Carly OBD2, can it read the alarm sensors?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by The Toecutter

I don't have one yet, but intend to buy soon, so this is just what I have been told by the manufacturer and my local supplier. The Foxwell NT530 for Porsche is stated to be able to read the alarm module codes.

Just paged thru their manual for the NT530, saw no reference to being able to do anything with the alarm system other than read global OBD II related alarm codes, which are NOT which specific device is triggering the system, which is what the Durametric, PST II, and PIWIS do..............................

[elav]

I had the dreaded double beep and my car alarm would randomly go off (my neighbors loved this!). I tested the micro-switches that the alarm monitors and after fixing the center console latch, all issues should have been addressed, but I still got the double beep and the alarm randomly going off. I couldn't find any additional issues so I decided to replace the ignition switch - the double beep went away and the alarm stopped randomly triggering. There were no codes via Durametric due to the ignition issue. Might be something to consider as the VW part is inexpensive.

[The Toecutter]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Just paged thru their manual for the NT530, saw no reference to being able to do anything with the alarm system other than read global OBD II related alarm codes, which are NOT which specific device is triggering the system, which is what the Durametric, PST II, and PIWIS do..............................

This scanner is a universal ODBII scanner, the only manual I've come across only covers that part of it. However it also has installable manufacturer specific software that offers oe level diagnostics, it's this bit of it that is able to read and clear the Porsche specific codes from the alarm module.

LIke I say my local supplier, who is diagnostic specialist who only sell diagnostic equipment, has confirmed that to me.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by The Toecutter

This scanner is a universal ODBII scanner, the only manual I've come across only covers that part of it. However it also has installable manufacturer specific software that offers oe level diagnostics, it's this bit of it that is able to read and clear the Porsche specific codes from the alarm module.

LIke I say my local supplier, who is diagnostic specialist who only sell diagnostic equipment, has confirmed that to me.

and JFP is a Porsche specialist who I'm pretty sure all on the forum would agree that he knows his ****************

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by The Toecutter

LIke I say my local supplier, who is diagnostic specialist who only sell diagnostic equipment, has confirmed that to me.

In that case, ask him to show you a unit doing exactly that; in our experience, Foxwell and others have made several claims about being able to do "OE Level" diagnostics, inevitably involving software updates or add-ons which never seem to appear, or simply do not work.

We regularly get diagnostics systems representatives in the shop wanting to sell us on new systems, we have one simple requirement: Show it to me actually doing what they claim it can do. It is both interesting and a bit damning how often that seems ends the conversation.