What should I do next? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Strawfordt · 10-05-2006, 04:04 PM

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 · 10-05-2006, 07:49 PM

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

Good luck!

Strawfordt · 10-06-2006, 04:01 AM

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 · 10-06-2006, 04:50 AM

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 · 10-06-2006, 06:47 AM

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 · 10-06-2006, 10:16 AM

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

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

Thanks

RandallNeighbour · 10-06-2006, 10:21 AM

Let's have a guessing contest as to what it is given what we know... 98 with 90Kms...

I say MAF or 02 Sensors!

Strawfordt · 10-06-2006, 10:36 AM

Doubting the MAF. Performance is still very good. Maybe....better????

Could not join the reader to the OBDII port in the car. Very strange!

racer_troy · 10-06-2006, 08:31 PM

...and that's why i take my car to the dealership...but i've heard that the motronic system is fairly sophisticated and that there are many "layers" (for lack of a better term) that the deraler boxes can read and interpret that the handhelds cannot...in other word...you may get emissions system reading from your handheld where a dealer box might tellyou exactly where to go within that system...

...for $100 bucks, you didn't waste your money, at the very least, you have the direction of the fault when you walk into your dealer...

...goodluck on the magnitude!

Cheers,

--troy

Strawfordt · 10-09-2006, 08:44 AM

Well I guess I was being too gentle with the plug in. Forced it in and viola. Codes were there to be read.
So the codes I got are.

P 1130
P 1128
P 0446
The first two are Porsche specific. The third has something to do with emmissions I think.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks

MNBoxster · 10-09-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strawfordt

Well I guess I was being too gentle with the plug in. Forced it in and viola. Codes were there to be read.
So the codes I got are.

P 1130
P 1128
P 0446
The first two are Porsche specific. The third has something to do with emmissions I think.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks

Hi,

Here you go...

P1130 - Oxygen sensing adaptation, idle range, Cyl. 4-6

P1128 - Oxygen sensing adaptation, idle range, Cyl. 1-3

P0446 - EVAP Cannister Shut-off Valve (function) - Sort to ground, blow lower limit, lean mixture threshold

I believe these still point to the MAF sensor. Could also be O² Sensors given the mileage. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Strawfordt · 10-09-2006, 06:20 PM

Since I got the $99.00 code reader to work, I figured that I'll clear the codes and see what could come up again.

I revved and idled in the garage this afternoon and the codes did not come back.

Crossesd fingers and toes in Windsor.

socratic · 10-09-2006, 08:05 PM

Could you post the Canadian Tire part number for that code reader?

And if you have time, could you either describe it or better yet, post a picture of it?

Strawfordt · 10-13-2006, 05:24 AM

I'm in Asia right now but I'll get the P/N and post a pic once i get back to Canada

Strawfordt · 10-27-2006, 08:38 AM

Someone suggested betting on cause of my problem.

After having cleared codes vehicle ran okay in the garage. Now the sad part.

I was on my way to work today and got the dreaed flashing SES light. Car sputtered and popped alot until it warmed up. After some temp gain the car ran rough but better.

Going to the garage on Wednesday.

Who is guessing what?

Tom

steve00s · 10-28-2006, 06:26 PM

I had a similar problem about six months ago. When CEL came on I bought an OBDII reader and got the same codes. I first tried clearing the codes several times but every couple of hundred miles they came back. I replaced the MAF sensor and its been clear sailing ever sense. Hope your problem is as simple.

MNBoxster · 10-28-2006, 06:52 PM

HI,

+1 on the MAF. Definitely the right symptoms. That's my diagnosis and I'm sticking with it...

Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Strawfordt · 10-30-2006, 01:52 PM

I agree with Jim.

I'm going to clean the MAF sensor this weekend.

I read somewhere that if it truly is the MAF you can know for sure by disconnectinig the electrical and then seeing if the troubles go away.

Hoping for an easy fix here. Cleaned and improved would be the best.

Should i change the air filter also? Seems like an okay idea to me!

I'll let you know.

Tom

Strawfordt · 11-03-2006, 05:39 PM

Hi again,

Anyone know which Torx Security head I'll need for the MAF sensor removal?

I think'it's a T20H.

That would be the male of female driver required?

xclusivecar · 11-04-2006, 06:50 AM

Exact same thing happened to me...flashing cel, popping noises,misfiring. Only when cold outside...the MAF was the culprit. Of course after the maf was replaced each O2 sensor crapped out...one a month until all were replaced.

Mafs are sensitive...by cleaning it you are most likely putting off the inevetible. Your gonna need a new one sooner than later. The last thing you need is to be stranded on the road when the newly cleaned maf craps out again. Remember...when the cel is flashing you must TURN OFF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. Damage will occur to the emissions system and the cost to fix damaged emissions parts is unreal.