Schwaben airbag warning

[Capecod 02/4S]

I purchased a Schwaben scanner from you some time ago and found it very useful at clearing codes.
But, as of today my 02 C4S is displaying the airbag code. I have tried to clear it a few times to the point where it says something like there are no codes to clear yet the light remains on. I have someone very interested in purchasing this car and we are negotiating right now so I'd like to rectify this ASAP. Can this reader clear this specific code ? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

[JFP in PA]

Many codes, like air bag codes, cannot be cleared until the fault causing the problem is fixed. You would probably be better off having the car scanned with a Porsche specific diagnostic (Druametric, PIWIS) tool in order to find out what is wrong and then get it fixed.

There are no "quickie" ways to get around this.

[Capecod 02/4S]

TBH I bought the Schwaben specifically for Porsche from Pelican and thought it could clear all Porsche codes. It has previously provided me with other codes which I could look up and correct such as "left rear brake sensor" but not this time.

That being said I don't know if it's the tool or if I do have an issue.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Capecod 02/4S

TBH I bought the Schwaben specifically for Porsche from Pelican and thought it could clear all Porsche codes. It has previously provided me with other codes which I could look up and correct such as "left rear brake sensor" but not this time.

That being said I don't know if it's the tool or if I do have an issue.

It is the tool, but if the car has a MIL indication, you have a problem as well. The Schwaben diagnostic tool is nothing more than a rebadged basic Foxwell unit at a higher price with a few Porsche diagnostic capabilities. We have never been impressed with Foxwell systems as they consistently over promise and underdeliver on capabilities for specific brands. There are many systems on your car that this tool cannot even see, much less diagnose or clear codes for, which is why it gets very mediocre reviews on other Porsche websites (Pelican is well known for deleting poor product reviews on their site).

If you want a true Porsche diagnostic tool with the maximum capabilities, you need to spend some money and accept the fact that the tool is not particularly useful on other brands. In reality, the ONLY system that can read and clear any code on any Porsche is the PIWIS system, which starts at $20,000 for the first year's lease (it is lease only). Second best is the Durametric Pro system for about $800 for the software (you need your own computer); the Durametric is about 80-85% of what the PIWIS is capable of handling.

[Capecod 02/4S]

Thanks for taking the time to provide a thorough explanation.

[Corsairway]

Awesome and interesting article. Great things you’ve always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post.





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[Capecod 02/4S]

It turned out that the airbag control module was bad. I bought a used one on eBay that came from a 2003 Boxter and it had the identical
Part number. Once I swapped them out I was able to read the codes with my Schwaben and clear them and the light is finally not illuminated. A used one at $50 sure beat a new one from
Porsche at $1600 as I was quoted!