Help with a OBDII tools of choice.
 

My wife's Macan is coming up on two years old. The warning light for the intermediate service is on and warning her it is coming up due soon. It has just over 9,000 miles.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1550242300.jpg


This is the list of stuff to do (with the real high mileage stuff edited out) that I plan to tackle.

The first step is to get a readout of the fault codes. I don't know of any, but I do know I will need a way the clear the intermediate service warning.

So my question is:

What tool is the one to get. The Macan is the only car we have with OBDII as my cars are from the mid 1980s.

I hear a lot about the Durametric, and that sounds like a good choice. But I would like some input from the brain trust on OBDII tools for Porsches.

Bonus question, where is a good source to buy one. I am leery of the once on Ebay as I hear there are cheap Chinese clones "out there" so I want a real one, and up to date.

The Durametric is likely overkill for the little I need it for. What is a good second option?

You sure it's not OBDIII or even newer than that? Also, Porsche is hard to get into. I think I have Durametrics for the Boxster but I can't out the light for the child seat belt/ pass seat air bag overide that was installed when the grandkids were little. Very limited.

IIRC the "service interval" light can't be turned off by an OBD tool, that's usually an OEM specific thing. Sometimes it can be reset in the settings of the infotainment system, others it has to be cleared with the OEM diagnostic tool.

As for an actual scanner, I use an Android app on my phone called Torque Pro, with a Bluetooth OBD adapter. It's worked on every car I've used it with up to my wife's 2016 CX-3.

I really don't know if it is OBD2 or 3. I just need a tool designed to reset service intervals and read error codes and such for a 2017 Macan. I have heard the Durametric will work for that.

I would want to know about the "transfer gear wear integrator". Sounds like OEM software is needed to get this reading.

After some googling - the "transfer gear wear integrator" is (I'm guessing) a reading of the energy in kWh that has been put though the transfer case. If it is over 145 kWh then the a lubricant change is recommended. 145kWh = 194 hp hr. The value doesn't make sense at first look. Maybe someone can explain. Maybe this value refers to the differential (front vs. rear) energy transferred.

Start by finding out if it is ODB 2 or 3. For my 2005 997, I used a cheap bluetooth reader with free software, Torque Lite.

I could read and clear CEL's, but could not reset service intervals.

A lot of guys use, Icarsoft Por2. Not sure it will work on your car. Durametric will clear the service reminder on my Cayman but it is expensive.

+1.

Buy the dongle for $10, and install a free app on your phone.
Should give you access to all basic OBD2 codes.

I have a Durametric Pro. You have to install the software onto a PC laptop. The Pro version has unlimited usage, otherwise is identical to the enthusiast version.

It will re-set the service light, and allow you to troubleshoot an extensive range of items.

Not sure about the Macan, but on my Cayman I can turn off the seat belt buckle sensor, seat weight sensor (for air bags), and re-set the airbag light if there are no fault codes for the various air bags.

All of those items are pretty easy. I also bought a Hazet oil filter wrench. I've done a lot of other service on it, including changing the plugs and coils. Really simple. I also found that it's necessary to periodically remove the front bumper and clean out the radiators. Bumper removal is a simple 30 minute job.

:)

So will the iCarSoft POR II really work for most of the fault codes on a 997?

About to buy one at $126.90 from Amazon.

Len

:)

I thought there were a few other differences, like not being able to change certain settings in the software or something like that?

Right, OBDII reader won't reset the service light. The only thing that'll do is check the codes for a CEL and reset those. Porsche have more computers and more lights, and those require a completely different reader/tool. I think the dealers/shops often use something called PIWIS? But I think the average user is more likely to have Durametric.

These will work for later model Porsches :

Durametric: most expensive, wired OBD requires a laptop or nearby PC, enthusiast version limited to 3 VINs, OK support, requires Pro/Unlimited version for coding (typically not required). I own this and have used it on my 997 and 955 Cayenne. Probably the most capable solution for Porsche, just barely. Free updates.

ICarScan X431: Least expensive, Bluetooth OBD requires a phone app, supports multuple cars (I bought a version with five makes of my choice). Free updates for 1 year. Can purchase additional vehicle makes, typically $50 each. No/limited support. Janky, Chinese feel, but it works. I own this. Does 99.5% of what Durametric does on Porsche. Works amazing on my 2013 Mercedes.

ICarSoft POR2: Dedicated Porsche scanner. Similar cost as X431. Not limited like Durametric. No phone or computer required. I do not own, have not used. Based on forum feedback it's decent, but has some bugs resetting service lights on some 997s. Otherwise decent. Seems to do 98% of Durametric. Don't know about software upgrades.

