changes, and it also doesn't limit you to three VINs. You can do data logging but I've never had to mess with it.

Have you used PCM much? In my opinion it is terrible until PCM 3.0, and even then it isn't very good. I would go with a good aftermarket navigation unit long before I wasted my time installing a PCM unit.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You need Durametric Pro to do any coding changes, and it also doesn't limit you to three VINs. You can do data logging but I've never had to mess with it.

Have you used PCM much? In my opinion it is terrible until PCM 3.0, and even then it isn't very good. I would go with a good aftermarket navigation unit long before I wasted my time installing a PCM unit.

I haven't messed with PCM much, mostly only in loaner cars, but I have a couple year old Pioneer and it works very well in the car. Much better than the factory unit would have with more and better features than any factory unit would have had.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You need Durametric Pro to do any coding changes, and it also doesn't limit you to three VINs. You can do data logging but I've never had to mess with it.

Have you used PCM much? In my opinion it is terrible until PCM 3.0, and even then it isn't very good. I would go with a good aftermarket navigation unit long before I wasted my time installing a PCM unit.

Oh yes, no question about it. I don't know why anyone would mess around with the amateur version with limited number of cars. The pro version is the only way to go.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by masraum

I haven't messed with PCM much, mostly only in loaner cars, but I have a couple year old Pioneer and it works very well in the car. Much better than the factory unit would have with more and better features than any factory unit would have had.

Would you for example pair a Kenwood head unit, the Mod4Cars control unit, and bi-amps? I would probably do that and try to squeeze better speakers in the doors.

I do like the '17 door panels, and the way the switches are turned perpendicular to the driver.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by rusnak

So with the Cayman, I'm starting to dip my toe into the world of computerized diagnostic tools.

I'm thinking that I'll probably always have a Porsche with a bunch of computerized hardware onboard from now on.

With that in mind, I'd like to re-set service reminders, read codes (I already have a Bosch Enhanced OBDII code reader), re-set airbag light, etc.

I use a iCarsoft POR2 on my water cooled cars. It'll do everything listed for under $200 and no limit on # of cars. FYI, Amazon has it for $160.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Would you for example pair a Kenwood head unit, the Mod4Cars control unit, and bi-amps? I would probably do that and try to squeeze better speakers in the doors.

I do like the '17 door panels, and the way the switches are turned perpendicular to the driver.

I reached out to Rod Birch from Car Audio Innovations. I wasn't going for crazy sound, but a good upgrade. Per Rod, the stock speakers are pretty good. I'm sure upgraded speakers are better, but since I wasn't looking to break the bank, I went with a Pioneer head unit and new amp (and a backup camera). It made a huge difference to the sound and the speakers do sound pretty good to me. Our cars also require the module to integrate the aftermarket unit with the factory fiber optics. Rod sells Kenwood and kits with all of the parts, wiring, brackets, etc.... complete with full instructions. I didn't go that route because I don't have anyplace to work on my car and most of my tools are in storage.

per their website

New speakers are not required. The factory speakers in all of the cars that are not "base" systems are actually quite capable and respond well to the extra power that a new amplifier can supply. However if you are expecting top level performance, you really should consider replacing your speakers as well as adding a subwoofer.

Vehicles equipped with the "base" radio system have only a single low quality 6" speaker in the door instead of a high performance 8" woofer and 4" midrange component set in each door. Vehicles with these audio systems are inherently anemic. Upgraded speakers are recommended.

[rusnak]

^ $160.00 It's cheaper than my Bosch scanner was.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

I use a iCarsoft POR2 on my water cooled cars. It'll do everything listed for under $200 and no limit on # of cars. FYI, Amazon has it for $160.

