You use an OBD II reader??

[Paul Crowther]

Also posted on the 993 forum.....

I'm thinking about getting an OBD II reader so that I can maybe know a little more about what's going on if I get a CEL or other message on my 993's dash.

Do you use one? What kind? Happy with it? What do you do with the info once you see what's going on? Do you attack the problem yourself if it's a simple fix, or just use the info to make you more knowledgeable when you talk to a technician?

The price range is wide, and Wayne recommends a unit that works with your laptop. Can you take the info and load it later to a desktop PC, or does it need the laptop running to do the scan?

Any opinions welcome!

Paul

[keitho64]

Paul

I got mine form www.obd-2.com and have been very happy with it. Mine works on all 96 and newer cars. Alex does update the program on a regular basis.

[TimT]

I have had an Autotap for years

http://www.autotap.com/


Works well, no affiliation, etc.

[aigel]

I got mine at the local parts store only to find it at Walmart later for almost half price! I would go with the bare bone basic unit. It will give you a code and you can take it from there.

There are true scanners that actually do a lot more, but they are not required for the basic maintenance.

George

[911Mac]

I've got one from scantool.net, you need a laptop and software to use it.
It will give you realtime readings of most of your sensors. Will also store various faults. On my wife's car is said one of the O2 sensors was responding too slowly and that the spark plug for cylinder number 3 was mis-firing. Also lets you reset the engine check light.
I'm about 20 minutes west of Richmond and would let you try it, but the connection where it plugs into the car is likely different, mine fits FORD products.

Good Luck

Mac

[aigel]

OBDII plugs are all the same. It is standardized. George

[porcupine911]

since you also have an audi...

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/index.html

i am a happy customer. it is designed for VW AG products but also contains generic OBD II functionality.

[Ned nyna 11]

I have an Antron. Works fine on the Volvo and BMW. Got it directly from the manufacturer and I like it.

[911Mac]

Let me know if you want to give it a try.

Mac

[Paul Crowther]

I bought an Antron CP9135 tonite...let's see what it does. My 993's been doing the CEL thing; a low voltage issue according to dealer; new battery (free) but came on again later. Time to get involved.

Paul