what is a good code reader?
 

I have a 2003 Porsche turbo (996). I'd like to buy a good code reader that would work well for that Porsche and also work for a couple of our other late model American cars, including a 2013 Buick. Are there any good recommendations? Thanks. Komac

Don't know the exact model, but I bough off Amazon for about $25. It connects by Bluetooth to your phone. The app that manages it is was like $5 and available for Android and Iphone. The benefit of that setup is that the app automatically goes to the web to find the meaning of the codes, so you don't have to go searching separately.

Make sure that the scanners work for that range of years and models. Also, some are more capable than others in terms of clearing faults. I ended up having to get a different one specific to Audi to clear an airbag fault.

got mine from harbor freight,

I have a $50 one from pepboys or autozone or oriellys .
Can't remember which store , but it's yellow if that helps .

I also have dura metric which is ideal if you want to look into things a little closer on a pcar .

$60 Actron - Reads codes and Monitors status
$150 Actron - Reads codes, monitors and gives you some data - fuel trim and O2 sensor numbers as well as some other stuff - best choice
$12,000 SnapOn - you got it all for everything
$400 Porsche specific diagnostic emulator (copies Porsche diagnostic systems) Edit: Dura metric Ian speaks of

If you use an android based phone you can download an app called Torque and buy a $15 bluetooth reader on ebay.

OBDII readers are readily available. I have one from Harbor Freight. For your 996TT specifically, the Durametric is the best I have seen. It will not scan your other vehicles. It is Porsche specific (not all models).

Thanks to everybody for the suggestions! I want to get something that will be able to reset the codes. It's a bit of a hassel going to the Porsche dealer, about 30 miles away, every time I get a "check engine" warning. I've done it twice now, and each time it seemed to trace back to fuel cap seal leakage. They put a new cap on and re-set the code a few months ago. However, two days ago, the check engine light came on again. komac

Just get the phone setup or the el-cheapo Actron. Alternatively, you can disconnect the battery for 10 minutes. Make sure you have all you secret radio codes, etc handy as these will have to be re-entered.

If you are having a repeat evap code (probably the one for a small leak) these can clear it.

Nice thing about these basic code readers is the internet can help you with specific cars. Example early 2000's Ford Windstars. Lean codes (P0174/P0171 - both banks). You check fuel pressure, vacuum leaks, seals on the plastic intake plenum, blah blah. You find nuttin' Then you find a post where someone says "These are the predominant areas they fail in" Check this and check that and you often find the answer. For the windstar they have throttle plates in the intake runners that open up at really high RPM to aid in air flow. The pivot shaft seals break down way and suck air throwing the code. But if you don't know this you are spraying your carb cleaner at hoses and gasket interfaces without luck. Downside is the crap you have to plow through.