Softronic Alternatives

[mnracing]

Good Day All,

I've got a 02 986S I bought in 05. I've upgraded the engine with a 987 airbox, 76mm throttle body, IDP plenum, headers and high flow cats. Its been running a Softronic tune since 2015 and that works well.

Except, for one issue; The ODBII ready status is never set because of 2 Porsche codes:

P1126
Porsche fault code 356, mixture adapt, lower load range B. 1

P1133
Porsche fault code 358, mixture adapt, lower load range B. 2

Both occur at about an hour after a full reset. The O2 ready status are good to go.

This hasn't been a problem until last year. Every time I had an emissions check (eCheck) the ODBII fails and I had a tailpipe check. Unfortunately, that option is gone; Ohio has moved to an ODBII check only for eCheck. So, my tags expired.

I've been trying to get Softronic's attention on this since April this year (2020). I've emailed, called, left numerous messages but no response except for an initial email request for the codes. I've offered to pay for the help. I can't get anywhere with this.

I assume that either Softronic is no longer supporting customers or at least no longer interested in my business.

So, I'm looking for alternatives. Anyone have suggested for either:

- A company that can sort out the adaption code issue with the Softronic software

or

- An alternative software solution.


Many thanks for any advice,

Paul

[tonythetiger]

Maybe a dumb question.
what happens when you clear the code with a duramentric or something?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mnracing

Good Day All,

I've got a 02 986S I bought in 05. I've upgraded the engine with a 987 airbox, 76mm throttle body, IDP plenum, headers and high flow cats. Its been running a Softronic tune since 2015 and that works well.

Except, for one issue; The ODBII ready status is never set because of 2 Porsche codes:

P1126
Porsche fault code 356, mixture adapt, lower load range B. 1

P1133
Porsche fault code 358, mixture adapt, lower load range B. 2

Both occur at about an hour after a full reset. The O2 ready status are good to go.

This hasn't been a problem until last year. Every time I had an emissions check (eCheck) the ODBII fails and I had a tailpipe check. Unfortunately, that option is gone; Ohio has moved to an ODBII check only for eCheck. So, my tags expired.

I've been trying to get Softronic's attention on this since April this year (2020). I've emailed, called, left numerous messages but no response except for an initial email request for the codes. I've offered to pay for the help. I can't get anywhere with this.

I assume that either Softronic is no longer supporting customers or at least no longer interested in my business.

So, I'm looking for alternatives. Anyone have suggested for either:

- A company that can sort out the adaption code issue with the Softronic software

or

- An alternative software solution.


Many thanks for any advice,

Paul

Not surprised that you have emissions issues as the codes are for lean air fuel issues on both banks, P1126 is for an overly lean condition; and P1133 is for the same thing on the other bank. It looks like you have a vacuum leak somewhere in the intake system, which is causing your issues.

[mnracing]

I thought so too. I smoke tested the engine and couldn't find anything. Thinking it might be pressure related, I bumped up the smoke test to 3 PSI; same results.

It 's 70K miles with new plugs and coils and MAF.

Thanks Paul

[mnracing]

It clears and then returns after an hour or so. Its always small throttle opening and 35 - 50 MpH.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mnracing

It clears and then returns after an hour or so. Its always small throttle opening and 35 - 50 MpH.

Normally a high manifold vacuum situation; you have a leak.

[mnracing]

Since its not showing with a smoke test, any thoughts on where? Other than replacing the AOS, everything else has been checked and double checked.

Many thanks,
Paul

[JFP in PA]

Because it is on both banks, it has to be somewhere in the intake. Check your vacuum level at the oil fill cap, should not be more than 5 inches of water;with the engine fully warmed up. If it is higher, your AOS is leaking vacuum.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by mnracing

It clears and then returns after an hour or so. Its always small throttle opening and 35 - 50 MpH.

I believe Softronic tuning mainly consists of leaning out the air/fuel mixture.

[NewArt]

One way to test for intake leaks is to spray starter fluid around the intake joints with the motor idling. If the revs increase, you've found your leak.

[mnracing]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Because it is on both banks, it has to be somewhere in the intake. Check your vacuum level at the oil fill cap, should not be more than 5 inches of water;with the engine fully warmed up. If it is higher, your AOS is leaking vacuum.

Thanks, Normally I find these things with a smoke test. I have been avoiding the AOS wrestling match. I have a new one sitting here so that's an option.

I'm not a fan of throwing parts at problems, so I usually diagnose a far as possible.

[mnracing]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I believe Softronic tuning mainly consists of leaning out the air/fuel mixture.

The data acquisition for tuning process is specific to the car. I don't know if the returned tune is specific but for mine there is a fairly significant difference in timing, particularly at lower/idle RPMS. The current physical engine configuration will not run with the stock Porsche tune and will blow out the cats with backfires.

The Softronic performance is very good.

Thanks
Paul

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mnracing

Thanks, Normally I find these things with a smoke test. I have been avoiding the AOS wrestling match. I have a new one sitting here so that's an option.

I'm not a fan of throwing parts at problems, so I usually diagnose a far as possible.

You can accurately test the AOS by measuring the case vacuum at the oil fil cap. An old oil cap, a barbed bulkhead fitting, a short length of vacuum line, and a digital manometer off Amazon creates a tool that will tell you what's what in about 5 min. without mussing your hair, and then you can test it anytime you want.

[Phat Hippy]

+1
Built my manometer set up soon after car purchase just to keep a eye out for the AOS. Better to catch it before it fails completely. Also used to catch a intake clamp out of position.