Cheap Elm 327 OBD scanner: cheap, uses Torque app or similar on a smart phone. Can usually only read codes and very basic engine data. Might reset some engine trouble codes, but not manufacturer specific codes or service intervals. I use for monitoring OBD readiness, fuel trims, volts, and temps.

My go-to is the ICarScan X431. Very good cost, portability, functionality and supports multiple cars I own. Note that for late model vehicles (<5 yrs old) , you may need to buy a software update in the future as new features/functions are identified.

If I was a Porsche mechanic, I'd probably opt for the Durametric Pro, or buy a Chinese PIWIS clone.
For the home gamer, iCarScan X431.

No affiliation with any.

Surely the owners manual has instructions on how to reset service interval indications. You shouldn't need ANY tools for that vehicle yet.

Silly Matt! No, the dealers want owners to rely on dealers for that. It's not possible to reset it without a special computerized tool.

Amazingly, Mercedes still has hidden menus to enable resetting service reminders (and customizing tire pressure sensor warnings). Porsche, not so much.... One saved hour at the Stealer ($175) buys a scan tool.

Too bad Mercedes continues to cheap-out on air suspension components (factory air bags/struts/and air valve have a laughably short life).

I figure that should have been in green text. If not so, then I'll sit back, eat popcorn, and wait for an easier solution. 9,000 miles, now way, the car might need a tire rotation and an oil change. Cabin Air filter too.

I do understand the complexities, worked on lots of German cars. Had to reset air bag, seat belt, oil indicator lights, etc... in the past. He does not need tools for that yet.

I have had the POR II for several years and have used it to check codes and reset the service indicator. I do not believe it does coding.

Looks like a lot of inspecting and not much doing, except for the oil and pollen filter change.

How much does the intermediate service cost vs an oil change?

Looks like iCarScan x431 is going for $235.

I'm installing the Passenger's airbag cut-off switch. Would that thing program that and/or reset the airbag light? (I forgot to disco the battery terminal before taking the pass seat out to install the LATCH bar for the child seat)

Hmm, the Durametric enthusiast as well as the iCarScan X431 would reset the airbag light. It sounds like only the Durametric Pro would allow the programming change for the switch. How about the iCarScan. I wouldn't think so, but it's a bit light on documentation.

I've got two great shops nearby that I can probably take the car to, although I would love to be able to reset lights myself.

Take the positive terminal lead off the battery, turn the key on, wait, turn it back t off, then reconnect terminal lead. Hard reset. Have the navigation and or radio code handy.

I could turn the airbag light off for you with the X431. Not sure about changing the coding (probably not, see below). PM me if you want to meet up.

Changing coding on the Benz is easy - - the app gives you the options and you select which one you want. On the Porsches, however, the coding options are not specified/explained by the app, but rather are a mystery box to which you send a string of digits. Some of these codes can be found on the forums (RL) if you do some digging, but in general, coding sketches me out - - I'd prefer not to do any harm by accidentally sending an incorrect code.

Thanks, aftermarket stereo, so those codes shouldn't be an issue.

Ah, gotcha, absolutely. Thanks, I'll give Matt's battery trick a shot. Then I'll probably go to Modern Air Cooled or Einars for the coding since I need the switch to work.

Glenn, I would just go with the Durametric Enthusiast. I have the Durametric Pro and there's not much it won't do. It's a little expensive but if it saves you one dealer visit in the future, you've gotten your money's worth.

Is this with the ICarScan X431? I need to find a good OBD tool for my E63.

Yes, and congrats on the new ride - - E63 is pretty sweet. My wife drives a '13 Gl450 - - the x431 has paid for itself multiple times versus trips to the dealer. Everything on the Mercedes has a computer. It's good and bad. The good news is that everything can be tested/actuated with the x431, but the car occasionally gets a low battery that throws all sorts of codes that need to be reset. Keep your battery charged.

I just looked online to see what was currently being sold. It looks like most of the vendors are selling the X431 with software for 10 marques for $235 and up. A year and a half ago I bought a package with only 5 marques for around $175, as I only needed Porsche and Benz. Since I bought 5, I also picked BMW, VW, and Toyota - - I figured those were my most likely cars I might need but so far have not. I got free software updates for 1 year, but now the app wants to charge me $50 for the latest version of each marque. At that price, I'd likely just buy a new x431 in a couple years (if needed).

It appears this is the current x431 version with 5 marques for $178:

www.obdtools.net/goods-380-Launch+X431+iCarScan+Bluetooth+Diagnostic+Scanner+ for+Android.html

Also, Steve, I looked into the coding for Porsche 9X7s. See this site for info:

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/896181-making-a-durametric-coding-options-manual.html

It looks like coding on the 9X7s is simpler than for the 955/957 Cayennes, which use a more complicated VW architecture (with codes that use multiple digits/bits). That said, I couldn't figure out what exactly you were trying to code.

