Code scanner question

[rfuerst911sc]

I have seen on various Porsche forums that when people start talking about code scanners many suggest the Durametric. Regardless if it is for a 996 or a Boxster. Is there something special about the Porsche OBDII that " generic " code scanners won't work ?

[yelcab1]

Any OBD2 code scanner will read the codes on the Porsches. The Durametric is much more than a code scanner because it can read non-emission Porsche specific codes, service codes, airbag codes, and clear them, and do a bunch of other things just like a factory diagnostic system.

No generic OBD2 scanner can do that.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

Any OBD2 code scanner will read the codes on the Porsches. The Durametric is much more than a code scanner because it can read non-emission Porsche specific codes, service codes, airbag codes, and clear them, and do a bunch of other things just like a factory diagnostic system.

No generic OBD2 scanner can do that.

Not quite correct; many aftermarket scanners cannot even see some codes on Porsche's, or completely misread them. While all "global" OBDII scanners can read standard emissions codes (miss fires, O2 sensors, etc.), they cannot even see Porsche's proprietary code areas. We often have customers come into the shop say their car is throwing this or that code according to their iphone, only to find something entirely different when we scan them.

And based upon what dealers are charging to scan cars, the Durametric pays for itself the first time the car codes...........

[rfuerst911sc]

So is the Durametric the one to buy ? Or are there others just as good or similar ?

[ChemMan]

I have a standard OBD II scanner that works fine. A friend of mine ran the durametric on my car. I was impressed. In spite of having the OBD II scanner, I will eventually get the durametric. It gives you a lot more information that you can get from the standard scanner.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

So is the Durametric the one to buy ? Or are there others just as good or similar ?

It depends. What do you want to do? The Durametric allows you to test components, actuate certain things in the car (like putting things in "service" mode). Its a good package but not as complete as the factory PIWIS scanner.

If you just want to read the codes, the majority of them can be read out by your garden variety OB2 scanner at Auto Zone. Durametric is worth the money though.