What should I do next?

[Strawfordt]

Hi Boxster folks,

I got my very first service engine soon light today. I've had the porsche since June. It's a '98 with 90,000 kms.

Is there any tricks to getting the codes from the car without finding someone to read codes?

I'm sweating it here in Windsor.

[Brucelee]

I would get the codes read. Too expensive if you cheap out and get it wrong.

Good luck!

[Strawfordt]

Will any OBD reader do or does it require a specific Porsche code reader. The local Canadian Tire is selling a reader that is says is good for any vehicle 1996 or newer. It's only $99.00.

What do you think about that?

[Brucelee]

If you PM PorscheDoc he will know for sure. Or try a search here for a thread or two.

In theory, any obd 2 reader should get the codes. Figuring out what the codes mean is another story I believe.

Good luck.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Here in the States, an AutoZone store will lend you a code reader. I don't know if you have AutoZones north of the border, but try calling several stores, preferably large chains such as Auto Parts Plus, Chieftain Auto Parts, Precision Auto Parts, Sutherland Automotive, or UAP Inc.

If no-joy, stop into any Service Center and see if they'll pull the codes (4-digit) for you. Once you have the numbers, post them here and I'll translate them for you. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Strawfordt]

I bought the code reader. hopefully I can read the codes tonight.

I'll post what I get when I get them.

Thanks

[prOk]

why do so many people think clearing the codes is a fix? The car threw the codes for a reason

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by prOk

why do so many people think clearing the codes is a fix? The car threw the codes for a reason

Hi,

You're kind of stating the obvious here, there is always a reason that a code is thrown (not that you can always find it or duplicate it).

But, those reasons can range from a worn or inoperative component, such as an Oil Separator, O² Sensor or MAF, a Tank of Bad Fuel, or even just a one-time glitch, such as when you need to reboot your PC. Almost any component using microprocessors (which is really all the DME is) can experience these.

Proper diagnosis of any problem should include resetting the DME. This eliminates the possibility that it may have been such a one-time glitch. If the CEL re-occurs, then you know to dig deeper, that the DME is probably not the culprit.

You decipher the code and move on to those components or conditions (such as possible bad gas, heavy rainfall, etc.) which could be related to that code and try to find that one (either by intuition, experience, component testing, or some combination of all three) which is the cause...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99