Help with a OBDII tools of choice.

[GH85Carrera]

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.




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?

[Zeke]

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.

[Brando]

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.

[GH85Carrera]

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.

[hcoles]

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

[hcoles]

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.

[Halm]

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.

[JackDidley]

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.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by Halm

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.

+1.

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

[rusnak]

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.

[BoxsterGT]

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

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rusnak

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.

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

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.

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.

[brainz01]

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.

[mattdavis11]

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

[masraum]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

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.

[brainz01]

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).

[mattdavis11]

Originally Posted by masraum

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.

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.

[WPOZZZ]

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.

[Neilk]

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?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by brainz01

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).

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)