Interesting, I hadn't ever heard of that
iCarsoft POR II for Porsche_Porsche scanner

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by masraum

I reached out to Rod Birch from Car Audio Innovations. I wasn't going for crazy sound, but a good upgrade. Per Rod, the stock speakers are pretty good. I'm sure upgraded speakers are better, but since I wasn't looking to break the bank, I went with a Pioneer head unit and new amp (and a backup camera). It made a huge difference to the sound and the speakers do sound pretty good to me. Our cars also require the module to integrate the aftermarket unit with the factory fiber optics. Rod sells Kenwood and kits with all of the parts, wiring, brackets, etc.... complete with full instructions. I didn't go that route because I don't have anyplace to work on my car and most of my tools are in storage.

per their website

That makes a ton of sense actually. The extra clean power will bring the speakers to life.

What do you mean factory fiber optics?

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by masraum

Interesting, I hadn't ever heard of that
iCarsoft POR II for Porsche_Porsche scanner

It just came out in mid 2015, when I got my Boxster. I stumbled on it when I was searching for a tool to reset the SI and didn't want to be limited to 3 cars.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rusnak

That makes a ton of sense actually. The extra clean power will bring the speakers to life.

What do you mean factory fiber optics?

I couldn't remember the details or the name, but I think you already referenced it as the HUR. Here's a little blurb about it from a post on 6speedonline "the MOST system built into the 2002 1/2 and newer cars makes this very difficult due to the digital fiber optic link between the head unit and the amp."

The reason to need the HUR is because of MOST.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You need Durametric Pro to do any coding changes, and it also doesn't limit you to three VINs. You can do data logging but I've never had to mess with it.

Originally Posted by rusnak

Oh yes, no question about it. I don't know why anyone would mess around with the amateur version with limited number of cars. The pro version is the only way to go.

Originally Posted by masraum

Interesting, I hadn't ever heard of that
iCarsoft POR II for Porsche_Porsche scanner

OK, I am completely ignorant about the new cars and the computers. My 1980s cars don't have much to interface with.

We have a 2017 Macan on order and it is supposed to be here mid March. The dealer wants $240 for an oil change. The parts are close to $100 from what I have read. My question is simple. Can the iCarsoft Por II reset the oil change warnings and do the things likely necessary like maybe a airbag warning light reset and such? In 21 years I have owned my 911 the airbag warning and ABS lights have never been an issue. It is like the water pump and power steering pump on the 911, never been an issue at all.

I hate buying a tool and then finding out for a little more I could have the tool that really does what I need. But I see no reason to buy a pro version of the Durametric if the competition has a $200 version.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Glen, you don't need the pro version of Durametric to do simple stuff like light resets and reading the CEL. It's only if you need to run more than three cars or want to recode the ECU.

[Paul_Heery]

Glen,

There are a few threads on 6speedonline & RL about the iCarsoft Por II. It seems that it can now reset the oil change light after a code update. However, the ability seems to vary by Porsche model. You should contact them first and ask about your specific model.

Paul

[GH85Carrera]

Thanks. I will be waiting until after I get the Macan before I order any OBD tools. It will take a while to get a few thousand miles on it to even need a oil change. Porsche recommends 10,000 miles for the first service and that would be several years of driving for us. Likely I will do the first change after a few thousand miles. I know Porsche is meticulous in the engine build but they have to use assembly lube and the possible debris in the engine and other contaminants can't be as good as fresh oil after a break in period.

[rusnak]

That iCarsoft POR II is not just a scanner, it appears to be similar to Durametric. I need to also call them to find out if there is a VIN limitation.

As I said, I believe that I'll be using these types of tools for many years, and certainly for more than 3 Porsches. I guess the question to Durametric will be regarding future software upgrades.

For now, I'm using a simple Bosch OBDII scanner, but it's the enhanced one. I have diagnosed many problems, and erased error codes on a few Mercedes Benz cars, including my girl's car, and my friend's BMW. It works fine on the Cayman, but won't reset the service messages or airbag light. It's either iCarsoft or the pro Durametric for me. Buy it once, that's what I say.

[rusnak]

Looking further at the Durametric, (waiting for response from iCarsoft for same question), the Durametric will turn on and off certain functions in the car. Not sure if it will re-program the door self unlock/ lock settings. But this feature alone would make Durametric worth it.