Check engine light just came on tonight
 

I was driving in the highway at about 120km when my cel light came on. There was no effect on the performance of the car and it seems to run fine. My question is can I use an obd code reader to get the faulty codes?

Depends what it is .
Try it and post what you get ...

First check if the fuel cap is loose, if so tighten it and it should reset the cel.

Sometimes fuel quality could also result in a CEL. I live in China and my 987 would throw the CEL light with 97 rated fuel even with addictives. I now drive 20km to get 98 fuel and it runs perfect.

As long as the CEL isnt flashing you'd be fine.

Crap, but as you said, if the performance of the car is not affected then it can't be anything major. What's major however is the price of those sensors or other small parts going bad due to aging :/ Speaking with experience here

Just drive in any Porsche service center or dealer and ask them to plug it for you. It should be free to have it diagnosed from Porsche but make sure you have a I'm Cool attitude and try to catch them in a less busy time ;)

obdII reader. Works great. Ebay, and Dash Command app.

Which one do you recommend ?

If you work on your car, buy a Duramtric diagnostic cable. It is Porsche specific and has far more capabilities than a simple OBD reader.

An obd2 reader is invaluable for the current prices. Bluetooth units are as little as $10. They can be used to read and clear a lot of codes in almost any car. That being said, if you have $300 to spare and want the more in depth features, a Durametric can do a lot more in the 986.

Having both would be ideal, but I get along just fine with obd2 ;)

Most auto parts stores will scan your codes for free ;)

Based on some reviews on this board I purchased the Actron CP9550 OBD-II PocketScan Plus Diagnostic Code Reader. Sure it doesn't do all the Durametric does, but for $64 it lets me read and reset most of the thrown codes. The booklet it comes with doesn't have Porsche codes, but if you just google "Porsche" and the code number, you will find out what the code means.

Second Actron, visit your local parts store they likely have one. A few models with various bells and whistles but they will all read and reset the code. Your should do that soon, not all error codes are created equally....

Maybe your wheels lost traction for a split second and it gave you a short warning?

I'll get the name of the one I bought tomorrow when I go to the shop.

Works with Ranger, Boxster, Touareg.

I finally got the code tonight it p0153 I will look it up to see what it means any opinions out there would be appreciated.

O2 sensor circuit slow response. Ahead of cat.