Suitable OBD2 Scanner

[sab69]

Hi All,
I am writing from Scotland where my 2003 3.2S has just illuminated the CEL for the first time. Don't suspect anything too serious. Probably a misfire / coilpack etc, but obviously need to download the codes for remedial attention.

Reading various other threads the favoured scanner in U.S. appears to be Actron 9180. This is not readily available in the U.K. and looks infinitely superior to other cheaper alternatives available through Ebay UK etc. Any comments or recommendations before I source from U.S. at approx $130 + $ 45 shipping.

Thanks for your help. Stuart.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by sab69

Hi All,
I am writing from Scotland where my 2003 3.2S has just illuminated the CEL for the first time. Don't suspect anything too serious. Probably a misfire / coilpack etc, but obviously need to download the codes for remedial attention.

Reading various other threads the favoured scanner in U.S. appears to be Actron 9180. This is not readily available in the U.K. and looks infinitely superior to other cheaper alternatives available through Ebay UK etc. Any comments or recommendations before I source from U.S. at approx $130 + $ 45 shipping.

Thanks for your help. Stuart.

Actron is a quality product and well supported. Their later models even have "web upgrade" capabilities, which is a nice feature. That said, you need to recognize that all cars, including Porsche, have multiple “protected code” areas in the DME which any aftermarket scanner, including the Actron, can see, but cannot clear. These include areas such at the airbags, ABS/PSM, etc. For those you need either the factory PIWIS or the Durametric system. The Durametric system is Porsche specific (does not work on other car brands), and is limited to three different cars unless you go for the “pro” system, which is much more expensive.

For general use, the Actron is probably the better value because of its universal applications.

[Steve Tinker]

I just received my Durametric scanner last week - shipped from the US to Australia in less than a week.
Works really well & service was excellent from Durametric when inquiring about their product.

[vath2001]

The best OBD2 scanner I used so far was one I borrowed from a co-worker. Saved myself $80. I think I bought him a beer.

Ask around before spending the money.

[sd_boxster]

While I agree with Vath that free is a great price, having one of your own in the garage can be priceless when the light pops on at 11:30PM... especially if you have insomnia like mine that's just itching for any reason to keep you awake.

[Banana S]

Originally Posted by sd_boxster

While I agree with Vath that free is a great price, having one of your own in the garage can be priceless when the light pops on at 11:30PM... especially if you have insomnia like mine that's just itching for any reason to keep you awake.

Agreed. I use AutoTap, which has data logging capability in addition to OBDII code scanning and DTC-clearing features. Unfortunately, there are quite a few valuable parameters that AutoTap won't record on my Boxster in data-logging mode, but it's better than nothing, and it works fine for reading and clearing codes. Just used it last night, in fact.

[Lil bastard]

The durametric and others mentioned are fine scanners, but will put you back a few £££.

If you just want a simple scanner to retrieve codes and reset most (but not all), then I suggest the Actron 9125. Here is the euro version of it - Code Scanner It's cheap and compact - small enough to keep in the car w/o being a nuisance.

[Topless]

+1 on the Actron 9125. It won't tie your shoes in the morning but it is a good bang for the buck/pound/sterling/euro.

[litteng]

so will this handy little tool deal with service reminder reset? as well as coade clearing on the boxster?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by litteng

so will this handy little tool deal with service reminder reset? as well as coade clearing on the boxster?

No, only the Durametric or PIWIS will do that................

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

No, only the Durametric or PIWIS will do that................

I have found the Actron will reset many of the codes, but no airbag codes.

Cheers!

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

I have found the Actron will reset many of the codes, but no airbag codes.

Cheers!

Actron is good for a lot of codes, but not the airbags, PSM, PASM, ABS, or the resetting of the service notification; those require either the Durametric (will do most of the ones Actron can't) and the PIWIS, which can do anything.........

[dallison]

actron has worked well for me so far.

[chicster]

Thank you all for this information!! Very helpful.