I had an Icarsoft Por11 that I used on my 09 997S and it worked perfectly.

Thanks for checking, Brainz01.

Apparently, once you install one of these
https://www.planet-9.com/UserFiles/DSC07789.JPG

You also have to do this (it seems like they would have things set so that once it was installed it did something)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1569176237.JPG
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1569176237.JPG

But the good news is that now we should be fully prepped for the grandson now. We've been OK so far, using the seatbelt (which is recommended for when they are heavier, so should work ok with him being lighter) and since he's light enough, the airbag is off due to him not tripping the weight sensor, but it is still nice to have things as they should be (once I get the computer programmed).

OK, I am bumping my old thread from 2019.

I got lucky and won a free oil change from the dealer, and the second one was done at the same times as a inspection that was due. I am going to have to do the next oil change.

I am hoping to see if there are updates to what to get to hook to a 2017 Macan. Is the Durametric really the best choice? I don;t have any need to mess with airbags or other tasks. Just rest the oil change and cabin filter. It is getting changed due to age, not mileage. It has a light on the dash that the change is due soon.

So Durametric, or an app for my cell phone? What say you?

I think you're still stuck with Durametric. And there are 2 levels of Durametric. I think one will read codes, but not write or change anything, and the other which is a lot more expensive is required to reset things. I could be wrong, but I think that's the case. I've looked at it before. I think the usual durametric is $300 or maybe $400 (not including the required laptop). And the other, that is required to change and reset things is $800 (not including the required laptop).

There does seem to be another tool available these days. This is a post from a Cayenne oil change thread...

I have an icarsoft por 2 so far it does everything i need for my cayman 987.

Menu sometimes bit meh

But had battery out few weeks ago and managed to clear qll codes including airbag.

But in us.. ide get durametric enthousiast.. its only 100 bucks more

Steve, that seems to be this unit:

https://flat6motorsports.com/products/icarsoft-por-v2-0-oil-service-reset-multi-system-diagnostic-tool-macan

$180.

Now I need to get the oil. I have some of the filters that I got from the dealer. I guess I need to read up on which drains to open. It will be an adventure. Not quite as easy as my 911 or the El Camino.

I think I covered Durametric Pro here. It also queries the ECU for over-revs, tells you how many total rotations the engine did in each over-rev range. Crazy stuff. I would buy the Pro if you're even considering buying another Porsche.

The Pro version will allow you to turn off the ding-ding-ding when you unbuckle the seat belt. That's what I meant when I wrote that you can turn off the seat belt sensor.

With Durametric you can also cycle the brake servos in the MC, test run the windows, reset trouble codes that don't even show up with normal code readers, etc. The ONLY problem with Durametric is that you're limited to one and only one car. Pro solves that.

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The only way I would ever replace my analog 911 is I can't shift because of a bad knee or hip. If I am at that point, I will not be doing my own oil changes anymore.

I suspect my wife will keep her Macan for a long time yet. It looks like new, and has had zero issues of any sort. Just routine maintenance. It has been a year for the oil, and it needs changing.

I think she is getting close to 20,000 miles now so not exactly worn out.

Don't let the missus hear you say that. It may be meant as a complement, but I don't think it's the kind of complement a woman will appreciate.

:D

Up to 987/997 its really a non issue
Just need some minimal diag tool. But the 9x7 is as easy to workbon as any other Porsche. Just a bit more stuff but thats nothing to do with anything being digital vs analog
More to do with air vs water
Injection emissions
Airbags
Abs
Tc
Psm

Having diag capability makes the troubleshoot easier. Not as much need for diagrams and multimeters.
For all intent annd purpose 9x7 is still basic car
The best models are more complicated with parts coded to the vin via stuttgart.. now thats not diy friendly. But not speaking from experience in 981/991 and later..

She is a one in a million. She likes taking car of her cars, and there is zero trash, or crap in the Macan. She lost an earring a few months ago and asked me to check under the seats and nooks and crannies. The car is just astonishingly clean inside. The upholstery only has a little wear in the driver's seat, and none on the other seats. We have no kids, so no grubby kid hand prints or mess.

The paint is perfect, no door dings. She parks in "good" spots and knows to remove any bird crap as soon as possible.

I sent her links to buy the different options, and the Durametric Pro is what she picked out. I told her it was totally useless for my cars. I have never ever seen a oil change warning, ABS light, PSAM, or any other service engine soon warning in the 911. There is no place to attache the thing to my car.

The El Camino has a ALDL connector, pretty much a OBD1 and I do have a tool to read any error codes and I can clear the codes on the home made fuel injection system I put on it after getting sick of the crappy running of the carburetor. It does not allow for changing any settings.